The role of Chief General Counsel at Defence Housing Australia involves leading the in-house legal function, offering strategic legal guidance to the Board and Executive, and ensuring DHA operates within Commonwealth and state laws. You’ll shape governance, manage external counsel, oversee litigation strategy, and drive responsible risk management across a dispersed organisation. Daily work focuses on high‑level legal advisory, governance, contract and transaction oversight, and cultivating strong stakeholder relationships.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Chief General Counsel |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768459 |
| Position Number | 493840 |
| Classification | Senior Executive Service Band 1 |
| Salary | Total Remuneration Package (TRP) to be negotiated |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Gungahlin, ACT |
| Future Merit Locations | Gungahlin |
| Office Arrangement | On Site |
| Office Arrangement Details | Total Remuneration Package (TRP) to be negotiated |
| Closing Date | Tuesday 07 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.dha.gov.au/ |
About the Opportunity
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is seeking a strategic legal leader to shape the organisation’s governance and risk framework. You’ll work with the Board and executive team to ensure DHA’s decisions are legally sound, commercially practical, and compliant with whole‑of‑government expectations. The role sits at the intersection of law, policy, and enterprise risk, guiding complex transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation strategy while helping DHA support Defence members and families with quality housing services.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you’ll influence organisational strategy, champion integrity and probity, and promote a culture of accountability. You’ll also oversee the delivery of high‑quality legal services, manage external providers, and represent DHA in cross‑agency forums and Senate estimates. This is a role for a seasoned leader who can balance strategic vision with practical, day‑to‑day legal management.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Strategic legal leadership | Provide sound, strategic legal advice to the Board, MD and Executive on governance and strategic decisions; ensure compliance with laws and governance frameworks; contribute to organisation-wide strategy. |
| Executive governance and risk | Participate in DHA Executive Leadership Team; oversee corporate policies and programmes; manage legal risk and compliance across the organisation. |
| Transactions and governance | Serve as chief legal adviser on major business transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures; advise on constitutional issues, statutory decision making, and procedural fairness. |
| Litigation and disputes | Develop DHA’s litigation strategy; assess legal risk, financial exposure, and reputational impact; manage internal and external litigation resources. |
| External legal services | Oversee selection, retention, management and evaluation of all legal service providers; ensure cost-effective management of external resources. |
| Policy and program development | Contribute to corporate policies and guidelines; provide ongoing guidance on legal implications of DHA matters; promote a strong culture of integrity and legal risk awareness. |
| Stakeholder engagement | Engage productively with Commonwealth, State/Territory and non‑government stakeholders; represent DHA at Senate Estimates and other forums. |
| Leadership and capability building | Lead the Legal Services function; develop in-house capability; drive transformational change and high performance across a dispersed team. |
About You (Eligibility)
- Australian Citizenship required.
- Security clearance: AGSVA clearance to the specified level (must obtain and retain).
- Extensive legal experience (10+ years) with a focus on corporate governance, litigation, and regulatory matters.
- Bachelor’s degree in law with an unrestricted practising certificate in the ACT or a competent jurisdiction.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence at senior levels.
- Experience managing in-house legal teams and external counsel; ability to manage complex, sensitive, and diverse environments.
- Strategic thinker with a practical, results‑oriented approach; high integrity and probity.
Important Information for Applicants
Keyword: jobs in australia for foreigners. DHA requires Australian citizenship and security clearance. If you are not an Australian citizen, please note that eligibility for this role is limited to Australian citizens under the APS framework. If you hold an appropriate visa or status, you may want to check how it aligns with public service appointments and the RecruitAbility program.
Direct Answer
This vacancy requires Australian citizenship and an AGSVA security clearance. The role is filled through DHA’s public service recruitment process and aligns with APS governance standards. If you are not an Australian citizen, you should review visa and eligibility requirements for APS positions in your context, as general public service roles typically require citizenship or eligibility for a security clearance. If you have questions about your specific eligibility, consider contacting the agency’s recruitment team.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
DHA supports diversity and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds to strengthen the organisation’s capability and culture.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. If you declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements, you may be invited to participate in further assessment as part of the process. For more information visit the APS RecruitAbility program.
Future Merit Pools
All suitable applicants may be considered for future vacant SES and related roles in DHA or across public service bodies.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Lisa Phelps, 0261264500 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | https://www.beaumontandbeaumont.com.au/11654 |
| Application Portal | https://www.dha.gov.au/ |