• Kewdale location
• Full time 6 month contract with possible extension
• 5 weeks annual leave pa pro rata

About Us

The Tjiwarl Claimants are the native title holders (determined in May 2017) over approximately 13,800 square kilometres of land in the Northern Goldfields region of WA.

Tjiwarl (Aboriginal Corporation) was established to hold on trust the native title rights and interests of the Tjiwarl native title holders. The corporation is responsible for delivering core governance and operational activities, fulfils obligations under land use agreements, implements programs for the betterment of Tjiwarl Native Title Holders, protects and preserves land and heritage for the Tjiwarl community.  

Tjiwarl AC prides itself on being a “Gold Standard” organisation with connection to a rich and vibrant part of the Goldfields. We are undergoing an extremely exciting, engaging, and unprecedented period of development. Since determination of native title in 2017, Tjiwarl AC has gone from strength to strength, built on the foundations of a highly engaged membership and passionate Board in an environment of strong governance. Tjiwarl AC is party to 3 major mining agreements and a unique comprehensive ILUA with the State of WA. Further major mining agreements are in negotiation. These more contemporary and innovative agreements provide exciting opportunities for Tjiwarl AC to preserve and protect heritage to the highest standard, pursue economic and social development opportunities for members and develop member programs aimed at addressing their short- and long-term needs. All of this aligns to a sustainability framework and strategic plan developed by the Tjiwarl Board and feedback directly from members. The on-going innovation and forward-thinking strategies of the Board and members make Tjiwarl AC a gold standard for PBC’s across the country.

The Role

The role would suit an experienced paralegal/compliance officer or a junior lawyer of 2+ years PQE.

The primary objectives of this position are to:

1. Manage in-house compliance requirements of a Prescribed Body Corporate under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act and ORIC;
2. Manage in-house compliance requirements of Tjiwarl AC’s commercial subsidiaries under the Corporations Act and ASIC;
3. Assist the In House Counsel with all Board related and compliance matters;
4. Assist business development and employment;
5. Assist in the legal agreement obligations of Tjiwarl AC & and relevant agreement parties for ongoing protection of Tjiwarl’s interests; and
6. Assist in the legal obligations of all Land Access and Future Acts Matters as well as other key Tjiwarl Agreements, contracts, programs and projects

As a member of the team, this position will assist the In House Counsel in areas of accountability. 

The Duties:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Management Team and Organisational Governance

• Support to In House Counsel with compliance advice related to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) (CATSI Act), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth), Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth), the Corporations Act 2001 and Tjiwarl’ s Constitution. 
• Compliance support on all facets of the corporation’s business as directed by In House Counsel.

In House Counsel Support

• Provide professional compliance support to In House Counsel, the Board and stakeholders of Tjiwarl
• Assist in drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements.
• Assist with negotiations with stakeholders including the Government, mining, energy and resources companies and Tjiwarl members.
• Assist with litigious matters including in the Warden’s Court and National Native Title Tribunal.
• Supporting the developing, negotiating and managing of Native Title Agreements and commercial contracts.
• Supporting development of policies, procedures, risk assessments, and monitoring industry and regulatory updates.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Heritage departments and Professional Development to support compliance for projects.

Implementation and Compliance 

• Support legal compliance with Comprehensive Agreements, Trust Deed and Tjiwarl Rule Book
• Assist to ensure Tjiwarl is complying legally with all its Land Access and Future Acts obligations under the Native Title Act and Service agreements.
• Maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders and agreement partners.
• Develop Business Development, Employment and contracting strategies for Tjiwarl AC members and member businesses
• Act on actions from key meetings;
• Report regularly to the In House Counsel. 

Administrative and Meeting Tasks

• Support key meetings with agreement partners, service providers and other significant stakeholders;
• Maintain electronic and manual files and keeping records up to date, secure and accessible, as appropriate;
• Adhere to compliance procedures;
• Attend Board and other key meetings as required and take minutes
• Develop and implement strategy
• Periodic travel to the Goldfields region to attend meetings as required.

Internal & External Communications

• Assist in Managing incoming and outgoing communications (e.g. telephone, electronic, hard copy and in person) from/to significant stakeholders, ensuring it is responsive, effective and approved by the CEO;
• Other duties as required by In House Counsel and the CEO.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience as a paralegal/compliance officer or a junior lawyer of 2+ years PQE.
• Experience with drafting and managing agreements & contracts;
• Experience working in the Native Title Sector, such as a RNTBC or Representative Body, or in a related role within a mining company, government sector, inhouse counsel or legal practice;
• Experience in the area of Corporate Governance and compliance
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve outcomes;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise high level judgement and discretion, and to manage corporate compliance, contractual and legal issues in a not for profit / for purpose environment;
• Exceptional organisational skills and focus, including a capacity to prioritise tasks effectively and efficiently and manage time in accordance with strict deadlines, with meticulous attention to detail;
• Cultural competence, particularly with Aboriginal people; 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite

Desirable

• Experience in Native Title law;
• Knowledge of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) (CATSI Act), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth), Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth), the Mining Act 1978 (WA), the Future Acts regime, Native Title Agreements and other relevant legislation.
• Exposure to litigious matters preferably in the Warden’s Court and National Native Title Tribunal.

Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrated adherence to a high standard of professional principles to ensure honesty, integrity and ethical decision-making in all situations;
• A high level of confidentiality, discretion and judgment
• Professional conduct and demeanour
• Highly effective communication skills
• Cross cultural competency

Licenses & Accreditations

• Cleared National Police Check
• Drivers’ License (C Class)

Salary & Benefits

Fixed term contract (full time 7.5 hrs per day) with an immediate start to 30 June 2025 and possible permanent extension.

• A competitive salary will be negotiated based on experience.
• 5 weeks annual leave pa pro rata.
• The role is based in Perth with occasional travel as required to the Tjiwarl Native Title area.

Next steps

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted when received.

Please note: Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.  All candidates will be assessed based on their suitability to the criteria. The corporation reserves the right to employ their candidate of choice. There will be no appeal process.