The Role The Chief General Counsel (CGC) is responsible for providing strategic legal leadership and advice to Defence Housing Australia, supporting sound decision-making, governance, and risk management across the organisation. The CGC leads the legal function, overseeing the delivery of high-quality legal services, including the effective use of external counsel, and ensures compliance with legislative, regulatory, and whole-of-government requirements. The role supports the Executive in managing legal and commercial risk, contributes to strategic initiatives and complex matters, and promotes a strong culture of integrity, accountability, and legal risk awareness. DHA Legal Services delivers advice that is independent, timely, practical, simple, and assists DHA to achieve its strategic objectives. All SES roles represent the Australian Public Service (APS) and government externally to stakeholders and are characterised by a high level of accountability for outcomes. How outcomes are delivered is equally as important as the outcome. The Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours sets out the behaviours Secretaries expect of themselves and SES, and want to see in leaders at all levels of the APS. The Charter focuses on behaviours that support modern systems leadership within the construct of the APS Values and Code of Conduct . These behaviours build on the Integrated Leadership System and APS Leadership Capability Framework . The key duties of the position include Everyday Activities Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, and in alignment with DHA's strategic objectives, the role encompasses both strategic leadership responsibilities and specialist legal functions. Key activities include: Provide strategic leadership as an active and influential member of the DHA Executive Leadership Team, contributing to whole of organisation strategy, governance and priority setting. Serve as chief legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures. Judge the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of DHA, work with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defence and approve settlement of disputes where warranted. Assume ultimate responsibility for ensuring that DHA conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Structure and manage DHA internal legal function and staff. Oversee the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all external counsel. Advise on legal aspects of DHA's customer service model, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal issues and advise on constitutional and administrative law issues. Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters. Collegiate leadership and stewardship of the Legal Services function while overseeing the legal program to deliver high quality outcomes for DHA. Represent DHA on high-level cross agency working groups, committees, and other forums. Represent DHA at Senate Estimates, providing clear, evidenced-based insights and demonstrating transparent, accountable stewardship. Contribute to and promote DHA-wide initiatives beyond the branch work program, for example, through organisational committees and championship roles. Proactive engagement to build and maintain productive relationships with key Commonwealth, State/Territory and non-government stakeholders in politically sensitive environments. Engage with the Managing Director, Senior Executives and the DHA's Board to identify and pursue legal strategies that support achievement of DHA's strategic objectives and position DHA to meet future needs. Modelling and adhere to the Legal Practice standards.
