We are currently recruiting for a Senior Lawyer – Health role within CQ.

The role sits within the Office of the Chief Executive and works closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board on high-impact matters across clinical, employment, governance and information law.

While you will independently advise CQHHS, we know that supporting you is important. To help you achieve, the successful candidate will be part of a broader legal network of legal teams across the state, with access to other legal teams, for specialist expertise and peer support.

This role would suit someone looking to move beyond traditional legal practice into a position with real organisational influence and impact.

The role has the option to work flexibly, with negotiation to work from other locations within CQ or remotely available to the incumbent.

Job details

About us:

At CQHHS, we deliver public healthcare across regional, rural and remote communities. With over 4,500 staff, we are committed to improving the health of Central Queenslanders and delivering safe, high-quality care.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of decision-making within a large and complex health service, contributing to outcomes that directly impact patient care, workforce management and organisational governance.

The Opportunity:

This is not a traditional legal role.

Reporting to the Director, Office of the Chief Executive, you will provide senior, trusted legal advice directly to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and clinical leaders across CQHHS.

You will work on complex and high-impact matters spanning:

• Clinical and medico-legal health law
• Governance and statutory decision-making
• Employment and workforce matters
• Information law and privacy
• Litigation and coronial matters.

Why this role is different

Work at executive level

Engage directly with senior decision-makers, including the Chief Executive and Board, on significant organisational issues.

Be part of a broader legal network

While you will be an independent advisor to CQHHS, you will be part of a broader network of legal teams across the State.  To embed these networks and provide support you will have access to other Legal Teams, providing:

• Professional support and peer collaboration
• Access to specialist expertise
• Opportunities to work across complex and novel issues

Breadth and impact

This role offers exposure to a wide range of legal issues rarely seen in a single position, with direct impact on patient safety, workforce outcomes and organisational performance.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Provide expert legal advice across clinical, governance, employment and information law matters
• Support coronial matters, clinical review processes and complex ethical issues
• Advise on workforce and employment matters under relevant legislation
• Manage litigation and represent CQHHS where required
• Build strong relationships across clinical, corporate and executive teams
• Contribute to organisational decision-making and risk management

About you:

You are:

• A highly capable lawyer with strong judgement and the ability to provide clear, practical and timely advice
• Comfortable operating in a complex, high-pressure environment
• Able to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and clinicians
• Solutions-focused, with a strong sense of accountability and professionalism
• Interested in work that has real impact beyond legal technicality

 Mandatory Requirements

• A degree in law and admission to practice as a Legal Practitioner in Queensland.
• Four or more years' post admission experience (or agreed equivalent) gained within a similar field, quality corporate and/or government environment is highly desirable.

What we offer:

Total remuneration value of up to $193,277 p.a. is comprised of:

• An hourly rate between $80.74 - $85.43 p.h.
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading

Additional Benefits:

• Ongoing Professional Development and Education Opportunities
• Flexible Work-Life Balance and Variety
• Generous Salary Sacrificing Options
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements:

It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases as listed on the Role Description.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Your current CV or resume, including referees.
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing how your experience, skills and values align with the key responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Role Description.
• Any additional forms / evidence as attached or listed on the Role Description.

For assistance:

1. Contact Recruitment.CentralQueensland@health.qld.gov.au
2. Quote the Job Ad Reference (JAR) RK6I691921

Applications close: Thursday, 1 October 2026

#rockhampton

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

This position will be filled in accordance with Queensland Public Health Sector (QUEENSLAND HEALTH) CERTIFIED AGREEMENT (No. 12) 2025.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Information for Applicants (PDF)
  
  RK6I691921 - Principal Lawyer (PDF)