Principal Lawyer Yoorrook Justice Commission and Treaty

Job Description

About the Role

*This is a 3 year Fixed Term Position *

The Principal Lawyer will lead the Department’s response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission and provide advice on the ongoing Treaty process in Victoria. They will also advise on legal matters related to self-determination, including cultural heritage, native title, Traditional Owner settlements, partnerships with Aboriginal parties, and implementation of actions under the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Self-Determination Plan 2020-2023.

We have an exceptional opportunity for a Principal Lawyer in the Public Law Branch of DTP Legal. Collaborate closely with the Aboriginal Self-Determination and Reform Branch, reporting to the Director, Public Law. Lead in Indigenous Law, supervise junior lawyers. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria oversees key planning, transport, and land use policies. They aim to improve services, deliver sustainable projects, engage with customers, and support local economic opportunities for livable communities. The Principal Lawyer position will be part of the DTP Legal group, working closely with the Aboriginal Self-Determination and Reform branch.

Aboriginal Self-Determination and Reform (ASDR) is a Department of Transport and Planning group that leads self-determination reforms, providing guidance and support for staff to engage with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians. Their main responsibility is to implement the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Self-Determination Plan 2020-2023, promoting self-determination across the transportation sector.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

– Provide authoritative advice on complex legal issues with a focus on statutory interpretation and supporting good decision-making.
– Managed and oversaw the Department’s legal responses to the Yoorrook Justice Commission and related or similar inquiry processes.
– Managed and oversaw the Department’s legal responses to intersecting self-determination reform work, including Treaty, native title and Traditional Owner settlements, cultural heritage matters, partnerships with Registered Aboriginal Parties and matters arising from the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Self-Determination Plan 2020-2023.
– Proactively established, maintained and influenced strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders (including other Departments) to support delivery of the Department’s objectives.

Key Selection Criteria

We are looking for a candidate who can provide authoritative legal advice, act as an ethical advocate, and supervise the quality of legal advice. You should have advanced skills in drafting complex legal documents while managing legal risk. Expertise in resolving highly complex statutory interpretation issues is essential. Additionally, you should possess the ability to develop the capabilities of others and lead change initiatives effectively. These skills are crucial for the role, and the successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in these areas.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

Admitted as a lawyer and holds or entitled to hold a practising certificate in Victoria.

Desirable

Experience advising on native title or cultural heritage matters, or similar agreement-making.

What we offer

– Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services.
– A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork.
– Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements.
– We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture.

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button and follow the prompts. Applications should include a resume and a cover letter.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 12th July 2023. For further information about the role please contact Sky Mykta – Director, Public Law via 0419135946.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Note: To be considered up to date vaccinated, you must have been administered COVID-19 vaccines as determined by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). DTP is requiring all staff to be Vaccinated and to have had Booster Vaccination (Triple vaccinated as a minimum) or medical evidence which confirms the individual is unable to receive a dose, of a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical contraindication. Failure to comply with this condition of employment will impact your eligibility for employment in this position with DTP.