General Manager, Legal/Chief Counsel

Job Description

National Disability Insurance Agency – Sydney NSW

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5d ago , from NDIA National Disability Insurance Agency

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• Locations: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong or Brisbane
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• SES Band 2
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About the Legal, Actuarial, Governance and Reviews Group The Legal, Actuarial, Governance and Reviews Group sits at the centre of the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) stewardship of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Group supports lawful, consistent and accountable decision‐making across the Agency, helping to ensure the Scheme operates with integrity, transparency and a strong focus on participant outcomes.

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The Group partners with leaders across policy, service delivery, service design, technology, governance and corporate functions to provide expert advice and assurance on legal, actuarial, governance and review matters. It plays a critical role in supporting the Agency's reform agenda and ensuring decisions align with legislative requirements, governance frameworks and the intent of the NDIS.

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The NDIA operates in one of Australia's most complex public policy environments. The Agency supports more than 750,000 Australians with disability through the NDIS while implementing significant reforms to ensure the Scheme remains sustainable, effective and focused on delivering high‐quality outcomes for participants.

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Within the Group, the Legal Division provides trusted legal services and participant‐centred dispute resolution. The Division supports NDIS reform activities through expert legal advice and guidance, helping to ensure lawful, fair and consistent decision‐making across the Agency. The Division comprises three branches responsible for Agency Legal Services, Dispute Resolution and Litigation, and Public Law, Legislation and Practice.

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This full‐time role can be undertaken from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong or Brisbane.

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Key duties The successful candidate for the position of General Manager, Legal/Chief Counsel will demonstrate the capability to:

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• Provide authoritative legal leadership and strategic counsel to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Board and senior executives on complex, high‐profile and sensitive matters.
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• Lead the Agency's legal function to deliver clear, timely and practical legal advice on legislative interpretation, administrative law, litigation, governance, information release and operational decision‐making.
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• Ensure Agency decisions, policies and practices are legally sound, procedurally fair and aligned with statutory obligations and the objectives of the NDIS legislation.
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• Support the implementation of major Scheme reforms by translating legislative and policy changes into practical legal frameworks, operational guidance and effective governance arrangements.
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• Build trusted relationships across government and with key external stakeholders to influence lawful, consistent and accountable decision‐making.
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• Manage legal risk and strengthen governance, assurance and integrity frameworks across the Agency.
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• Lead and develop a high‐performing legal team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
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• Provide independent, balanced and solutions‐focused advice that balances legal risk, policy intent, operational realities and participant outcomes.
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• Lead the Agency's legal function
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• Locations: Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong or Brisbane
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• SES Band 2
\n

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About the Legal, Actuarial, Governance and Reviews Group The Legal, Actuarial, Governance and Reviews Group sits at the centre of the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) stewardship of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Group supports lawful, consistent and accountable decision‐making across the Agency, helping to ensure the Scheme operates with integrity, transparency and a strong focus on participant outcomes.

\n

The Group partners with leaders across policy, service delivery, service design, technology, governance and corporate functions to provide expert advice and assurance on legal, actuarial, governance and review matters. It plays a critical role in supporting the Agency's reform agenda and ensuring decisions align with legislative requirements, governance frameworks and the intent of the NDIS.

\n

The NDIA operates in one of Australia's most complex public policy environments. The Agency supports more than 750,000 Australians with disability through the NDIS while implementing significant reforms to ensure the Scheme remains sustainable, effective and focused on delivering high‐quality outcomes for participants.

\n

Within the Group, the Legal Division provides trusted legal services and participant‐centred dispute resolution. The Division supports NDIS reform activities through expert legal advice and guidance, helping to ensure lawful, fair and consistent decision‐making across the Agency. The Division comprises three branches responsible for Agency Legal Services, Dispute Resolution and Litigation, and Public Law, Legislation and Practice.

\n

This full‐time role can be undertaken from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong or Brisbane.

\n

Key duties The successful candidate for the position of General Manager, Legal/Chief Counsel will demonstrate the capability to:

\n

\n
• Provide authoritative legal leadership and strategic counsel to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Board and senior executives on complex, high‐profile and sensitive matters.
\n
• Lead the Agency's legal function to deliver clear, timely and practical legal advice on legislative interpretation, administrative law, litigation, governance, information release and operational decision‐making.
\n
• Ensure Agency decisions, policies and practices are legally sound, procedurally fair and aligned with statutory obligations and the objectives of the NDIS legislation.
\n
• Support the implementation of major Scheme reforms by translating legislative and policy changes into practical legal frameworks, operational guidance and effective governance arrangements.
\n
• Build trusted relationships across government and with key external stakeholders to influence lawful, consistent and accountable decision‐making.
\n
• Manage legal risk and strengthen governance, assurance and integrity frameworks across the Agency.
\n
• Lead and develop a high‐performing legal team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
\n
• Provide independent, balanced and solutions‐focused advice that balances legal risk, policy intent, operational realities and participant outcomes.
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In addition, the APS Values and the Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours set out the expected behaviours for all Senior Executive Service leaders. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership that promotes integrity, accountability, inclusion and respectful workplace behaviour.

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Applications close on Monday 5 October 2026.

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Eligibility

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To be eligible for employment with the NDIA, applicants must be Australian citizens. Successful applicants must obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance at the Negative Vetting 1 level and may be required to undertake an NDIS Worker Screening Check where applicable.

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Legal qualifications and admission as a legal practitioner in Australia are mandatory requirements for this role. Experience in government, administrative law, litigation, statutory interpretation, social policy or human services will be highly regarded.

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The NDIA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people, mature-aged workers and carers.

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RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.