Job description
Agency Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Work unit Policy and Governance
Job title Legal and Policy Officer Designation Professional 3
Job type Full time Duration Fixed to 30/06/2026
Salary $110,873 – $124,173 Location Darwin
Position number 32250009 RTF 329561 Closing 07/09/2025
Contact officer Ros Harrison, Client Services Manager on 08 8999 4362 or [email protected]
About the agency http://www.aapant.org.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=329561
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF
YOUR TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
AAPA values diversity. AAPA encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people
with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process,
go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures
plans, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
To provide advice and support in relation to legal and policy issues relevant to the work of the Authority.
Context statement
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is an independent statutory authority responsible for overseeing the protection
of Aboriginal sacred sites on land and sea across the Northern Territory. The protection of sacred sites is recognised by the
Northern Territory Government and the broader Territory community as an important element in the preservation of the
Territory’s cultural heritage, for the benefit of all Territorians. The Authority seeks to strike a balance between the protection
of sacred sites and development in the Northern Territory.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide timely, efficient and accurate policy advice on matters relevant to the work of the Authority.
2. Undertake research and analysis on legislation, policy and operational matters.
3. Prepare legal instruments and other correspondence.
4. Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of relevant areas of the law.
5. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
6. Consult with a wide range of stakeholders including Aboriginal Land Councils, government agencies, landowners,
proponents in the agricultural, mining, oil and gas sectors, and developers of public and private infrastructure.
7. Organise work so as to manage priorities effectively and meet deadlines.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Bachelor’s degree or other postgraduate qualification in Law.
2. Quality experience and knowledge of legal policy issues or legal practice in relevant fields.
3. Well-developed conceptual, analytical and collaborative skills to manage a wide range of organisational issues and in
researching and evaluating issues, defining options and preparing recommendations for scrutiny at the Executive,
Ministerial and Government level.
4. High-level oral and written communication skills and the ability to formulate reports for various audiences
5. Substantial experience in negotiating effectively and communicating in a professional manner.
6. Proven experience in managing projects and workload in order to meet Authority needs and deadlines, to cope with
pressure and to work as part of a team.
7. An ability to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Desirable
1. Knowledge of the Northern Territory Aboriginal political context in which the NTASSA operates.
2. Prior experience working in an Aboriginal land based legal context such as Northern Territory cultural heritage, land
rights or native title.
Further information
The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a criminal history check. A criminal history will not exclude an applicant
from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history.
