Job opportunity

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet has established a Native Title Act Future Acts Unit (the Unit) to provide strategic oversight and leadership of Native Title Act future act matters across the Western Australian (WA) public sector.  Applicants are invited to be part of this important initiative and contribute to the delivery of key strategic priority projects.

We are seeking applicants who are interested in working with the Unit to provide centralised policy and practical leadership across the WA public sector in future acts matters and agreement-making.

There is currently one (1) permanent position available for immediate filling within the Unit in policy, advisory, future acts negotiations and strategic projects and initiatives.

The available position is:

Principal Legal Officer, SCL 4 (DPC25072)

About Us

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet (the Department) supports the Premier as head of the WA Government. The Department is a central agency that leads the public sector in providing advice and support to the Premier and Cabinet in their service of the WA community. We foster a workplace culture based on our core values, Leadership, Connection and Impact. For more information about the Department, please visit our website.

The Unit is part of the broader Aboriginal Engagement directorate within the Department and provides whole of Government strategic direction and facilitation for Government-led Native Title Act future act negotiations. These negotiations present a critical opportunity to fulfill WA Government priorities including the clean energy transition, decarbonisation and increased economic diversification, as well as leveraging opportunities for native title holders. The Unit will be responsible for leading significant future act negotiations for the WA Government as well as providing advice and coordination across WA Government agencies.

The Unit is responsible for delivering three key functions: Future Acts Advisory and Negotiation; Future Acts Assessment and Triage and providing secretariat and administrative support for relevant committees. The team’s work involves direct engagement with native title groups and other Aboriginal communities and organisations and close collaboration with a range of WA Government agencies.

About the Role

The Principal Legal officer undertakes early assessment of future act notifications received by the Unit and provides legal services, including preparing, researching and providing preliminary legal advice on Native Title Act future act notifications. This position also provides legal input to assist in the development of policy.  The position also provides legal advice to assist in determining an appropriate level of oversight and approvals, and in the development of engagement strategies and negotiation parameters.

To be successful in this role you will have strongly developed skills and experience in:

• Identifying legal issues and risks and advising on options for Government and agencies; and
• Applying a solutions-focused and facilitative approach to assess complex legal and policy issues and developing effective resolution pathways.

We are looking for team members with outstanding leadership characteristics for this position.  You will understand how your work contributes to the Department and sector-wide outcomes and priorities and adapt your approach in response to the environment.  You will pursue high-leverage priorities and think critically and strategically in order to solve problems.  You will use your skills, experience and knowledge effectively to anticipate problems and identify solutions.

For further job-related information:

For further information, please refer to the attached Job Description Forms (JDFs) for each position or contact Lee Claffey, Special Advisor Native Title 0448 403 737 (not to be contacted for assistance with lodging your application).

Applicants are required to submit:

We are looking to attract a broad range of suitable applicants.

To apply for the Principal Legal Officer position you will need to submit:

1. A comprehensive CV detailing qualifications, skills, experiences and key achievements relative to the position.
   • Please include the contact details of two referees (with at least one being your current or a recent supervisor);

2. Evidence of a Degree in Law and admittance to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia OR qualification as a Legal Practitioner from outside the State whose qualifications for admission in Western Australia have been approved by the Legal Practice Board; and

3. A two-page cover letter detailing your experience, skills and knowledge relating to:
   • Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice on matters that addresses the interrelationship between various legislative frameworks.
   • Sound knowledge and understanding of Native Title and Aboriginal heritage legislation, frameworks and related matters.

Permanent Appointment

• To be eligible for appointment to permanent positions in the West Australian Public Sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia at the time of applying.

Equity and Diversity

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Suitable applicants will be required to provide:

• Proof of identity 100-point check.
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police Force that is less than two months from the date of issue.

How to Apply:

Click ‘Apply for Job' at the bottom of this advertisement to submit your application.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056, in the first instance.  For information about the process, you can contact People Services at peopleservices@dpc.wa.gov.au.

Applications are to be received no later than 4:00 pm, Friday 30 January 2026.

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application as late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Interview Date:

Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held in the week commencing 16 February 2026.  Further details will be provided prior to that date.

Subsequent vacancies:

Applicants who are found suitable in this process, may be considered for similar vacancies that arise within the department, in accordance with the relevant Commissioner’s Instructions.