Department of Health and Aged Care
Government Lawyer Graduate Program (Feb 2025)
Australian Capital Territory
Opportunity expired
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- AUD 78,954 - 83,424 / Year
- Plus 15.4% superannuation
- 50-150 vacancies
- Apply by 14 Apr 2024
- Start date 2 Feb 2025
The Legal and Assurance Division (LAD) is the main internal legal practice for the Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) delivering legal services across the wide spectrum of the Department’s activities (except for the Therapeutic Good Administration which is managed by the Regulatory Legal Services Division). The Department’s lawyers work in an exciting, dynamic and intellectually challenging environment providing and managing legal services for the Department. The legal branches are the first point of contact for departmental staff requiring legal advice and assistance. There are currently two legal branches:
- The Advice and Legislation Branch provides strategic legal services about a broad range of administrative law, compliance and legislative development matters across the breadth of the Department’s portfolio responsibilities. Key areas include advising on matters related to aged care, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Medicare and biosecurity. The branch also manages the Department’s FOI practice and coordinates the Department’s legislation program.
- The Corporate, Commercial and Litigation Branch provides legal services relating to employment, privacy and information, corporate governance, litigation and commercial law issues. The branch also undertakes data breach assessments under the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme and manages the department’s Privacy Policy and arrangements with external service providers.
The legal branches are responsible for delivering a wide range of high-quality, client-focused legal services on a broad range of complex legislative, program and policy issues affecting the Health and Aged Care portfolio. The legal branches assist the Department to manage legal risk, finding solutions to complex problems and delivering on its strategic and corporate priorities.
Over the two years, you will have the opportunity to undertake extended rotations across core legal practice areas to ensure you develop strong foundational skills as a government lawyer. You will have access to specialised legal training, mentoring from senior lawyers, and financial and study leave support to assist you to complete your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
To be eligible for the legal stream you either need to have completed or be willing to complete, your Practical Legal Training and be admitted as a lawyer (which the Department will support you to do).
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Australian Citizen
- Law, Legal Studies & Justice
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
I enjoy my role and have a broad range of tasks. I do feel the division of duties between my supervisor and myself is unequal and that I carry the burden of duties.
I work on PBS Financial Estimates in a data-based role.
Policy work, Checking emails, writing briefs and submissions to the minister, working closely with stakeholders
About the employer
Department of Health and Aged Care
4.0
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
Join us, and contribute to better health and wellbeing for all Australians, now and for future generations.
Pros and cons of working at Department of Health and Aged Care
Pros
The people are described as "lovely and supportive," creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
The culture is "psychologically safe" and fosters personal development.
There are "opportunities to work on important and interesting projects."
"Extensive learning" through webinars and other resources is provided.
Flexibility in work hours, with one respondent noting they "generally work 7-3" and appreciate the company’s flexibility.
Cons
Some corporate processes can "slow and hinder delivery of projects."
The recruitment process is "very lengthy and often difficult to navigate."
Pay is noted to be "better in the private sector," indicating potential dissatisfaction with salary.
Work can sometimes be "a bit repetitive and not very technical."
Some supervisors' capabilities can "impact your learning outcomes."