Deputy Director-General

Lead one of Queensland's most significant reform agendas as Deputy Director- General, Justice Policy and Reform. Reporting to the Director-General, you will drive system-wide change across legislation, regulation, integrity and victims' rights, shaping an integrated justice system that delivers faster, fairer outcomes. With oversight of 200 staff and direct influence on statewide reform, you will advise the Attorney-General, lead innovative policy, and inspire a culture of collaboration and achievement.

This role drives major reform agendas across legislation, criminal and civil law areas, integrity, regulation with regard to protecting community safety, and victims' rights, and provides trusted strategic advice to the Attorney-General. It leads reforms across multiple government agencies — redesigning outdated systems, cutting inefficiencies, and delivering an integrated, end-to-end justice system.

We seek a proven reform leader — whether from justice, regulatory or social policy —who thrives on delivering outcomes, influencing at the highest levels, and driving change in complex environments. Join an energetic government at the forefront of reform, with relocation support available. Reporting to the Director-General and serving as a key member of the Board of Management, you will provide transformative leadership to deliver Queensland's most ambitious justice reforms in a generation.

You will oversee national and international trends in justice administration, legislation, public policy and public safety, ensuring Queensland remains at the forefront of bold, contemporary and innovative reform. They will build strong relationships with central agencies, statutory bodies and government partners, ensuring the collaborative delivery of government priorities.

With responsibility for approximately 200 employees across Strategic Policy and Legislation, the Justice Reform Office, the First Nations Justice Office, Regulatory Policy, Secretariat Support, Special Projects and Statutory Reviews, you will inspire a capable and engaged workforce and strengthen a "one agency" culture that champions achievement, innovation and collective leadership.

About You
You are a proven leader with experience delivering major social or justice policy reforms in large and complex organisations. You combine strategic acumen with the ability to cut through complexity and deliver outcomes at pace. You may come from justice, regulatory, social policy or related fields — what matters most is your ability to deliver outcomes, influence at the highest levels, and credibly advise the Attorney-General on complex reform agendas. You bring resilience and the capacity to inspire change in resistant environments, combined with cultural capability in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities. You are adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments and at building strong relationships with central agencies, statutory bodies and national partners. Above all, you are an inspiring leader who motivates teams to embrace ambitious reform, foster collaboration across silos, and deliver lasting impact for Queenslanders.

For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Sarah Curran or Adam Dent of The Orchard Talent Group at . To apply, please submit a current CV and a brief cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your motivation and the skills that would be brought to the Department of Justice via . Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/659312/25
Closing Date: Monday, 29 September 2025