Principal Legal Advisor, Independent National – Attorney-General’s Department
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0770918
- Agency: Attorney-General’s Department
- Job Title: Principal Legal Advisor, Independent National
- Position Number: 0198/26_INSLM-EXT
- Classification: Executive Level 2
- Closing Date: Sunday 26 July 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing;Non-Ongoing
- Location: Canberra ACT
- Future Merit Locations: Canberra
- Salary: $149,893 – $170,726
- Office Arrangement: Flexible (Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in)
About Attorney-General’s Department
The Attorney-General’s Department delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia’s law and justice framework,
and to facilitate jobs growth through policies that promote fair, productive, flexible and safe workplaces. Through the Australian
Government Solicitor, we also provide legal services to the Commonwealth, including legal advice and representation. Our
department is the central policy and coordinating element of the Attorney-General’s portfolio. Our department is structured into four
groups: • Australian Government Solicitor • Justice and Communities • Integrity and Security • Enabling Services The department
operates in a diverse and complex environment to address challenging issues. We have a highly-skilled and engaged workforce
involved in policy development and implementation and program administration. The department also has a large number of
practicing lawyers, mainly within the Australian Government Solicitor Group within the department.
Duties
- Employment Opportunity
- The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (`the Monitor’) is a statutory office holder
- who leads a small team (the `INSLM Office’) to independently review the operation, effectiveness
- and implications of Australia’s national security and counterterrorism laws in accordance with the
- (‘the INSLM Act’). Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010
- The INSLM Office is seeking a Principal Legal Advisor (PLA) who will report directly to the Monitor
- and contribute at the highest level to the delivery of the INSLM Office’s core functions. The PLA
- will lead a small review team conducting legal research and analysis, identifying and engaging
- with key stakeholders and delivering high-quality reports with sound law reform recommendations.
- The successful candidate will have an analytical mind, strong technical legal skills and great
- attention to detail. They will have demonstrated leadership abilities, be outcome-driven, proactive
- and display the advanced interpersonal and communication skills necessary to engage effectively
- with government and non-government organisations, including civil society groups, in a law reform
- context. Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice, litigation or independent legislative
- scrutiny is highly desirable for this role.
- We are open to engaging new staff on an ongoing basis or negotiating an extended secondment
- and welcome applications from the private and public sectors, including Commonwealth
- employees not engaged under the (see s 33 of the INSLM Act). Public Service Act 1999
- To learn more about the INSLM Office, please visit our website at inslm.gov.au
- How you can help us make a difference
- The INSLM Office’s high-performing staff are our greatest asset, shaping a positive workplace
- culture that celebrates success and embraces diversity. The PLA will draw on their experience,
- initiative and leadership skills to support the Monitor in delivering law reform objectives, while
- building capability in their teams and supporting the strategic development of the organisation. The
- INSLM Office is based in Canberra and while flexible working arrangements will be supported
- where possible, for security reasons some aspects of this role cannot be performed remotely.
- Our ideal candidate will have:
- demonstrated expertise in legal practice, legal research or law reform. Experience in criminal
- law, human rights or counterterrorism and national security legislation would be particularly
- valuable
- proven ability to conduct high quality legal research, undertake critical analysis and formulate
- advice
- advanced communication skills, proven ability to develop productive working relationships
- and manage complex stakeholder relationships
- proven ability to write clear and concise reports, articulate complex ideas and communicate
- with influence
- strong leadership and project management skills, demonstrated ability to lead and manage a
- small high-performing team.
Eligibility / Notes
- To be eligible for employment at the Attorney-General’s Department applicants must be Australian
- citizens.
- Applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a police record check and
- be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a specified clearance level. The successful
- applicant must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.
- Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
- Certain positions require formal legal qualifications. For these positions, applicants must hold a
- degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or comparable overseas qualification, which, in
- the opinion of the Secretary, is appropriate to the duties of the office, or admission in Australia as
- a legal practitioner.
How to Apply
Position Contact INSLM Office, (02) 6141 4590
Agency Recruitment Site https://agcareers.nga.net.au/?jati=44ED7A93-C4BA-CB35-45AE-ED1D12AC11F4
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
Attorney-General’s Vacancy