General Counsel – Sunshine Coast Council
- Partner with CEO, Executive & Council on complex, high-impact decisions
- Strengthen legal capability and drive performance across the organisation
- Contribute to one of Australia’s most liveable regions
Sunshine Coast Council (Council) is one of Australia’s most dynamic and forward-looking local governments, serving a thriving region of more than 370,000 residents. The region is experiencing significant growth and investment, underpinned by Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–2030, which sets a clear vision for the Sunshine Coast to be Australia’s most sustainable region – connected, liveable and thriving.
As a major partner in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Council is entering a critical period of transformation, with increasing complexity across planning, infrastructure, development and community outcomes. This is a pivotal appointment, with a clear mandate to strengthen legal capability and organisational confidence, while positioning the function as a trusted partner to the business.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel provides strategic legal advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Council, while leading the Legal Services Branch. The role is central to ensuring Council’s legal risks are effectively managed and that decision-making is supported by clear, pragmatic and commercially sound advice.
You will lead and shape the delivery of legal services across a broad and complex portfolio, including planning and environment, property, procurement, governance and litigation. A key focus will be strengthening relationships across the organisation, improving service delivery and ensuring legal advice is accessible, timely and aligned to business needs.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide proactive guidance on emerging legal and regulatory issues, support major projects and transactions, and represent Council in legal proceedings where required. You will also oversee external legal providers and contribute to the ongoing development of a high-performing, collaborative and customer-focused legal function.
About You
You are an experienced senior legal leader with a strong track record operating in complex organisational environments. You bring a blend of technical excellence and commercial judgement, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice that supports decision-making.
Your background may include local or state government, government-owned corporations or large, complex private sector organisations. Experience advising Boards, senior executives or elected officials will be highly regarded, along with exposure to areas such as planning and environment, property, infrastructure or development.
You are a credible and engaging communicator, able to build trust quickly and influence at senior levels. You bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset, with the confidence to provide frank and fearless advice while maintaining strong relationships across a diverse stakeholder group. Importantly, you are a values-led leader who can inspire confidence, foster a positive team culture and deliver high-quality legal services in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
This is a career-defining opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s most liveable regions, where your impact will be visible across the organisation and the broader community.
Get in Touch
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/3athtdnb
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For a confidential discussion, please contact Ash Stewart on 0408 856 689 / ashleigh.stewart@davidsonwp.com or Emma Wallace on 0432 060 301 / emma.wallace@davidsonwp.com
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