- Ongoing / Non-Ongoing
- Canberra, ACT
Employment Opportunity
The Attorney-General's Department is seeking expressions of interest from motivated and driven Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to fill current and future vacancies across various positions at the senior Executive Service (SES) Band 2 classification. As a First Assistant Secretary in the Attorney General's Department, you will lead a division and play a key role in shaping the performance, capability, and culture of the organisation.
You will set direction, align resources and lead through others to deliver the Department's highest priorities. This includes building and supporting senior leaders, strengthening capability across your division, and creating a culture that is accountable, inclusive and focused on outcomes. You will work across groups to ensure priorities are clear, effort is coordinated, and outcomes are delivered to a high standard.
The Department plays a central role in supporting Australia's legal system and integrity settings, working across government on issues of national significance. Our work spans a wide and diverse portfolio, requiring close engagement with the courts and legal sector, integrity bodies, and oversight agencies, and across the national security community. We partner with states and territories to support the effective operation of Australia's justice system and work with First Nations communities to improve outcomes and support Closing the Gap. We also engage with community organisations, international partners, and the private sector to ensure our legal and policy settings remain effective and responsive. This breadth reflects the Department's role in supporting the rule of law, strengthening public confidence in institutions, and improving access to justice for all Australians.
Within this context, you will lead significant policy, legislative and program work, providing clear, evidence based advice to Ministers and senior decision makers. You will operate in sensitive and high profile areas, applying sound judgement to manage risk, balance competing priorities, and progress reform. You will work across portfolios and jurisdictions to support practical, joined up outcomes, and contribute to the ongoing effectiveness of Australia's legal and integrity systems.
We are looking for leaders who bring clear thinking, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to public service. First Assistant Secretaries are expected to lead with integrity and cultural awareness, and contribute to priority reforms, including Closing the Gap.
This recruitment process will also establish a merit pool to fill current and future SES Band 2 vacancies. The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022.
How you can help us make a difference
This role requires strong leadership capability, with accountability for setting direction, building capability, and delivering results through others.
As a First Assistant Secretary, you will lead a division and contribute to the broader leadership of the department. This includes shaping priorities, aligning resources, and ensuring work is delivered to a high standard.
You will be expected to operate with a strong enterprise perspective. This means working beyond your immediate responsibilities, collaborating across groups, and contributing to whole of department outcomes. You will support effective decision making at senior levels and help maintain alignment between policy, legislative and program work.
A key part of the role is building and sustaining capability. You will develop your senior leaders, set clear expectations, and create an environment where people are supported to perform and improve. You will embed a culture that reflects accountability, inclusion, professionalism, and continuous improvement. You will bring strong judgement and the ability to manage risk in high profile and sensitive areas. This includes balancing competing priorities, working effectively in ambiguity, and providing advice that is clear, practical, and defensible.
The role also requires the ability to influence across government and with external stakeholders. You will build effective working relationships, navigate differing perspectives, and progress work that crosses portfolios and jurisdictions.
You will bring:
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strong organisational and resource management capability
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the ability to influence and collaborate across boundaries
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sound judgement and risk management capability
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a focus on performance, accountability and continuous improvement
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a commitment to integrity, inclusion and culturally informed leadership, including Closing the Gap
Some positions require formal legal qualifications. For these roles, applicants must hold an appropriate law degree or admission in Australia as a legal practitioner.
Merit Pools:
A merit list or pool may be created as part of this selection process and be used to fill similar vacancies in Canberra, ACT.
Flexible work arrangements will be considered and supported where possible. These may include:
- Job Share
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Hybrid Work
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Remote Work
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Compressed Hours
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Bandwidth Modification
AGD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible.
For more information about this opportunity, including contact details for adjustment requests, please refer to the Candidate Information Kit.
Candidate Information Kit Opens in new window
Candidate Information Kit - Accessible Version Opens in new window
Affirmative Measures - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment - Information Sheet Opens in new window
