Paralegal

Role overview

Central Highlands Regional Council is looking for an energetic and detail-focused Paralegal to join its Legal and Property team in Emerald. This is a permanent full-time position supporting legal research, legislative compliance, administration, litigation matters, insurance claims, and significant council projects. Flexible working hours may be available for the right person.

What you will do

• Prepare and arrange lodgement of court papers and other legal documents, including notices of intention to defend.
• Assemble evidence briefs and briefs for external legal counsel and expert witnesses.
• Support the creation and upkeep of the approved panel of legal service providers, and coordinate with outside counsel, solicitors, and experts as required.
• Maintain the register of all matters referred to the Legal Team, making sure documents and correspondence are filed, monitored, and answered within required timeframes.
• Independently assess and respond to third-party claims against Council, including working with Council’s liability insurer when needed.
• Submit, administer, and coordinate Council insurance claims, including complex disaster and major loss claims.
• Help design and apply plans and procedures that ensure legislative compliance is recorded accurately and on an ongoing basis across Council.

What we are looking for

• A current driver’s licence.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving ability, with initiative and flexibility.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information, work with care and precision, and meet service standards.

Pay and conditions

This position is remunerated under Stream A, Level 3 - 4 at $96,765.51 to $110,927.30 per annum, inclusive of superannuation and locality allowance. The council notes that this reflects a 5% increase from July 2026. The role is based in Emerald and is a permanent full-time appointment. Working hours may be flexible for the right candidate.

Benefits

• Generous superannuation arrangement.
• 5 weeks of annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading.
• Fortnightly rostered days off.
• Annual uniform allocation.
• Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options.
• Fortnightly pay cycle.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Application requirements

Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation for the role along with a resume that outlines relevant career history. A position description should be downloaded and reviewed before applying. This employer welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds as an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who progress will take part in a shortlisting process.

Eligibility and pre-employment checks

To be appointed permanently, candidates must be an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency, or have a visa that allows permanent work in Australia. If a candidate only has a temporary work visa, appointment may be made on a temporary basis provided the work complies with visa conditions.

Pre-employment checks for this role include right to work in Australia, a medical assessment, a criminal history check, and reference checks.

Additional information

For a confidential discussion, contact the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours. Applications close on Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 8:00 am.