General Counsel

About the Role

This position is responsible for leading the delivery of comprehensive legal services within the department and providing independent, senior-level strategic and legal advice to Ministers, the Director-General, the Executive Leadership Team, and departmental officers across all divisions. The role involves liaising with government and external bodies and representing the department in relevant legal matters.

To preserve the independence of legal advice, the role ensures freedom from direction by non-lawyers concerning the substance of legal opinions or advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Exhibit cultural competence or a commitment to develop such skills to foster an inclusive environment aligned with the Human Rights Act 2019, supporting programs and partnerships that enhance cultural ties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• As the principal legal advisor, provide independent, prompt, strategic, and expert guidance on legal, policy, and procedural matters—often complex and sensitive—to Ministers, Director-General, Executive Leadership, and senior officers to facilitate efficient departmental service delivery. Represent the Director-General in legal proceedings when necessary.
• Handle a broad spectrum of legal matters including statutory interpretation, judicial review, administrative law, corporate governance, compliance, subpoenas, contracts, anti-discrimination, human rights, human resources, and privacy concerns. Facilitate departmental representation before inquests, courts, and tribunals. Deliver timely and authoritative legal counsel to all departmental units, particularly frontline staff, regarding legislation relevant to departmental functions and wider business areas.
• Organize, lead, and oversee the Legal Services branch, managing personnel, resources, and budget allocations. Maintain and improve systems, including legal advice databases and service delivery protocols, ensuring the branch upholds ethical and professional standards consistent with independent legal practice and adheres to model litigant principles.
• Manage and coordinate external legal support engagements with entities such as Crown Law, the Solicitor General, and private law firms in accordance with government policies, including corporate, commercial, and property matters.
• Direct external legal service providers to ensure streamlined, coordinated, and effective legal assistance, including litigation and advisory services. Oversee departmental compliance with the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF) policies and manage the related insurance budget.
• Monitor legal developments and advice affecting departmental interests. Advise management accordingly and identify improvements to policies and practices to mitigate legal risks within the department. Contribute to legislative reform initiatives impacting the department.
• Engage in consultation, negotiation, and influence-building with government levels, industry stakeholders, and other parties to achieve strategic legal priorities and outcomes.

Mandatory Qualification

• Must be admitted to practice law in Queensland.

Additional Information

Classified under the Justice & Legal occupational group.