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 1 classification.
As an Assistant Secretary, you will lead a branch and report to the Division Head, Deputy Secretary and Secretary. You will be accountable for strategic leadership, high‑quality policy and program delivery, and the effective coordination of advice to support the Attorney‑General in advancing the Government's priorities.
Responsibilities
* Navigate contested stakeholder environments and deliver high‑quality legal and policy advice.
* Contribute to reforms across justice, integrity and security and drive system‑level change in partnership with other portfolios and stakeholders.
* Lead strategic policy and program delivery, oversee the effective delivery of key policy and program outcomes, and provide timely and strategic evidence‑based advice to the Attorney‑General.
* Exercise sound judgement, lead complex policy work, and represent the department with credibility and cultural awareness.
* Collaborate across the department, government, state and territory jurisdictions and community.
* Embed innovation, continuous improvement and evidence‑based decision making, anticipate and respond to emerging issues while fostering strong partnerships.
* Build and sustain high‑performing, inclusive, and values‑driven teams aligned with APS Values and the Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours.
Groups & Focus Areas
* Justice and Communities Group – leads key elements of Australia's justice system, oversees federal courts, tribunals and the family law system, drives reforms that strengthen equity, safety and access to justice, and manages major First Nations justice initiatives.
* Integrity and Security Group – strengthens legal, integrity, human rights, anti‑discrimination and security frameworks; manages modern slavery response, Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme, privacy and freedom of information law reforms, and coordinates national security functions and international legal cooperation.
Qualifications & Eligibility
* Strong conceptual, analytical, negotiation and representational skills with a deep understanding of Australia's interests.
* Formal legal qualifications for certain roles – applicants must hold an appropriate law degree or admission in Australia as a legal practitioner.
* Ability to build and sustain high‑performing, inclusive teams and embed APS values.
* Prior experience in senior leadership roles within a federal or large public‑service organisation (preferred).
* Experience in strategic policy development, program management, and stakeholder engagement.
Flexible Work Arrangements
* Job Share
* Hybrid Work
* Remote Work
* Compressed Hours
* Bandwidth Modification
Merit Pool
* A merit list or pool may be created as part of this selection process and used to fill similar vacancies in Adelaide SA, Brisbane QLD, Canberra ACT, Melbourne VIC and Sydney NSW.
Eligibility for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People
* Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
* Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
* Be accepted by your community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
* Confirmation of heritage will be required prior to the finalisation of the selection process.
* Evidence may include a letter signed by the chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation or a confirmation document executed by an Indigenous organisation.
EEO Statement
AGD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and actively supports and encourages people of all backgrounds, gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply.
Application Information
For more information about this opportunity, including contact details for adjustment requests, please refer to the Candidate Information Kit.
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