Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Newly created opportunity for an experienced Privacy Lawyer
- Ongoing full-time opportunity, 35 hrs per week (part-time considered)
- Based in Parramatta (flexible hybrid working supported; other office location considered subject to availability)
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 + superannuation and annual leave loading
We are seeking an experienced privacy lawyer to lead privacy and data breach work in the Strategic Advice legal team within DCCEEW. The role provides legal advice across the Department and supports major programs in climate, energy, environment and water.
About the role
As the Principal Legal Officer – Privacy, you will provide high-level legal advice and strategic guidance across the Department on privacy law and data breach risk management. You will work closely with senior executives, crisis management teams, governance and information management specialists, and legal and policy colleagues across the Department.
Your responsibilities include:
- Provides specialist advice including on NSW privacy legislation and the new Commonwealth statutory tort of privacy,
- Support responses to data breaches and development of policy,
- Work collaboratively with legal and policy teams across DCCEEW and the broader NSW Government.
About You
You are a responsive, detail oriented and collaborative lawyer who can provide well-reasoned, timely legal advice in a complex operating environment. You bring:
- Strong experience in privacy law and data breach management in a senior legal role.
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- employment related privacy and workplace surveillance
- IT contracting and technology risk
- GIPA and regulatory compliance
- digital identity and verification
- crisis management support
- Excellent judgement, analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Senior Legal Officers with significant relevant expertise are also encouraged to apply.
Essential Requirements
- Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate.
For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer - Privacy
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.
DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and single page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
Applications close Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role, please contact Dylan Orsborn at
dylan.orsborn@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 02 8229 2806.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Nivya Shetty on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 548591).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
