We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Prosecutor to join our team in Brisbane on a permanent basis.
Reporting to the Practice Manager, the Senior Prosecutor is responsible for preparing and conducting complex prosecutions for offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The role provides leadership and guidance to prosecutors, manages and adjudicates matters, appears in court proceedings, and works closely with investigators, on-road compliance and enforcement officers, enforcement partner agencies (including police), and legal representatives to ensure the timely and effective conduct of prosecutions.
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar prosecution role within a regulatory environment or criminal law practice. You will possess strong advocacy skills, sound legal judgement, and the ability to manage complex matters while fostering collaborative stakeholder relationships.
About the Role
- Manage junior prosecutors, provide mentorship, undertake performance appraisals, and assist in the allocation of individual resources and case management for the advancement of prosecutions brought under the HVNL.
- Comply with the Prosecution Policy.
- Work with fellow Senior Prosecutors and the senior leadership team to lead the continued development of Prosecution team members.
- Assess and adjudicate briefs of evidence at a high level and determine reasonable prospects of a conviction in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the NHVR and in compliance with the relevant key performance indicators.
- Prepare and appear in matters, including summary trials and hearings, listed in courts of the HVNL-participating States and Territories of Australia, having due regard to all evidentiary and procedural requirements applicable to the jurisdiction.
- Draft documents to initiate prosecutions for breaches of the HVNL and Regulations, while ensuring that legislative and policy considerations are applied.
- Participate in sensitive and complex negotiations to facilitate the achievement of early resolution of cases.
- Maintain an active working knowledge of legal constraints and precedents relating to matters of law which could influence proceedings for breaches of the HVNL and Regulations.
- Interpret and provide expert advice to operational staff and prosecutors in relation to legislation and regulations relating to offences pursuant to the HVNL.
- Work effectively, both individually and as part of a team, with an emphasis on producing high quality work within strict deadlines.
- Actively seek and participate in personal development, as well as offer support and guidance to fellow team members.
- Liaise with stakeholders, enforcement partners, legal practitioners, and court officers regarding the conduct of prosecutions.
- Comply with the requirements of the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules.
- Ensure the delivery of a high standard of customer service for internal and external stakeholders.
- Adhere to all NHVR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NHVR internal processes.
- Comply with WH&S policies and procedures and contribute and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
- Demonstrated significant experience and advanced competence in the field of prosecutions or criminal or regulatory law, including being involved in the running and preparation of summary trials and hearings in Queensland, working with court procedures, criminal procedure, the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) and associated legislation.
- High level ability to competently assess issues of evidence and admissibility and adjudicate files in a competent and timely manner.
- Proven high level interpersonal and communications skills including an ability to liaise effectively with staff, prosecutors, witnesses, police, counsel, members of the public and other prosecuting and investigating authorities.
- Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and co-ordinate high volumes of work, develop new procedures and alternative solutions to problems, and set and meet deadlines.
- Ability to lead and mentor more junior staff members.
- Personal commitment to maintaining ethical standards within a prosecuting framework.
- Experience in running summary trials and associated hearings.
Qualifications and Experience
- Hold a Degree in Law and be admitted or be eligible to be admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia.
- 3 years post qualification experience.
- The incumbent is expected to handle confidential and sensitive material and adhere to all relevant guidelines in relation to confidentiality, disclosure of information, impartiality and conflict of interest.
- Out of hours work and intrastate and interstate travel necessitating overnight absences will be required.
- A current driver’s license is essential.
- Experience in representing the Crown in the conduct of criminal prosecutions or in the conduct of proceedings relating to regulatory offences and advocacy with respect to same.
Why join us?
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.
We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.
We offer-
- A competitive salary package from $152,511.56 + superannuation
- Options for monthly or fortnightly rostered day off.
- Additional paid leave over Christmas closure.
- Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
- Up to15.25% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
- Leave loading 17.5%
- Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
- Salary packaging options including novated lease.
- Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
- Ongoing training and professional development support
- Professional membership
Application Process
Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.
Applications close: 5.00pm 6 July 2026 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).
