Job Description

Principal Legal Officer, Employment Law

• Join DCITHS Legal Team, within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport  
• This is a Clerk Grade 11/12 role with a salary range of $154,231 - $178,369 per annum plus superannuation
• Full-time temporary role (until 30 June 2027) based in Sydney NSW, hybrid working arrangements may be available within business operational needs

About The Role

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for providing expert, independent, professional legal advice and legal services in all aspects of government law with a specific focus on employment law to support the efficient operation and delivery of business outcomes.

Essential Requirement

Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practicing Certificate

About You

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Legal Officer to join a small high performing in house legal team. This role will focus on employment law. You will be providing practical and solutions-focused advice and legal support. Which may include advising on contracts of employment, dispute resolution, employee misconduct and performance management, compliance with the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 and Rules, unfair dismissal claims, Work Health and Safety legislation, discrimination claims and industrial matters.

To learn more about the role, please click here to download the role description.

How To Apply

Your application must include a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and an up-to-date resume (maximum 5 pages) that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the above role.

Closing Date

Thursday 12 November 2026 at 11:59pm

Contact

For enquiries relating to the role please contact Rebecca Jeyasingam, Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Services - Rebecca.Jeyasingam@dciths.nsw.gov.au

For enquiries relating to the recruitment process or reasonable adjustments please contact James Changkaeomanee, Talent Partner – james.changkaeomanee@dciths.nsw.gov.au

Please note the Department has an office closure from 12pm Thursday 24 December 2026 to Friday 8 January 2027 (inclusive). Recruitment will recommence on Monday 11 January 2027 and candidates will receive an update on their application from this date onward.

Working at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS) 

At DCITHS we unite the state’s key creative industries, Cultural Institutions, hospitality, entertainment, sports and tourism entities.

Collaborating with our stakeholders, we grow industries, create vibrant places, support wellbeing and enrich the cultural and creative life of NSW by: 

• driving visitation, participation and attendance for diverse events and experiences 
• enabling dynamic precincts, venues and creative industries  
• creating connection between people and their communities   
• providing inspiring, safe and accessible experiences and facilities for individuals and groups.

At DCITHS, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact James Changkaeomanee, Talent Acquisition Partner at james.changkaeomanee@dciths.nsw.gov.au or on 02 9228 3637.

For more information on reasonable adjustments and types of alternate formats available through the recruitment process you can visit ‘Adjustments for Individual needs’ at I work for NSW.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles for this role or similar roles that may become available over the next 18 months.