Attorney-General's Department
Job reference: 848708
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Classification: LEC5
Salary Range: $180,058 + Superannuation
Duration: Up to 5 years
Vacancy Type: Full Time, part-time or sessional
Number of Positions Available: Up to 2 FTE
Closing Date: 11:30pm, Thursday 2 July 2026

About the Opportunity

The Attorney-General, Hon. Kyam Mayer, MLC, is calling for expressions of interest from high calibre candidates for the role of Commissioner of the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET). Applicants should be a legal practitioner of at least 5 years’ standing or have extensive knowledge, expertise or experience in workers compensation law.

Legal practitioners should note:

• Sub-rule (1) of rule 225 of the South Australian Employment Tribunal Rules 2024 provides that a legal practitioner who is a former Commissioner is not permitted to accept or retain a brief or instructions to appear in the Tribunal in the jurisdiction(s) to which they were previously assigned for a period of 2 years after ceasing to be a Commissioner. That general restriction is in accordance with rule 38.4 the South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules.
• However, in accordance with the exception provided by rule 38.7 of the South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules, sub-rule (2) of rule 225 of the South Australian Employment Tribunal Rules 2024 states that sub-rule (1) does not apply to a legal practitioner who was a Commissioner for 1 year or less.
• Sub-rule 225(2) was created to address the concern amongst the legal profession that an appointment as a Commissioner would adversely affect that person returning to legal practice. If a Commissioner leaves within their first year of appointment, sub-rule 225(2) should ensure that person can return to legal practice within the jurisdictions of the Tribunal.

Commissioners are responsible for conducting compulsory conciliation processes, and where appropriate hearings, in accordance with the South Australian Employment Tribunal Act 2014, Return to Work Act 2014, Fair Work Act 1994, other relevant Acts and the SAET Rules.

To be successful you will have impeccable personal integrity, a demonstrated commitment to fairness, understanding of diversity issues and excellent dispute resolution skills. You must have the ability to work in a high-volume and complex case-driven work environment and to resolve and determine disputes within limited timeframes and using SAET’s electronic case management system.

The recruitment process will have regard to an appointment that reflects a diversity of experiences, including exposure to both employee and employer interests.

About the Business

The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) is the principal employment dispute resolution forum in South Australia. SAET is an independent, accessible tribunal and court for responding to and resolving employment related disputes quickly, that operates with minimal formality and cost, while promoting the best principles of decision-making.

For more information about the Attorney-General’s Department and also SAET, please visit https://www.agd.sa.gov.au/ and https://www.saet.sa.gov.au/.

Special Conditions for Employment

Employment is dependent upon a National Police Certificate clearance that the AGD finds satisfactory. Successful applicants will be provided further information if an interview is requested. Forms are not to be lodged directly with SA Police (SAPOL) under any circumstances and any fees incurred by applicants in doing so will not be recoverable from the AGD.

• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required.

Additional Notes

You will be prompted to attach your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter (2 pages) after you have answered the questions via the link below. For more information please download the Job Application Pack. 

For further information about this exciting opportunity that is not covered by this website please contact Wendy Wakefield, Registrar, on (08) 8177 3500 or SAETAdmin@sa.gov.au

Click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application.

The Attorney-General’s Department values workplace diversity and is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respectful work environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

The South Australian public sector supports flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements wherever reasonably possible. The sector is diverse and desires to increase in diversity and to create opportunities for more South Australians.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application via the contact above or our website https://www.agd.sa.gov.au/.   

Applications close: 02/07/2026 10:30 PM

Attachments:
- Commissioner Ad 2026, Workers compensation focus.pdf
- Job Pack Commissioner 2026 - Workers Compensation focus.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.