Principal Assistant Parliamentary Counsel

Parliamentary Counsel's Office

Principal Assistant Parliamentary Counsel

Temporary (12 months, with possibility of extension or ongoing)

Classification Grade: Public Sector Senior Executive, Band 1

Salary: $240,561 – $266,345 p.a. Total Remuneration Package

Work type: Accepting applications for both Full-time and Part-time

Location: Sydney CBD

Applications Close: Monday, 12 October 2026

About the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office (PCO)

The NSW Parliamentary Counsel’s Office (PCO) is a Public Service executive agency related to The Cabinet Office. We are responsible for drafting legislation for NSW, including Bills for introduction into Parliament and a wide range of statutory instruments such as regulations, rules, proclamations and orders. We also provide drafting services for non-Government Members of Parliament under arrangements approved by the Government.

PCO also delivers the editorial, publishing and access services that support the NSW statute book. We manage the NSW legislation website, which is the only official NSW Government site for online access to legislation, publishing "as made" and consolidated versions, as well as Bills and related material, so the community and Government can access accurate, up-to-date legislation.

Our work ensures the laws of NSW are clear, effective and accessible, supporting the Government, Parliament and the people of NSW.

We offer:

1) Meaningful impact: your work helps shape the laws that govern everyday life in NSW, with work that is visible and enduring.

2) Breadth and complexity: work across a wide range of subject areas and instruments, from Bills to regulations and other statutory instruments.

3) Support, development and flexibility: a collaborative environment with mentoring and flexible working arrangements.

About the role

The role is responsible for delivering a key drafting program in close collaboration with the Parliamentary Counsel. It works with the drafting and legislation editing and parliament teams to ensure the program is delivered to a high standard, aligned with the vision and direction set by the Parliamentary Counsel and responsive to the priorities and requests of the Government and Parliament of NSW. The role also personally drafts and develops complex legislation, provides legislative policy and legal advice to Government, Members of Parliament and other clients, coaches and develops legislative drafters, assists in leading a team in partnership with a Deputy Parliamentary Counsel, and contributes to the wider management and strategic objectives of the Office.

Review the role description here.

If possible, we will also be seeking to create a talent pool for other roles that may become available. Information on talent pools is available here.

Essential requirements include:

• Admitted or eligible for admission in Australia as a legal practitioner, or undertaking a course that will soon lead to admission in Australia.
• Extensive experience in legislative drafting and detailed knowledge of best-practice drafting principles.

Location & flexibility

This position is primarily based in Sydney CBD (Martin Place), with flexible working arrangements available in accordance with NSW Public Sector guidelines.

How to apply

Please submit:

1) A cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience align with the role’s key requirements and essential criteria.

2) Your resume (maximum 5 pages).

Candidates may request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process. Please let us know in your application if you require adjustments or alternative formats to participate or if there is anything we can do to assist, please contact us.

Contact

For more information, please contact Keeland Tracy, Manager People & Culture by email at [email protected].

Our commitment

PCO acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the continuing connection of First Nations peoples to Country.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability, carers and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.