Senior Government Lawyer

Services Australia’s (the Agency’s) purpose is to support Australians by efficiently delivering high-quality, accessible services and payments on behalf of government. Our vision is to make government services simple so people can get on with their lives.

The Agency has two Legal Services Divisions – Legal Services Customer and Legal Services Corporate – which operate closely to deliver the Agency’s legal support. We are one of the largest and most diverse in-house legal practices in the Commonwealth, supporting delivery of the Agency’s programs whilst assisting the Agency to understand and manage legal risks. 

Our work is varied, complex and exciting. In addition to a broad litigation portfolio (spanning merits review, judicial review, general litigation and enforcement matters), we provide legal support not only for the programs delivered by the Agency (including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support), but also in relation to the complex and cutting-edge technologies which support the delivery of those programs (including artificial intelligence) and the platforms the Agency supports. 

This recruitment is intended to fill vacancies across the Digital Delivery and Privacy Legal, Litigation, and Programs Advisory Legal Branches within the Legal Services Customer Division (the Division).

• Digital Delivery and Privacy Legal Branch: provides legal advice on AI, automation initiatives, privacy, secrecy, data sharing and matters relating to myGov and the Digital Identity Act. 
• Litigation Branch: manages merits review and judicial review matters in the Administrative Review Tribunal and courts, general court litigation (including matters reported to Comcover) and debt enforcement matters. Also provides legal support on case law developments and to operational areas to improve the accuracy and consistency of decision-making. 
• Programs Advisory Legal Branch: provides legal advice on all Agency programs and legislation, including Medicare and health programs, Centrelink, Child Support, as well as indemnity and compensation schemes. The branch also advises on Agency delegations, authorisations and statutory appointments. 

At all times, our lawyers endeavour to be helpful, respectful and transparent in our engagement with stakeholders. 

Our lawyers can broaden their skills and experience through mobility opportunities across the Division, and we also offer a robust professional development program through offerings from both our internal branches and external legal providers. 

The Division is inclusive and supports the wellbeing and healthy work/life balance of our lawyers, including by offering flexible working arrangements in a range of locations across Australia.  

• For Litigation Branch roles: Prepare complex and/or sensitive legal submissions, court documentation and correspondence. Instruct external legal providers, or represent the Agency, in proceedings.  
• Provide high level specialist legal advice on complex and/or sensitive matters 
• Develop, support and maintain stakeholder relationships (including external stakeholders, departmental colleagues and external legal service providers). 
• Represent the Agency or work area at internal and external forums, including conferences and seminars. 
• Provide detailed specialist legal and practical assistance in the development of Agency policies, processes and procedures
• Lead and manage Government Lawyers, legal graduates and/or interns including in relation to performance, attendance, health and wellbeing. Develop staff capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and overseeing quality assurance activities that promote quality decision-making. 
• Support innovation, champion change and assist in the development and implementation of strategies, operational policy and procedures and change initiatives. 
• Exercise delegations appropriate to the role in accordance with legislation and Agency guidelines. 

• Mandatory Qualifications: Law degree (or equivalent) from an Australian University, post-graduate Practical Legal Training (or equivalent and appropriately recognised overseas qualifications) 
• Professional Registration: Admission to practice law in Australia; Practising certificate (or ability to obtain and maintain a practising certificate) with an Australian law society
• Post-Admission Experience: Minimum 3 years
• Security Clearance level required: Baseline (or ability to obtain and maintain)

In accordance with section 22(6) of the Public Service Act 1999, Services Australia requires applicants to be Australian citizens to be eligible for employment with Services Australia. 

An applicant’s suitability for employment with the agency will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes but is not limited to a national police history check, referee checks, code of conduct check and an employment history integrity check.

Some positions within Services Australia may be required to work in settings where mandatory vaccinations are required. Staff in such positions will need to demonstrate that they meet the vaccination requirements or have a relevant exemption.

Services Australia’s workforce operates using an agile approach, and all staff should be prepared to redeploy to critical frontline functions as required. Should you need to redeploy as part of the agency’s surge workforce, all learning and development and technical/pastoral support will be provided to you to enable you to undertake that work.

We are one of Australia’s largest public sector employers. We are located in every capital city and over 400 local, regional, and remote locations across Australia. Job opportunities in Services Australia can be right where you are or might be right where you want to be. We are looking for people who want to work with us to deliver a simple, helpful, respectful, and transparent experience for our customers. We offer diverse employment opportunities so you can plan to take your career anywhere you want to. We celebrate people with different cultural backgrounds and disabilities. We are also a leading employer of First Nations Australians and a Platinum tier LGBTQIA+ inclusive employer. When you work with us, you will be doing something that matters and be respected for the unique views and skills that you bring. What our people say about working with us: 'It’s rare you find a job that provides such a direct link to the community’ 'You can work for the same agency for your whole career but have the opportunity to work in many different roles' 'Highly supportive team and flexible working conditions where you can be at your best'