The Legal Services Branch, led by the Chief Counsel, provides the full scope of legal services relevant to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioners (the Commissioner) and Complaints Commissioners functions, principally in relation to the interpretation and application of the legislation that currently regulates aged care providers, being the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 (the aged care scheme). These legal services include, but are not limited to, advising on the Commissioners and Complaints Commissioners regulatory activities, advising on matters of administrative law, commercial law, information law and employment law, managing the Commissions involvement in litigation in relevant courts and tribunals and facilitating the Commissions engagement with external legal services providers. The Legal Services Branch works closely with policy and operational units, particularly to support defensible decision making and the implementation of the Commissions regulatory framework. This includes supporting Commission staff with training programs, where necessary. The FOI, Privacy and Information Section in the Legal Services Branch is separately responsible for coordinating FOI requests and advising on privacy matters, as well as overseeing and promoting FOI and privacy awareness and compliance across the Commission. Key Accountabilities Under limited supervision, provide legal advice and other legal services of a more complex nature in relation to the performance of the Commissioners and Complaints Commissioners functions under the aged care scheme, employment law matters, and commercial and corporate law matters. Arrange for the procurement of legal services from external legal providers in accordance with the Legal Services Directions 2017 and other requirements. In conjunction with external legal providers, manage the conduct of litigation and other formal dispute or workplace investigation processes. Prepare training materials and deliver training to Commission staff to increase legal literacy, promote awareness of legal risks, and improve the quality of decision-making. Assist the leadership team of the Legal Services Branch (Chief Counsel and Principal Lawyers) by contributing to and advancing strategic initiatives to support the effective operation of the Legal Services Branch, and providing training and support to junior and new staff in the Legal Services Branch with the view to building capability. Lead and manage other legal staff in the Legal Services Branch (up to a Legal 1 APS 6 classification level), if required. Key Capabilities and Eligibility Requirements Be admitted as a legal practitioner (however described) of the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory. Be eligible to hold and maintain a practising certificate in the jurisdiction in which they practise. Minimum three years postadmission legal experience. Eligibility to hold and maintain a baseline security clearance. Established knowledge of areas of law relevant to the Commissioners and Complaints Commissioners functions, including but not limited to administrative law and statutory interpretation. Established knowledge of, or an ability and willingness to quickly develop a knowledge of: areas of law relevant to the Commission as an employer within the Australian Public Service, including but not limited to the Fair Work Act 2009 and Work Health and Safety Act 2011; and commercial and corporate law, including but not limited to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and Commonwealth Procurement Rules. Strong written (including legal writing) and oral communication skills, legal research skills and attention. Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet short deadlines and work effectively under pressure. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with legal and other Commission staff. Key Relationships Internal: Business area Directors and Assistant Directors (EL2 and EL1); other Commission staff; the Legal Services Branch. External: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and associated portfolio agencies; Attorney Generals Department; Office of Legal Services Coordination and other associated agencies depending on advice required; Commonwealth Legal Panel firms. ILS Capabilities : The APS ILS Framework applies to this position (refer to the EL1 Capability Summary link). Position Notes Salary offered will be between $127,956 - $151,738 per annum depending on skills and experience. In addition, 15.4% superannuation will be paid. Only candidates who hold Australian citizenship can apply. Appointment is conditional on successfully completing a national police check. For more information, please visit www.apsc.gov.au/citizenship-aps The Commission intends to fill ongoing vacancies through this recruitment process. Should nonongoing opportunities arise, they may be offered for an irregular/intermittent term and for periods up to 12 months with the option to extend to a total of 24 months. Merit pool established through this selection process may be used to fill this or future ongoing or nonongoing vacancies. In your application, please provide a statement of claims against the key accountabilities, key capabilities and eligibility requirements of the position in no more than 750 words. Please also include a copy of your CV. Please complete the application and submit by 11:30pm Sunday 22nd March, 2026 AEDT . Follow our guidelines for candidate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our recruitment team on (02) 9633 3262 or [email protected] for assistance with accessing our website or with lodging your application. Specific questions about the roles can be directed to Madeleine Walsh by emailing [email protected] with Senior Lawyer Recruitment in the subject line. Diversity and Inclusion The Commission is committed to fostering a workplace with flexible work arrangements to support a diverse, respectful and inclusive culture for all staff. The Commission recognises the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and is committed to the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan. The Commission values the unique knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees which strengthens and supports our focus on protecting and enhancing the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of aged care consumers. RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under RecruitAbility you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information, visit We provide reasonable adjustments such as access, equipment or other practical support at relevant stages of the recruitment process. Please email [email protected] if you need any adjustments made. Further information For further information about the Quality Commission, office locations and other related resources, please visit For more information on the Australian Public Service, please visit and #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Senior Lawyer