Department of Treasury and Finance
Job reference: 843703
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE, 5015 - PORT ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

We are currently seeking applications for a Legal & Governance Officer to join the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit - Department of Treasury and Finance.

Remuneration: LE2 – Salary Range ($84,730 - $96,101 p.a.).

About the opportunity

We are seeking a Legal Officer & Governance Officer to join FERU on an ongoing basis. This role sits at the intersection of law, policy and operational delivery, providing practical legal advice that directly supports recovery outcomes and reform initiatives.

Working closely with the Principal, Legal & Governance, you will apply legal judgement informed by Crown Solicitor’s Office advice to support day‑to‑day operations, manage risk and ensure FERU’s practices remain lawful, proportionate and defensible.

This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional who values public purpose, enjoys working in a complex operational environment, and wants their advice to have a tangible impact on how recovery is delivered.

About the role

In this role, you will:

• Provide clear, practical legal advice to support FERU’s recovery and enforcement activities under the Fines Enforcement and Debt Recovery Act and related legislation.
• Interpret legislation, policies and procedures to support lawful decision making and consistent operational practice.
• Draft, review and manage legal documents, correspondence and advice relating to disputes, compliance matters and recovery actions.
• Support court proceedings, including assisting with case preparation and attending court alongside the Principal, Legal & Governance as required.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams, bailiffs and external legal advisors to ensure recovery actions are lawful, proportionate and procedurally fair.
• Identify legal risk, emerging issues and opportunities to strengthen governance, controls and business processes.
• Contribute to FERU reform initiatives by helping improve systems, communications and practices to better support compliance and recovery outcomes.

 About you

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Sound knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures, with the ability to apply legislation in a practical, operational context.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, particularly when working with complex or sensitive matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate legal advice and documentation.
• An understanding of the importance of procedural fairness, compliance and integrity in enforcement and recovery activities.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, balancing legal requirements with operational realities.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and contributing positively to a reform‑focused environment.

 We offer:

• Meaningful work that supports fairness, accountability and public confidence
• Exposure to a broad range of legal, governance and operational matters
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to develop your legal capability within a complex regulatory setting
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to wellbeing
• A diverse and inclusive workplace that values integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement
• A rewarding career where your work makes a genuine difference
• Supportive career development opportunities
• Salary packaging options
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Be Well Program.

About us

At the Department of Treasury and Finance we work together to ensure South Australia is a thriving, prosperous state now and into the future.

We are the lead agency for economic, social and financial policy outcomes. We play a vital role in providing financial services to the community and economic and fiscal policy advice to the Government of South Australia.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and we embrace flexibility and embrace diversity. We believe people are our most valuable asset, so we work to support the skills, knowledge and capability of our staff.

The Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU) plays a critical role in supporting the fair, lawful and effective enforcement of court‑imposed financial obligations across South Australia. Through ongoing reform, FERU is strengthening recovery outcomes while ensuring procedural fairness, compliance with the Fines Enforcement and Debt Recovery Act, and public confidence in the system.

FERU is evolving how it delivers recovery embedding stronger governance, clearer decision making, improved communications and contemporary, evidence‑based practices that balance compliance with community impact.

For a confidential discussion about the role please contact:

Erminia Morizzi, Executive Assistant
Tel: 08 8429 0276
Email: erminia.morizzi3@sa.gov.au

Special conditions

Some out‑of‑hours work and intrastate/interstate travel may be required. The role works across FERU locations in the CBD and Port Adelaide and is subject to pre‑employment screening requirements.

If you are a strategic, forward‑thinking leader ready to shape the future of recovery in South Australia, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions

To be considered, all applications must be submitted online via I Work for SA by clicking Apply and following the instructions.

Applicants are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae and covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the key selection criteria and demonstrating suitability for the role. Applicants are to include the name, title and contact details of at least two referees, one being current or most recent. Applications will include a completed pre-employment declaration, and applicants will undertake and return a satisfactory General Employment Probity check, Working with Children check and Fines History check.

The Department of Treasury and Finance is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, culturally diverse backgrounds, disability, all genders, and LGBTQI+ community. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us if invited to interview.

Applications close: 24/05/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- LE2 - Legal & Governance Officer April 2026.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.