Principal Solicitor in Perth

The Legal and Legislative Services team in the Department of Health is a vibrant and multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legislative officers and administrators. We are proud to provide legal and legislative advice across a wide range of sensitive and high‑profile matters across the Health portfolio.

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly capable lawyer to join our dedicated team. In this leadership role, you will provide strategic oversight and professional supervision across the team, leading the delivery of high‑quality legal services across the Department of Health's diverse and complex portfolio. As a member of Legal and Legislative Services, you will be at the forefront of complex and emerging legal issues affecting the WA health system.

You will lead and support work across diverse areas including health research and development, procurement and service provision, health information management, human reproductive technology and surrogacy, human tissue and transplantation, medicines and poisons, infectious disease management, and legislative reform. You will exercise your professional judgement to provide high-level legal advice on complex, sensitive and strategically important matters. This includes advising on governance, policy initiatives, commercial arrangements, litigation matters and issues affecting the Minister, Director General and Department of Health, while providing legal guidance on legislative matters as required.

The Principal Solicitor (Specified Calling Level 5) plays a key leadership role within Legal and Legislative Services. You will provide professional guidance and supervision to legal staff, allocate and monitor workflow, contribute to workforce development, and support the achievement of strategic objectives across the Directorate. You will also provide legal oversight and guidance on legislative review and development processes where required.

You will work closely and collaboratively with senior executives, Health Service Providers, State and Commonwealth government agencies, the State Solicitor's Office, the Parliamentary Counsel's Office and other key stakeholders. The role also includes representing the Directorate on committees, working groups and other forums, and supporting the Department's participation in parliamentary processes.

Joining Legal and Legislative Services will provide you with a unique opportunity to contribute to complex legal matters of statewide significance while further developing your leadership capabilities within a supportive, collaborative and high‑performing team environment.

Suitability Criteria: Suitability recognises that there is a range of factors - along with having the skills, knowledge and abilities - that constitute merit. These factors include a person's eligibility, ability to demonstrate the right behaviours, ethical alignment and cultural fit. In addition to the Essential Criteria and Desirable Criteria outlined in the attached Job Description Form, these requirements will also be considered to determine your suitability for the role. You also need to be eligible for admission, or admitted, as a legal practitioner in Western Australia together with considerable experience in a legal environment.

WA Health embraces diversity and is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of our service. WA Health supports flexible working practices within the context of a quality health service. WA Health is committed to a smoke free environment across all buildings, grounds and vehicles. WA Health is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce as a part of WA Health’s Aboriginal Workforce Policy. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility to Apply: To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have valid Australian work rights. This includes visa holders. Permanent appointments may be made to individuals who hold citizenship, permanent residency, or visas that enable ongoing employment in Australia.

Other Conditions: WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake a criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. As well as undertaking a criminal records screening and integrity checking, you may also be required to undertake a working with children check (if required for the role) and a pre‑employment health assessment.

Employee Benefits include 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice, access to salary packaging arrangements, professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance, flexible working arrangements, and flexible leave arrangements.

The Department of Health, led by the Director General, has been established as the System Manager responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and performance of the WA public health system to ensure the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, safe and timely health services.