Indie is a leading alternative educational organisation committed to supporting child safety, inclusion, and equitable access to education across Australia. Our legal team is growing, and we are seeking a legal professional to provide expert advice on matters of disability discrimination, mandatory reporting, and compliance with state and national education laws, particularly as they pertain to schools, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and child safety.

Position Overview:
Indie is looking for an experienced Legal Counsel who will play a pivotal role in providing strategic legal advice on disability discrimination matters, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), and the mandatory reporting requirements for child safety in educational and training contexts.

Based at Launceston, Tasmania, the successful candidate will need to have or be willing to develop an in-depth understanding of both state (Tasmania) and national Australian laws regarding schools, RTOs, and child protection to ensure our policies and practices remain compliant and responsive to evolving legal standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert legal counsel on disability discrimination and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) in the context of student enrolments and access to education or vocational training within schools and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
• Advise on mandatory reporting and child safety requirements under State and national Australian laws, ensuring compliance in educational settings, including schools and RTOs.
• Interpret and apply state and national legislation affecting educational institutions and training organisations, focusing on child protection, disability rights, and student enrolments.
• Advise the executive team on mandatory reporting obligations related to child protection, guiding the navigation of complex reporting requirements.
• Offer strategic advice on policy development, focusing on inclusive education, reasonable adjustments, and compliance with disability discrimination law.
• Conduct legal research on emerging issues in disability rights, child safety, mandatory reporting, and educational laws, keeping the organisation informed of legislative changes.
• Draft legal reports, policy documents, and compliance resources on disability discrimination, child protection, and mandatory reporting.
• Collaborate with the executive team on policy development, providing insights into best practices for inclusive education and child welfare.
• Identify legal risks and recommend practical solutions for ensuring compliance in student enrolment processes and child safety protocols.
• Stay informed on changes in child protection legislation, disability rights, and education law, advising on necessary policy updates.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor of Law with a current Australian legal practicing certificate.
• A minimum of 5 years PAE preferably in either human rights law, education law or child protection law.
• Strong knowledge of state and national laws regarding disability discrimination, mandatory reporting, and child protection in schools and RTOs.
• Experience advising educational institutions, including schools and RTOs, on disability inclusion, enrolment policies, and child safety protocols.
• Familiarity with mandatory reporting laws and child protection guidelines in educational settings.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and drafting skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to drive legal and policy changes.
• A passion for child safety, inclusive education, and disability rights.
• Previous experience advising schools, RTOs, or government education bodies on disability rights, child protection, and enrolment practices.
• Ability to support policy reform efforts in the educational sector, particularly on student rights and inclusion.

Mandatory Certifications:
For this role, applicants must be willing and able to obtain:

• Annual National Police Checks
• Working with Children’s Check (relevant to the state(s)).

Benefits of Indie

• Attractive PBI Salary packaging is on offer through Maxxia
• Uniform provided
• 15 days paid personal leave
• Paid parental leave provisions
• Access to an Employee Wellbeing Platform via Sonder
• Locations all around Australia

Remuneration

• Remuneration will be offered in accordance with the AWCC Enterprise Agreement 2022-2025, at Level 16 ($114,232) to Level 18 ($128,013), depending on experience and qualifications.

To apply:

Please click the Apply button on SEEK or the Careers portal to submit your current resume and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) highlighting why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Ock Visser via email [email protected]

Applications close 1 May 2025. All applications will be reviewed upon submission and applicants may be interviewed and appointed prior to this date.