Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

is now recruiting for

General Counsel

Applications are now closed. Contact our team for enquiries.

About the Role

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Overview

Our department recognises the enormous value a clean environment, innovative society and visitor economy, and vibrant culture contributes to our lives.

As a diverse organisation, the department brings together key areas of work to achieve our objectives for a better Queensland.

By being effective leaders and partners in managing, protecting and restoring Queensland’s natural environment and heritage, we help ensure the health and prosperity of current and future generations.

A summary of the department’s objectives and key strategies to achieve these outcomes is outlined in the department’s strategic plan.

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Role Purpose

General Counsel

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Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Corporate, Performance and Delivery, the General Counsel leads the department’s internal Legal Services function that supports delivery of strategic priorities, while protecting the interests of the State and the organisation. The General Counsel will have oversight of all legal matters across the department. The Legal Services team will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, central agencies and portfolio partners to provide legal advice aligned to organisational risk management.

The Role

As the General Counsel you will:

Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the Legal Services team in supporting the department’s operations and delivery of strategic priorities.
Provide expert legal and strategic advice to the Minister, Director-General and Executives on department initiatives.
Proactively manage and monitor complex and sensitive matters whilst ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
Build relationships and foster connections and collaboration across the department portfolios and other Queensland Government agencies, in relation to strategies, programs and projects.
Work collaboratively with external legal providers (including Crown Law and private law firms) to ensure value for money, quality and timeliness of work produced.
Develop, lead and manage a highly engaged, capable workforce in contributing effectively to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of managers and other staff to work within the relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

What We Are Looking For

DETSI is seeking a deeply credible legal practitioner. Someone who draws on substantial experience as a practitioner, understands legislation and public law in depth, and is comfortable standing behind their advice in complex, high‑risk and often ambiguous contexts.

Role model Executive leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland
Be a strategic and visionary leader, with a strong track record of achievement in dynamic and complex organisations, engaging with ideas, innovation, and risk
Navigate complex, ambiguous and political environments with sound judgement and a proven history of providing frank and fearless advice and ethical, strategic decision-making
Be a compelling communicator and advocate with the ability to build and foster effective relationships with a broad range of partners and stakeholders
Demonstrate agility and resilience to adapt to a rapidly changing context
Demonstrate the ability to engage and inspire staff, building a diverse, accountable, and innovative team
Demonstrate experience in establishing and applying sound corporate governance
Demonstrate how you can support our commitment to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

What you will need for this role

How to Apply

Everyone is welcome to apply.

We offer priority consideration to applicants with disability or who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and meet the minimum requirements. Priority consideration applicants will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.

Please let us know what we can do to help you participate in the recruitment process and ensure your needs for cultural safety or workplace adjustments are considered. For more information on how-to-apply, including options for adjustments, visit Working with us.

To apply for this role, please provide us information about:

your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities and how they align with the requirements in the What we are looking for section; and
why you are the best-suited person for this role.
You can provide these in a succinct resume and short statement (2 pages) or contact us to explore other options.

If your application is progressed, you will need to provide evidence of your Eligibility.

Applications are now closed. Contact our team for enquiries.

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