Legal Counsel (12-month fixed term contract)

About the role

The Legal Counsel reports to the General Counsel and GM Regulation and is a 12-month contract to cover the incumbent who will be on parental leave. This role is responsible for providing legal and strategic advice, managing procurement and contracting activities, and supporting governance and compliance across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Providing timely and succinct legal and strategic advice across the organisation, including advice pertaining to research, development and adoption (RDA) projects, commercialisation, licensing agreements, management of intellectual property, privacy, freedom of information, compliance with the Wine Australia Act 2013 (Cth), compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), and compliance with Wine Australia's Statutory Funding Agreement (SFA)

• Ensuring Wine Australia's procurement policy is adhered to including contract processes and insurance requirements

• Drafting and reviewing various agreements including goods and services agreements, MOUs, collaboration/sponsorship agreements, funding agreements, material transfer agreements and commercialisation agreements

• Supporting Wine Australia's governance framework, statutory compliance obligations and regulatory functions

• Ensuring that Wine Australia meets its statutory reporting and disclosure requirements under the Act, the PGPA Act, Wine Australia's statutory funding agreement, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013

About you

• Unrestricted South Australian practicing certificate

• Experience with a corporate/commercial firm or in-house

• Government experience desirable

• Wine sector or agribusiness sector experience desirable

• Knowledge of wine and wine law advantageous

• Commercially minded

• Strong legal analytical skills

• Experience advising on governance, regulatory or compliance matters

• Sound understanding of privacy and information management obligations

• Ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice

• Experience with reviewing research contracts desirable

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Collaborative and positive approach to working with others

About us

Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine's integrity and uphold the sector's reputation. Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.

Benefits

You'll join a collaborative and supportive team, with flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that is globally recognised and highly regarded.

Wine Australia is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples and people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates who require them. 

How to apply

Submit a cover letter and resume via Seek. Closing date:  COB 2 September 2026. 

For further information about Wine Australia please visit our website: www.wineaustralia.com