Role
*This is a Fixed Term Position until 31st December 2025*
The Legislation Branch is responsible for providing high quality legislative and legal advice and services on a broad range of matters across the department as required. The branch is responsible for assisting with design of the department’s legislation program and delivery of an extensive range of bills, regulations and other statutory instruments. The branch also assists with the provision of legal services to the department, which will be predominantly focused on administrative law and public law matters for a diverse client group including regional staff, policy officers and administrative decision makers.
Position Outcomes / Accountabilities
• Provide advice on legislative and legislative policy issues and proposals, in the context of government and department policy objectives.
• Support the delivery of the department’s legislative program and assist with legislative review and reform projects and the development and implementation of legislative schemes.
• Identify and advise on new and emerging legal, legislative and policy issues and their implications for the State.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing a range of legal and legislative documentation, including drafting instructions, statutory instruments, Cabinet submissions and orders in council dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
• Provide advice on legal and legislative issues to departmental staff and transport and planning portfolio agencies.
Key Selection Criteria
DTP is seeking a qualified lawyer with experience in the interpretation and development of legislation.
The successful candidate will use their insights into the legislative process to identify and resolve statutory interpretation issues. They will advise on procedural options for developing legislation or legal policy, analyse and resolve related legal and policy issues, and draft legislation in line with Cabinet decisions and instructions. Additionally, they will interpret Acts and subordinate legislation, using their knowledge of legislative structures and operations.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential. The candidate must resolve issues through an understanding of existing guidelines or, in their absence, analyse available ideas and take informed actions in consultation with others. This role also requires an understanding of the political and organisational context, recognising departmental pressures and the reasons behind its climate and culture.
Flexibility and adaptability are important as the candidate must adjust systems and processes to meet changing priorities in consultation with more senior staff. An outcomes-focused mindset is necessary, with the ability to articulate how work, policies, and services align with the organisation’s objectives, taking responsibility for actions and committing to effective work completion.
If you are a lawyer with an interest in legislative development and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, we invite you to apply.
Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory
• Admitted to practise law in Victoria and a current practicing certificate.
Desirable
• Experience as a Government lawyer preferred.
What we offer
• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable.
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Service.
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork.
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements.
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture.
Culture Value
We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
How to Apply
Non-DTP employees (Including VPS outside of DTP)
Create an account by clicking the ‘Apply’ button and follow the prompts.
For help,for a Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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