Council Payments and Liaison Officer

• Location: Darwin (relocating to new office premises in Berrimah in early 2026)
• Status:Full-time
• Annual Salary:  $76,946 per annum plus 15% superannuation
• Special Measures:Priority Consideration – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants

Support Aboriginal governance through accuracy, respect, and service

If you're someone who values accuracy, teamwork and purpose, the Northern Land Council (NLC) invites you to apply for the role of Council Payments and Liaison Officer. You'll help make sure Council meetings across the Top End run smoothly and that Traditional Owners and Council members receive their sitting fees, travel and accommodation payments correctly and on time.

This role sits at the heart of our Council Services team where good administration supports Aboriginal decision-making and self-determination. As we move into our new purpose-built office in Berrimah in early 2026, you'll enjoy a modern workplace with improved facilities, collaboration spaces and free onsite parking.

About the Role

Working closely with the Coordinator, Council Services, you will be responsible for preparing and processing Council sitting fees, travel allowances, and accommodation payments in line with the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, Remuneration Tribunal determinations, and NLC policies.

You'll also assist with the coordination of travel, accommodation, and logistics for Council meetings, ensuring all arrangements are accurate, timely, and culturally respectful. The role involves frequent contact with Council members and Traditional Owners, requiring clear communication, cultural awareness, and a commitment to service excellence.

This position suits someone who is organised, calm under pressure and committed to delivering accurate work that supports the NLC's governance obligations.

About You

You will bring:

• At least two years' experience in payroll, finance, or payment processing, preferably in a government or Aboriginal organisation;
• Experience supporting elected bodies, boards, or councils in a liaison or administrative capacity;
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial and personal information;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn financial and records systems (TechOne, TRIM or similar); and
• A current C Class driver's licence and willingness to travel remotely by 4WD or light aircraft when required.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). This measure aims to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and representation within the Northern Land Council and to ensure culturally appropriate service delivery to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities.

Why join the NLC?

Working in Council Services means being part of the team that keeps the NLC's representative structures running well.  You'll see the direct results of your work - every processed payment, organised trip and well-run meeting helps Traditional Owners have their voices heard.

It's meaningful, practical work in a friendly team that values respect, collaboration and cultural safety.

We offer:

• Base salary: $76,946 per annum plus 15% superannuation;
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 p.a. (plus meal and accommodation benefits up to $2,650);
• District allowance of up to $4,884 (with dependents) or $2,678 (without);
• Five (5) weeks annual leave, leave loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Annual airfare after 12 months of service (net value $3,177); and
• The opportunity to work in a new modern office in Berrimah, designed for collaboration and wellbeing

Important Dates

The NLC's annual close-down period will run from 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The organisation will relocate to its new Berrimah office in early January, with new employees commencing from 20 January 2026.

How To apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

For further information, please contact: Anne-Maree Hevey on

Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration in selection.

Applications Close: 30 November 2025.

Please note that the successful candidate will commence employment no earlier than 20 January 2026.

About the NLC

The NLC is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act We support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End to manage their lands, seas and cultures.

We are committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural safety, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Be part of our next chapter

Join us as we move into a modern new workplace and strengthen the systems that support Aboriginal leadership and community governance across the Northern Territory.