Title:  Principal Lawyer, Legislation

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

DTP Legal is a Group within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is responsible for providing legal, legislative, commercial and policy advice and support to the Secretary and Department in the achievement of the transport system vision, objectives and decision-making principles and in the management of Victoria’s planning and building system, including through delivery of the recently announced Victorian Housing Statement.

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

This is a fixed term back fill opportunity with an end date of 19 December 2025

The Principal Lawyer position sits within the Legislation Branch.

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 within the transport, planning and building and housing portfolios.

The Branch also assists with the provision of legal services to the Department, which will be prominently focused on administrative law and public law matters for a diverse client group including regional staff, policy officers and administrative decision makers. This position will undertake a wide variety of work across DTP Legal.

 To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Provide authoritative and strategic advice on highly complex and sensitive legal, legislative and policy issues and proposals, in the context of Government and Department policy objectives.
• Lead delivery of legislative services and lead significant 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 department and the State.
• Lead the drafting and review a range of legal and legislative documentation, including drafting instructions, statutory instruments, Cabinet submissions and Orders in Council dealing with highly sensitive and complex issues, and conduct negotiations to settle those documents.
• Provide authoritative advice on legal and legislative issues to departmental staff and transport and planning portfolio agencies, including options for decision and manage stakeholder interests.
• Provide support to DTP Legal Executives.
• Other duties and tasks as directed, including undertaking work from other Branches of DTP Legal.

In line with section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) other duties may be assigned consistent with employment classification, skills and capabilities.

Key Selection Criteria

In order to be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in statutory interpretation by applying a deep understanding of legislative processes and constitutional law to resolve complex legal issues. They will lead the development and drafting of legislation by advising on legal and policy procedures, identifying effective legislative options, and translating Cabinet decisions into clear legislative text. The candidate will exhibit strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, using sound judgment and analysis to resolve issues, especially where guidelines are limited or ambiguous. Additionally, they will understand the political and organisational context in which the department operates and be adept at managing difficult conversations with clarity, empathy, and a focus on resolution.

Personal Attributes

On a personal level, the candidate will demonstrate resilience by fostering an environment of openness and constructive debate, while confidently advocating for well-reasoned positions. They will show flexibility and adaptability by embracing new strategies, adjusting approaches when needed, and inspiring others to do the same in pursuit of better outcomes. The candidate will also be outcomes-focused and collaborative, aligning strategies with community needs and promoting a culture of teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practice as a lawyer in Victoria.

Desirable

•  Extensive experience as a government lawyer working in a legislative or policy setting 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 Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• 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

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday 30th April 2025. 

Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

For further information about the role please contact Tim Lunn – Director, Legislation via tim.v.lunn@transport.vic.gov.au.

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.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.