• Utilise your legal expertise to provide sophisticated, authoritative and concise advice on complex legal issues.
• Ongoing, Full-Time opportunity to work with a friendly, engaging, and productive team in a supportive and positive workplace.
• VPS Grade 5: $109,730 - $132,764 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking an In-house Legal Counsel and Investigations to provide a critical role within the Local Government Inspectorate.

About the Business Unit

Under the leadership of the Chief Municipal Inspector (CMI), the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) is an independent administrative office hosted by the Department of Justice and Community Safety. It is the independent, dedicated integrity agency for local government focusing on investigations for offences, governance examinations of council operations and compliance with the Local Government Act 2020 (Act).

The key functions of the Inspectorate include:

• Investigating alleged breaches and offences against the Act, including Public Interest Disclosures within LGI's jurisdiction.
• Evaluating and monitoring council governance frameworks and practices.
• Investigating alleged breaches of electoral provisions.
• Proactive governance examinations and broader systemic audits of councils to identify opportunities for systemic improvement and legislative compliance.
• Investigating allegations of serious or gross misconduct by councillors and senior council staff.
• Collaborating with the Victorian Government Solicitor to undertake prosecutions for breaches of the Act.
• Advising the Attorney General and Minister for Local Government where there are significant failures of council to provide good governance.
• Engaging with the local government sector through presentations to councils and attendance at relevant seminars.
• Representing the LGI on various working groups and legislative reform initiatives.

About the Role

An exceptional opportunity for a seasoned legal professional looking to make a real impact in the public sector, the successful candidate must possess a proven ability to independently lead matters with minimal supervision and provide sophisticated, authoritative and concise advice on complex legal issues arising in the operation of the Local Government Inspectorate, investigations, government regulatory matters and projects.

Some out of hour's work will be required very occasionally including overnight travel to regional Victoria.

As the In-house Legal Counsel and Investigations, some of your duties will include:

• Independently managing multiple complex and sensitive regulatory matters (both litigation and advisory) in relation to LGI's investigations.
• Preparing authoritative and high-quality legal documentation and complex reports, briefs and Ministerial and other correspondence as required.
• Providing advice to influence policy development, contribute to business planning and manage LGI projects that arise from legislative change.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• The ability to analyse complex legal issues, interpret legislation and develop accurate legal solutions with minimal supervision.
• Experience providing legal advice at a senior level in relation to legislative change, projects and disputes and/or a wide range of regulatory matters (advisory, disputes and investigations).
• The ability to compile and support the preparation of evidence- based reports and briefs of varying complexity, in consideration of legislation, criminal procedures and rules of evidence. Clear and concise written communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner with a current Victorian Practising Certificate (or the ability to acquire one) with experience in providing high level and accurate advice on
• legal and policy matters, especially those dealing with legislation, administrative law, criminal law and statutory interpretation.
• Experience in working for government, local government or a regulator is highly desirable.
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.