General Counsel

The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) is more than just an employer. We aim to provide our employees the opportunity to:

• Contribute - give back to your community, share your knowledge and improve safety.
• Develop - grow your skills, develop a career path, and expand your horizons.
• Thrive - find balance between work and home life, make a change and enjoy a better future.

As a member of DMPE, you will help support the development of Western Australia’s resources sector, which oversees resource development and improved environmental outcomes for mining, petroleum and exploration for the benefit of WA and future generations. We value diversity and appreciate every individual’s perspective, bringing together a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and success.

The Role

• Lead the Department’s legal and information management functions.
• Provide strategic, high-level legal advice in a complex regulatory environment.
• Support the regulation of Western Australia’s resources sector.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team delivering expert legal services.
• Oversee litigation management and legal risk matters.
• Lead information governance, records management, privacy, and responsible information sharing.
• Help ensure sound regulatory decision-making across the Department.
• Strengthen organisational compliance and effective risk management.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the Legal and Information Management Directorate.
• Influence the strategic direction of the Legal and Information Management Directorate.
• Apply deep expertise in statutory interpretation, legislation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Bring senior legal experience from government or other highly regulated settings.
• Take on a leadership opportunity with real impact in one of WA’s most significant industries.

Qualifications & Licenses

• Degree in Law.
• Current Australian practising certificate that enables the holder to engage in legal practice as a government legal practitioner or eligible to obtain one prior to commencement of employment.

Benefits working for DMPE

• Flexible working hours (with a standard 37.5 hour week)
• Flexible working arrangements (from home, the field and office)
• 20 days of annual leave per year (which can be taken at half pay)
• 17.5% leave loading paid annually on accrued annual leave
• 15 days personal leave per year
• 13 weeks long service leave every seven years (which can be taken at half pay)
• 18 weeks paid parental leave (after 12 months of service)
• 3 public holidays in lieu per year
• 5 days reproductive leave per year
• 10 days disability leave per year
• 5 days bereavement leave
• 5 days cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people per year
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Opportunities for professional development, acting, shadowing and mentoring
• Formal training options
• Stable work, job security, fair remuneration and 12% superannuation contributions

Interested? Click on “Apply” now to learn more about the role and how to a