- Play a key role in advancing native title and governance outcomes for Traditional Owners
- Provide high-quality legal services in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Join a respected organisation dedicated to Aboriginal rights and community empowerment
The Client
The North Queensland Land Council (NQLC) is the Native Title Representative Body for the northern region of Queensland, representing Traditional Owners across more than 900,000 square kilometres. The NQLC’s primary role is to assist Aboriginal peoples in the recognition and protection of their native title rights, and to support Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and other Aboriginal organisations in achieving strong governance and self-determination.
The Team
The NQLC’s Future Acts, Mining and Exploration (FAME) Unit provides legal and strategic services in relation to mining, exploration, large infrastructure, carbon and renewable energy projects, and other future act matters. The team works collaboratively with Traditional Owners, PBCs, governments, and proponents to ensure culturally appropriate and legally sound outcomes.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Senior Legal Officer – Coordinator, FAME Unit, the Senior Legal Officer plays a key role in providing timely, practical and culturally competent legal advice to Traditional Owner clients and corporate entities. This includes drafting, negotiating and finalising agreements such as Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), Cultural Heritage Management Agreements and Ancillary Agreements, as well as supporting governance and compliance for PBCs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing high-quality legal advice and representation to native title parties on future act and governance matters.
- Leading negotiations and drafting of ILUAs, Cultural Heritage Management Plans and other relevant agreements.
- Advising and assisting PBCs with governance, rule books, and compliance with statutory and funding requirements.
- Preparing and reviewing briefs to external legal counsel, economists, and technical experts.
About you
You are a capable, collaborative and pragmatic lawyer with strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a genuine interest in native title and Aboriginal land management. You thrive in a team environment and bring professionalism, empathy, and a high level of cultural awareness to your work.
You will bring:
- At least five years of post-admission experience and eligibility to practise in Queensland (and to enrol in the High Court of Australia).
- Strong experience in corporate, commercial, environmental or property law, ideally with exposure to native title or mining and resources matters.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate, timely advice under pressure.
- A consultative and collaborative approach, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural and professional contexts.
- Willingness to travel to remote communities as required.
This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports Aboriginal communities in exercising their rights and managing their lands for future generations. The role offers a competitive salary ($128,697.45 p.a.), 15.4% Superannuation, leave loading, access to salary packaging, and most importantly, the chance to work alongside experienced colleagues in an inclusive, stable and purpose-driven team and organisation.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/3uvk9jsa
.
To apply:
Please click Apply Now
and submit your CV and cover letter.
For a confidential discussion, contact Ashleigh Stewart
on 0408 856 689.
Applications close 4 December 2025.
