Policy Lawyer and Senior Policy Lawyer

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Do you have a passion for identifying innovative policy ideas and achieving positive operational outcomes? The Criminal Assets Litigation team within the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce has vacant Policy Lawyer positions and also intends to create a 12 month merit pool for future vacancies. 

The appropriate band level will be assessed for the successful candidates according to their experience and skill set against the AFP work level standards. These roles work closely with litigation lawyers and investigation teams and provide a challenging opportunity for legal policy practitioners who enjoy problem solving, exploring new subject areas and developing strong policy to support operational outcomes. 

The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce adopts an intelligence led, coordinated and proactive approach to the confiscation of assets related to Commonwealth and international crime. It brings together expertise in investigations, litigation, intelligence, forensic accounting, legal policy and other specialist resources and representatives from key partner agencies including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Transaction Analysis and Reporting Centre (AUSTRAC). The main aim of the taskforce is to enhance the identification of criminal assets and benefits derived from crime, and to pursue their confiscation.

Criminal Assets Litigation (CAL) is a key part of the Taskforce and Policy Lawyers are part of the CAL team, working alongside litigation lawyers and investigators. CAL is responsible for conducting civil litigation on behalf of the Commissioner under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) and for international referrals under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 (Cth), as well as providing legal advice to the Taskforce and the Commissioner on proceeds of crime and related matters. 

CAL’s Legislation and Policy team works on a broad range of matters including providing high quality input into legislative reform proposals, policy development, submissions to parliamentary inquiries, and documents negotiated by international bodies. The team regularly liaises with internal stakeholders including, Legislative Reform, Strategic External Forums and Ministerial teams within the AFP, and external stakeholders including at the Attorney-General’s Department and Department of Home Affairs. The team works collaboratively and creatively to identify innovative solutions to policy and legislative issues. 

What will you do?

You will work with litigation lawyers, investigators and other internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative law reform proposals, input into policy development and the negotiation of documents developed by international bodies, and strategy for the confiscation of criminal assets. We don’t expect applicants to be experts in asset confiscation, however, applicants need to be enthusiastic and open to exploring new subject areas, building expertise and taking up new opportunities. 

Your duties may include:

• working closely with internal and external stakeholders to identify, develop and implement legislative changes;
• drafting or responding to policy and legislative reform proposals and providing input into parliamentary inquiries;
• conducting legal research and providing advice on issues relevant to asset confiscation;
• providing input in relation to documents produced by various international fora;
• assisting in responding to intergovernmental reviews including review mechnisms in relation to the Financial Action Task Force
• Recommendations and United Nations Convention Against Corruption; and
• preparing briefings for the Criminal Assets Litigation executive and AFP executive.

Please see candidate pack for more information on these roles. 

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• Either hold a current practising certificate as an Australian Legal Practitioner or be eligible to apply for one.
• A minimum of 12 months Post Admission Experience.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance, or ability to obtain one.
• Hold tertiary qualifications in law and possess contemporary relevant legal policy knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated willingness to maintain currency in legal knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development and learning opportunities outside the formal education process.

Desirable Requirements

• An understanding of legislative and parliamentary processes. 
• Experience in Commonwealth criminal law, asset confiscation, litigation, international cooperation and/or law enforcement.

Additional Information

• These roles sit within the AFP Legal Broadband 3-8
• Opportunities are available in ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA. Flexible hybrid work from home arrangements will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 

Diversity and inclusion is an operational priority for the Australian Federal Police (AFP). To be an effective police force, we must be reflective of the community we serve, working across languages, cultures and transnational borders. The 2023-26 Diversity & Inclusion Strategy is the guiding framework for delivering the AFP’s diversity and inclusion goals and reflecting our commitment to being an employer of choice, incorporating diversity and inclusion principles in day-to-day practice and building a psychologically and culturally safe workplace. This includes hiring people from diverse backgrounds who bring their lived experience to contribute, and add value, to the AFP. Find out more about how the AFP embraces diversity and inclusion.

Contact Officer - Simona Timmins,

Contact Officer Phone: 02 5126 0487, ​

Contact Officer Email: Simona.Timmins@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 16/04/2024