Principal Prosecutor

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Prosecutor to join our team. This position can be based in Brisbane or Parramatta. The ideal candidate would have 7 years of post-qualification experience.  This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on complex and significant prosecutions that contribute to improved safety and compliance outcomes within the heavy vehicle industry, reporting to the Practice Manager of the Major Prosecutions Team.

About the Role

As the Principal Prosecutor you will be responsible for preparing and conducting complex prosecutions for offences against the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). Most of the workload deals with alleged breaches of the Primary Duty and due diligence offences under the HVNL. This will require conducting complex advocacy in court, engaging and instructing counsel, and dealing with private sector lawyers. Principal Prosecutors are also required to provide strategic and specialist direction, support and advice to the Practice Manager and Director of Prosecutions in relation to prosecutions, court outcomes and coronial briefings.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

•  Prepare and appear in the NHVR’s most complex prosecutions listed in courts of the HVNL-participating States and Territories of Australia, having due regard to all evidentiary and procedural requirements applicable to the jurisdiction.
• Assess briefs of evidence and determine reasonable prospects of a conviction in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the NHVR.
• Research, analyse and make determinations on briefs of evidence and court-elected penalty notices relating to breaches of the HVNL, while ensuring that legislative and policy considerations are appropriately applied.
• Draft documents to initiate prosecutions of breaches of the HVNL and Regulations, while ensuring that legislative and policy considerations are applied.
• Offer support and guidance to fellow team members and motivate and mentor junior staff to deliver high quality prosecution services on behalf of the NHVR.
• Participate in sensitive and complex negotiations to facilitate the achievement of early resolution of cases.
• Maintain an active working knowledge of legal constraints and precedents relating to matters of law which could influence proceedings for breaches of the HVNL and Regulations.
• Interpret and provide expert advice to operational staff and prosecutors in relation to legislation and regulations relating to offences pursuant to the HVNL.
• Liaise with stakeholders, enforcement partners, legal practitioners and court officers regarding the conduct of prosecutions.

 About you

•  Demonstrated significant experience and advanced competence in the field of prosecutions including being involved in all facets of trial preparation and working with court procedures, evidence law, and other relevant Acts.
• Proven high level interpersonal and communications skills including an ability to liaise effectively with staff, prosecutors, witnesses, police, counsel, members of the public and other prosecuting and investigating authorities.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and creatively as part of a team as well as a leader of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor more junior staff members.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining ethical standards within a prosecuting framework.

Experience

Essential to the Role

• Hold a Degree in Law and be admitted or be eligible to be admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia.
• 7 years post qualification experience.
• The incumbent is expected to handle confidential and sensitive material and adhere to all relevant guidelines in relation to confidentiality, disclosure of information, impartiality and conflict of interest.
• Out of hours work and intrastate and interstate travel necessitating overnight absences will be required.
• A current driver’s licence is essential. – Travel will be required.

Highly Regarded:

Experience in representing the Crown in the conduct of criminal prosecutions or in the conduct of proceedings relating to breaches of a Work, Health and Safety Act or other Act requiring compliance with a primary duty to ensure safety.

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

 We offer-

• A competitive salary package from $166,662.51 + superannuation
• Options for monthly or fortnightly rostered day off.
• Additional paid leave over Christmas closure. 
• Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
• Up to15.25% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme
• Leave loading 17.5%
• Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discount health insurance, flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, finance information sessions.
• Salary packaging options including novated lease.
• Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
• Ongoing training and professional development support
• Professional membership to relevant State industry body

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role. Job-share and part-time candidates encouraged.

Applications close: 5.00pm 2 July 2026 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).