Job Description
* Lead one of Australia’s most complex criminal justice environments
* Shape prosecution practice across a vast and culturally diverse jurisdiction
* Darwin location
The Northern Territory Government is seeking an exceptional legal leader to serve as Director of Public Prosecutions – a statutory office-holder of significant authority and public trust.
The Director is responsible for ensuring the fair, independent, efficient and effective prosecution of criminal matters across the Northern Territory, while leading a complex legal organisation operating in a unique and highly visible justice environment.
The Director is an independent office of significant authority, integrating integrity, independent prosecutorial decision-making, organisational leadership, and responsibility for maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The Role
Appointed under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1990, the Director leads the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is responsible for the professional and administrative management of the organisation. As the leader of one of the biggest legal practices in the Territory, the Director is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of the Attorney-General’s Department.
The Office prosecutes indictable offences in the Supreme Court, summary matters in the Local Court in Darwin and Alice Springs, as well as regional and circuit courts. The Office also provides witness support services.
Operating within a geographically vast and culturally diverse jurisdiction, the Director must exercise independent prosecutorial judgement while guiding the strategic and operational performance of the Office.
Key Responsibilities
* Exercise independent prosecutorial discretion in serious and complex criminal matters
* Lead and manage the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a high-performing legal organisation
* Provide strategic leadership, governance oversight and financial stewardship
* Maintain the confidence of the courts, government, law enforcement agencies and the community
* Build and sustain effective cross-system relationships, including with Aboriginal communities and regional stakeholders
* Represent the Office publicly on matters of significant legal and community interest
* Ensure fair, ethical and efficient prosecution services across metropolitan and remote locations
The Person
The Northern Territory seeks a leader of national standing with the credibility, judgement and resilience to operate under sustained public scrutiny.
* Demonstrated professional integrity and sound executive-level decision-making
* Outstanding leadership and organisational management capability
* Extensive criminal law experience with highly developed advocacy skills
* Strategic and financial management expertise
* Ability to work collaboratively across government, law enforcement and community sectors, including in cross-cultural environments
* Highly developed communication capability with judicial officers, legal practitioners, government and the public
* You are calm under pressure, respected by peers, and trusted to make decisions that carry significant legal and public consequence.
Eligibility
* Be a legal practitioner of at least ten years’ standing
* Disclose any interests that may conflict with the performance of the role
* The Director is appointed by the Administrator under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1990, with salary, allowances and tenure determined by the Northern Territory Government.
Why the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory presents one of Australia’s most distinctive justice environments — legally complex, culturally rich and nationally significant.
This role offers the opportunity to shape prosecution practice at the highest level while contributing meaningfully to the administration of justice across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.
Confidential Enquiries & Applications
For a confidential discussion call Sam Wallace ***) or Ash Stewart ***) from Davidson Executive Search & Advisory or, to request further information, please enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.
Applications close: Midnight Sunday 15 March