Clerkship 2026-2027

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and recognise the strength, resilience and diversity of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this land.

We are currently seeking applications for the 2026-2027 Clerkship program from high calibre law students. The program will be offered during the summer university vacation for a period of four weeks.

About the Western Australian Ombudsman

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative  Investigations – more commonly known as the Ombudsman:

• Protects People’s Rights: we give people a way to ensure they are heard when they feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
• Improves Services and Build Trust in Government: we can investigate how services are delivered and bring weaknesses to the attention of decision-makers. In doing so, we improve service delivery for all Western Australians.
• Prevents Harm: through death reviews, investigations and oversight of how organisations respond to allegations of child related harm, we identify opportunities to prevent deaths and strengthen the safety net around children.
• Supports Vulnerable Communities: we can focus on people who are often overlooked or disadvantaged, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are considered.

The Ombudsman also undertakes the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman and is the Charitable Trusts Commissioner.

Staff of the Ombudsman’s Office

The staff of the Ombudsman’s office are its key resource. The office supports professional development through education and training, and flexible work arrangements may be negotiated.

Equity and Diversity

The Ombudsman’s office provides services to a diverse range of people within the Western Australian community and is committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce. We encourage people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and women and young people to apply. The office of the Ombudsman may prioritise recruitment decisions based on the Equal Opportunity Act Western Australia 1984 (EOA 1984).

The Ombudsman’s office is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position under Section 51 of the EOA 1984 as a measure to achieve equality and increase workforce representation of Aboriginal people.

The position is covered by the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024 and is located in the CBD, Perth Western Australia.

This Position

Students undertaking the clerkship will be exposed to a full range of the activities of the office of the Ombudsman through research and hands-on participation in the functions of the office and will be mentored by senior members of staff.

Would you like to know more?

About the position: Jane Burn on (08) 9220 7***

Submitting your application: Linda Keys, Executive Support Officer on (08) 9220 7***

How to Apply

Click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button at the top or bottom of this advertisement to lodge your application. You are required to attach the following:

• A covering letter (no more than a single page) addressing why you are interested in a clerkship with the office of the Ombudsman;
• Your CV, including contact details; and
• A copy of your official academic results (including your GPA, weighted average mark, or equivalent).

Please note that your application will not be assessed if a copy of your official academic results including your GPA, weighted average mark or equivalent is not provided.

If you experience any difficulties submitting your application online, or downloading the attached documents, please contact Linda Keys, Executive Support Officer on (08) 9220 7***.

Closing Date: Applications must be received by Monday 17 August 2026, 1:00pm (WST).

Offers will be made at 9:00am on Friday 2 October 2026 – offers will be held open for two hours.

Late applications will not be accepted.