Surveillance Devices Commissioner

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

The Surveillance Devices Commissioner is a senior executive role in the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, based in Parramatta as a full-time appointment with remuneration of $272,811. You will independently assess surveillance device warrants under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007, provide legal advice, and lead governance frameworks for law enforcement. Essential requirements: admission as an Australian legal practitioner with at least seven years’ experience, eligibility for judicial appointment, and deep expertise in criminal law and surveillance devices. To apply, submit a tailored cover letter max two pages and resume max five pages that show high-stakes decision making, governance leadership and stakeholder engagement by 23 June 11:59pm AEST. Questions contact Lida Kaban or the executive recruitment team for adjustments if needed.

Surveillance Devices Commissioner

• Located in Parramatta
• Ongoing Full-Time Opportunity
• Public Service Senior Executive Band 1
• Total Remuneration Package of $247,865 to $272,811 available

About the role

The Surveillance Devices Commissioner is a statutory senior executive role within the Department of Communities and Justice, responsible for the independent assessment of applications for the use of surveillance devices under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007.

Operating at the intersection of law enforcement and the justice system, you will exercise significant autonomy in determining complex and often urgent applications, ensuring decisions are legally sound, proportionate and consistent with the public interest.

You will also continue to lead the development of robust governance frameworks supporting the use of surveillance devices in criminal investigations, while providing expert legal advice and guidance to law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety and the integrity of criminal investigative processes, balancing operational needs with strong legal oversight and accountability.

What you’ll do

As the Surveillance Devices Commissioner, you will:

• Assess and determine applications for surveillance device warrants in accordance with legislation, often within tight timeframes and complex legal contexts.
• Provide authoritative legal advice and appear in court as required in relation to applications and emerging legal issues.
• Lead and strengthen governance frameworks, reporting and compliance obligations under the Surveillance Devices Act.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders to support an effective application process.
• Deliver education, training and guidance to stakeholders on legislative requirements and best practice.
• Provide strategic insight to improve processes, address barriers and enhance the administration of surveillance device regimes

To learn more about the role click here.

What we’re looking for

• A highly experienced legal professional with deep expertise in criminal law, investigative processes and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated experience providing complex, high-level legal advice and exercising sound judgement in sensitive and high-stakes environments.
• The ability to assess complex applications objectively and efficiently, often under time pressure.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with law enforcement, senior government stakeholders and the judiciary.
• Proven capability to establish governance frameworks and ensure compliance with legislative and reporting obligations.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism, with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.

Essential requirements

• Admission as an Australian legal practitioner with at least 7 years’ experience, and eligibility for appointment as a Judge or judicial officer.
• Completion of a law degree (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience providing complex legal advice, ideally in relation to surveillance devices legislation or criminal investigations.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

How to apply

Click apply and attach:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role
• An up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages)

Applications close: Tuesday 23 June at 11.59pm (AEST)

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Lida Kaban, General Counsel, on 0417 244 334 or at [email protected].

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Dylan Huke on 0484 362 936 or at [email protected].

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

The Department of Communities and Justice continues to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people and other diversity groups.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information visit Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.

Thank you for your interest in applying for the role