Solicitor, Legislation, Public Law and Legislation in Melbourne

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: The Public Law and Legislation Team provides strategic public law advice and legislation services for the health, ambulance services, mental health and ageing portfolios. This includes development of legal policy, primary legislation, regulations and legislative and other instruments for the Department's portfolio legislation as well as administrative law and other legal advice. The team provides advice to the Ministers, Executive and department stakeholders including health related entities as required, including advice concerning the structure of entities. Legal compliance is also a key function of the team and includes drafting delegations and authorisation. The team also provides legal representation for the Secretary in matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997.

Reporting to the Public Law and Legal Governance Special Counsel, the Solicitor will support the team in a wide variety of work including the making of primary legislation, preparation of Ministerial correspondence and Governor in Council briefings in the health, ambulance services, mental health and ageing portfolios. The Solicitor will also support the team in the provision of expert and specialist advice to Ministers, the Secretary, the Department of Health and relevant Administrative Offices on a range of administrative law matters.

About us: At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected. We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you: Main Accountabilities Include:

• Provide high level, well-reasoned legal advice, drafting and other legal documents, as well as briefings and correspondence.
• Collaborate with departmental colleagues to deliver client focused legal services, including engaging with solicitors on the State Government Legal Panel where necessary.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court/tribunal staff, other government departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to a wide range of legal and policy issues.
• Prepare briefs and instruct counsel in the County and Supreme Courts in relation to matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997.

Qualification(s): The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practicing certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Vic).

Specialist expertise: Minimum 2 years post admission experience is preferred. It would be beneficial for the successful applicant to have:

• Experience working within government/legislative processes and/or
• Experience in the provision of legal advice to government and/or statutory interpretation.

What we offer: The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world. A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service. A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians.

All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in line with our Privacy Policy.