Principal Legal Officer
Join our Legal Unit at Ministry of Health for an exciting temporary full time employment opportunity (for up to 21 months) and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.
About us
We are a dynamic team of lawyers who are engaged in a broad and interesting range of legal matters. If you are looking for variety, complexity and purposeful work, then this role could be for you.
- Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they're the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.
- Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About this role
With your skills and experience, you can make a substantial contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW s while developing your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.
The Legal Unit is assisting implementation of tobacco and vaping reforms in NSW that include a licensing framework for tobacco retailers and strong powers to close down premises that breach tobacco and vaping laws. You will be providing legal advice to officers and the Health Secretary on a range of matters associated with the new laws to ensure that officers make sound and robust decisions.+
Legal Officer Grade 6, starting salary from $170,841- $174,440 plus Super and annual leave loading, with a 35-hour work week.
For more information, please read the full Role Description.
What you'll be doing
The role sits in the Director, Legal Enforcement, Compliance and Prosecutions team. The team’s work includes legislation, legal compliance work, local court applications, prosecutions and general legal work arising from the day to day operation of the Ministry’s regulatory functions and the larger public health system. A current focus is on the implementation and enforcement of the laws in relation to tobacco and vaping products.
The Principal Legal Officer will be reviewing and advising on matters relating to the illicit tobacco and vaping laws, including ensuring that decisions under the laws meet legal and administrative law requirements. Lawyers in the team need excellent written and verbal communication and good time management skills, as well as a demonstrated capacity to proactively manage emerging issues and provide strategic legal advice on solutions.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:
- The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
- A growth mindset, and commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
- The ability to work in a small dynamic team environment.
- Proficiency in working to tight deadlines and managing a high volume of work.
- Display resilience and an ability to give frank, honest advice in response to strong contrary views and respond in a thoughtful and considered way to criticism of own ideas.
How to apply
At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND demonstrate your ability by responding to the two target questions below.
Target Questions (1-2 pages)
- Describe a time when you had to make a decision with incomplete or uncertain information. How did you approach the decision, and what was the outcome?
- Provide an example of a situation where you led, or were part of a project, which required negotiating with others who have a different viewpoint to resolve a problem. How did you achieve a resolution? Who did you consult to inform your approach?
Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.
Capability application tool | NSW Public Service Commission
For role related queries or questions contact Clare Miller, Director, Legal Enforcement, Compliance and Prosecutions, on Clare.Miller2@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ649949.
If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Frankie De Luca on frankie.deluca@health.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: Monday 5 October 2026
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
- This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
- This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment.
- For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
- Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey! Apply now!
Applications Close: 11:59pm, Monday 5 October 2026
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