Solicitor, Legislation (or Legislation Officer)

An exciting opportunity exists for a lawyer to join the in-house legislation team at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

The role is part of the Legislation Branch of the Legal and Legislation Division and works together with policy and operational areas of DEECA as a value adding, trusted delivery partner.

The role is part of an all-round government legislative team where you will be able to pivot to support the Department with priority risks and issues as required focusing on legislative development, legislative reform and legislative advice. The team also maintains specialised expertise across a diverse range of core in-house subject areas, including:

• Energy and resources
• Modernisation of the State Electricity Commission
• Climate change action including emissions reduction
• Environment protection reform including waste and recycling reforms to build a Circular Economy
• Agriculture including biosecurity and animal welfare reform
• Fire and emergency management
• Water management
• Aboriginal self-determination reform
• Crown land and other public land management; and
• Statutory interpretation.
• The role will suit a person who enjoys supporting the delivery of a strategic legislative reform work program to provide support to key work streams where it is needed most, in the most effective manner possible. You will play a key role in supporting the Division’s legal and legislation function as a proactive, highly respected strategic advisory service for complex, high-value work.

You will join a positive, supportive workplace culture which recognises staff achievement and promotes knowledge sharing, cross-skilling of work and strongly embodies the DEECA values of teamwork, service excellence, ownership and wellbeing and safety. As part of the Division, you will take pride in being part of this culture.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A law degree
• An Australian lawyer holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) will be considered favourably but is not essential.
• Experience in the development and delivery of legislation (primary and secondary legislation, namely Acts of Parliament, Bills, regulations, Orders and instruments) in a legal or policy role will be considered favourably but is not essential.
• Experience in providing advice on legal and legislative issues in a legal or policy role in some of the following practice areas will be considered favourably but is not essential: administrative law, environment law, energy and resources law, water law, climate action law, public land use and development, natural resource management and emergency management.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position 2 Lonsdale Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace 

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.