Senior Legal Officer

The Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support has an exciting opportunity to join our Legislation team where you will play a key role in keeping Queensland communities safe. We are actively tackling the complex causes of youth crime and addressing serious repeat offenders and ensuring our systems and services not only meet but anticipate the needs of victims. The Senior Legal Officer provides high level advice on complex legal and justice policy issues and develops options, policies, strategies and initiatives to progress the Government’s law reform program.

TARGETED VACANCYA degree in law from a recognised tertiary institution or admission as a barrister or solicitor is required to perform this role. Higher studies in law, public administration or related areas would be well regarded. Practical experience in and/or knowledge of the youth justice system, the Childrens Court, or the broader criminal law and criminal justice matters system will also be highly regarded. The Department Is Committed To Keeping Queensland Communities Safe. Everyone Deserves a Life Free From Violence And Fear.

We Are Actively Tackling The Complex Causes Of Youth Crime And Addressing Serious Repeat Offenders And Ensuring Our Systems And Services Not Only Meet But Anticipate The Needs Of Victims. We Do This By Providing early intervention, statutory Youth Justice, and detention services to ensure that young people are held accountable for their offending behaviour. We help support them to become responsible members of the community. Providing trauma-informed support and resources to victims to ensure they can recover and heal, whilst ensuring the voices and experiences of victims are heard and respected.

Our programs and community partnerships preserve cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve positive life outcomes. Key ResponsibilitiesAs Senior Legal Officer, you will specifically: Develop and implement legislative and policy projects in relation to youth justice and broader criminal justice matters, including the preparation of legislation products such as drafting instructions, bills or regulations, explanatory notes and other Cabinet and parliamentary supporting documentation. Research, analyse and provide strategic policy advice to the Minister and the Director-General particularly in relation to youth justice law and policy matters.

Prepare submissions, briefs, ministerial and departmental correspondence, answers to Parliamentary Questions on Notice, briefing notes on CabinetSubmissions. Consult with relevant statutory bodies, departments, professional organisations and community groups on policy and legislative matters; and Participate in inter-departmental and inter-agency meetings and undertake other duties as required. Demonstrate cultural capability and/or a commitment to developing cultural capability to ensure an inclusive culture that aligns with the Human Rights Act 2019 and supports departmental programs and community partnerships aimed at preserving cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applications to remain current for 12 months. Occupational group Justice & Legal