Principal Legal Officer

Principal Legal Officer

Join the Ministry of Health's Legal Unit for an exciting temporary full time employment for up to 21 months opportunity 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 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 contribute to the millions of ways we're enhancing health and wellness while developing your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.

The Legal Unit is assisting implementation of new tobacco and vaping reforms that include a new licensing framework for tobacco retailers and strong new powers to closure 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 $165,865 - $169,359 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

You will be working in a fast-paced environment dealing with a diverse range of legal issues.

The Legal structure has 3 teams reporting through a Director to the General Counsel for NSW Health. The role sits in the Special Counsel, Legislation and Policy team. The team's work includes legislation, legal compliance work prosecutions and general legal work arising from the day to day operation of the Ministry and the large public health system. A current focus is on the implementation and enforcement of new laws in relation to tobacco and vaping products.

The Principal Legal Officer will be responsible for reviewing and advising on the new laws, including ensuring that decisions under the new laws meet legal and administrative law requirements.  Senior 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, provide strategic legal advice on solutions and support to junior legal officers in the team.

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.

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 attaching a response to the two target questions below.

Target Questions (1-2 pages)

1. Provide an example of a situation of where you have had to quickly familiarise yourself with new legislation or law and apply it or apply existing law to a novel situation. What was the situation and how did you go about it?
2. Describe a situation in your experience when you have had to give advice that did not align with the expectations of the client. How did you seek to achieve both ensure the advice was given while maintaining ongoing a positive relationship with the client?

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 Gemma Broderick, Special Counsel, Legislation and Policy on  and quote REQ605222.

If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Frankie De Luca on

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 12 October 2025

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

1. 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.
2. For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal