Overview of the team

The Legal Advice and Strategy team is an in-house generalist legal team, with a focus on administrative law and corporate and commercial law. The team provides an important enabling function to support Comcare achieve its purpose and organisational objectives. 

The team provides legal advice to Comcare on the interpretation and general application of all Comcare legislation, such as the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act), Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seacare Act), and other public sector related legislation.

The team also provides legal advice and support to Comcare in relation to the development and drafting of legislative instruments, advice on its corporate operations, and advice on governance issues.

The team also assists Comcare in its secretariat function to support the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) and the Seacare Authority, including support with managing claims against the Seacare Fund.

Overview of the role

As the Director you will be responsible for leading the Legal Advice and Strategy team to provide client-focused high level, specialist legal and strategic advice and support to Comcare including advising on recommended approaches and management of risk.

The Director’s work includes:

• providing strategic specialist legal advice to Comcare Executive and other senior officers, including advising on recommended approaches and likely outcome of proceedings.
• ensuring the delivery of high quality, timely, pragmatic and cost-effective legal services to stakeholders.
• identifying, establishing and maintaining key strategic stakeholder relationships.
• providing strategic and operational direction to the team, including developing strategies and setting priorities aligned with business and corporate plans.
• leading and managing staff including developing, coaching and mentoring, building commitment to shared goal, and providing strategic direction.
• developing and maintaining internal and external relationships that manage risk for Comcare, fostering teamwork and collaboration across the organisation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills.
• promoting workplace safety, equity and diversity and environment practices in the workplace.

Mandatory qualifications and experience

• Undergraduate degree in law.
• Admission as a legal practitioner of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory.
• Current unrestricted practicing certificate or ability to obtain one within three months.
• Five years or more post admission experience as a legal practitioner.

Eligibility and Specific Conditions of Employment

1. Australian citizenship.
2. Character clearance (Australian Criminal History Check).
3. Employee Health Declaration.
4. Six months probationary period for new engagements.
5. Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance.

How to apply

Please review the Job Information Pack below and provide a statement of claims with your responses outlining what you could bring to this position including your skills, experience and knowledge relevant to the job specific capabilities and role approximately two pages.

Please note: The vacancy closes at 11:59pm, Australian Eastern Daylight Time (Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time). If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact recruitment@comcare.gov.au