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Principal Legal Officer
Regulation & Compliance; Industrial Relations; Office of Industrial Relations; Brisbane City
Principal Legal Officer
Lead complex legal matters that make a real difference for Queensland workers and businesses.
The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) is committed to creating healthy, safe, fair and productive workplaces across Queensland. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Legal Officer to join our Industrial Relations team, providing expert legal advice and leading prosecution matters that support the integrity of Queensland's industrial relations and labour hire licensing framework.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal practitioner who enjoys working on complex matters, influencing strategic decision-making and appearing in courts and tribunals.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Justice & Legal |
| Classification | PO6 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/697325/26 |
| Closing date | 21-Aug-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Tony Schostakowski |
| Contact details | Phone: 0407 648 001 Access the National Relay Service |
About the role
As the Principal Legal Officer, you will provide authoritative legal advice across a range of complex and sensitive matters relating to the Industrial Relations Act 2016, Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 and other relevant legislation.
Working closely with senior executives, inspectors and external legal stakeholders, you will:
• Lead and manage complex prosecution matters, including appearing in courts and tribunals.
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior executives and the Minister.
• Prepare and review prosecution briefs, court documents and legal correspondence.
• Support inspectors through legal guidance, case management and training on evidentiary and court processes.
• Contribute to policy development by identifying emerging legal issues and advising on legislative reform.
• Build strong relationships with government agencies, legal service providers and key stakeholders.
• Provide specialist legal advice relating to labour hire licensing, including complex licensing decisions, reviews and appeals.
What we're looking for
We're looking for a confident and experienced legal professional who can apply sound judgement, communicate with influence and deliver practical legal solutions in a regulatory environment.
To be successful, you will demonstrate:
• Extensive experience interpreting and applying complex legislation while providing strategic legal advice.
• Experience managing complex prosecution or litigation matters from investigation through to court proceedings.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience developing legal guidance, policies or delivering training to others.
• Knowledge of industrial relations, regulatory or administrative law is highly regarded.
Mandatory requirement:
Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a legal practitioner, barrister or solicitor in Australia.
Why join us?
At the Office of Industrial Relations, you'll contribute to work that has a meaningful impact on Queensland workplaces and communities.
We offer:
• Meaningful and challenging legal work.
• Opportunities to influence policy and regulatory outcomes.
• A collaborative and supportive workplace.
• Flexible work practices where operationally appropriate.
• Ongoing professional development and career opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration, including superannuation and executive vehicle allowance.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
