The opportunity we have available

We are seeking an exceptional senior legal executive to lead the department’s public law function. This is a key role that supports and enables the department to deliver its policy, programs, regulatory functions and service delivery responsibilities lawfully and ethically.

The General Counsel, Public Law will lead a branch responsible for providing legal advice on administrative law, statutory interpretation, regulatory powers, litigation, accountability frameworks and legislative development, across the department’s diverse subject matters, including infrastructure, transport, regions and territories, communications and online safety, sport, and the arts.

The role reports to the Chief Counsel and works closely with the General Counsel, Commercial Law to provide cohesive advice and effective management of legal matters.

What will you do? 

As General Counsel, Public Law you will operate in a complex environment and be responsible for:

• setting legal strategy and oversighting public law advice and litigation
• managing and mentoring multiple teams of public law lawyers and ensuring the maintenance of professional standards
• building capability in legal risk identification and lawfulness across the department
• providing advice to senior executives, the Secretary, and Ministers
• contributing to the establishment and maintenance of governance frameworks
• demonstrating high standards of integrity and complying with the General Counsel Charter and Statement of Expectations of Government Lawyers.

Who are we looking for? 

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• their capability against the Secretaries Charter of Leadership Behaviours and the APS Integrated Leadership Profile (ILS) for the SES Band 1 level
• extensive post-admission public law expertise
• an ability to operate as a trusted adviser to the department’s senior executives and Ministers.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Admitted to practise in the High Court of Australia or on the roll of barristers and solicitors of a State or Territory Supreme Court.
• 10 years’ legal practice experience
• Strong leadership skills

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process. To access this scheme:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare that you have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Make an impact by supporting Australians in a way that enriches our communities, empowers our regions, and connects all Australians;
• Have exposure to, and strategically influence, high profile and exciting projects;
• Learn from inspiring leaders and build professional networks with others who support innovation and diversity across the department and the wider APS;
• Receive career advancement opportunities, including professional and capability development that is focused on your individual career goals;
• Receive ongoing support including mentoring and access to the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme; and
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including part time hours, home-based work and job sharing Support for women’s progression into senior leadership.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application. 
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting 2 level.  You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.  You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.  More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.
• Qualifications: You must be on the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia or the roll of barristers and solicitors of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory and have at least 10 years post admission experience.

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established, it will be valid for 18 months from the date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Anticipated timeline for recruitment milestone dates: the APSC has set the target of recruitment processes being completed and offers made to successful candidates within 42 days.

Applications close: 11:59pm AEDT Sunday, 22 March 2026

Application shortlisting: week commencing Monday 23 March 2026

Further assessments: week commencing Monday, 6 April 2026

Selection report finalised: week commencing Monday 13 April 2026

Offers and announcements: week commencing Monday 20 April 2026

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11:59pm AEDT Sunday, 22 March 2026.

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role.

You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 4 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system.  Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the SESUnit team via email at SESUnit@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email DiversityandInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au