Organisational Overview

The Council was established on 18 August 1978, following representation by the Tiwi people to the Federal Government for recognition of their distinct geographic and cultural identity.

The Council represents all Tiwi people in the protection of land, sea, and environment, while at the same time supporting sustainable economic development to improve Tiwi lives through employment, income, education and health opportunities. The Council’s reputation is founded on cultural and leadership strengths, following in the footsteps of Tiwi visionary leaders.

Position Overview

(This position is based in Darwin at Tiwi Land Council's Winnellie office)

The position of Principal Legal Officer (‘PLO’) sits within the Tiwi Land Council’s (‘Council’) Management Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.

The PLO performs the role of General Counsel and trusted legal advisor to the Council. The legal services rendered by the PLO are broad ranging however, ultimately limited to advising the Council (single client). Daily legal services rendered by the PLO include commercial law advice and document preparation, advice regarding the Council’s statutory powers, functions and obligations, and representing the Council’s interests in a broad range of matters involving external stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

• Providing accurate, comprehensive and strategic advice to the Council on a broad range of matters including but not limited to commercial arrangements and agreements, employment law, administrative law, governance and risk, and compliance with governing legislation.
• Providing accurate, comprehensive, and strategic advice to the Council both in writing and verbally, sometimes with little notice.
• Overseeing, and ensuring compliance with, Tiwi Land Council’s land use application process
• Providing input into, and in some cases preparing, Tiwi Land Council policies and procedures
• Working independently in a General Counsel capacity, providing supervision of any additional lawyers employed by the Council or staff directed to report to you.
• Working collaboratively and pro-actively with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Coordinating Council’s involvement in external policy and legal matters, such as, law reform and government and representative body working groups.
• Representing the interests of Council at stakeholder meetings and in relation to external policy matters.
• Identifying the need for external legal expertise and preparing written instructions including briefs

What's on offer

Base salary of <$185,000 negotiable, based on experience

Council offers some great benefits including a competitive and attractive remuneration package; option to salary package up to $15,900 per annum, access to our Employee Assistance Program, 6weeks annual leave and training and development opportunities.

next steps

If you are seeking a challenging and exciting new role for 2024, we encourage you to apply via the Apply Now link.

To request a copy of the position description, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Principal Legal Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is also attached.

Note: Council reserves the right to commence short-listing and interviews, prior to the closing date.