[Hiring] Chief Magistrate @Australian Taxation Office

Role Description

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is seeking expressions of interest for two positions:

• Chief Magistrate of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions and Coroner of Norfolk Island
• Magistrate of the Norfolk Island Court of Petty Sessions and Deputy Coroner of Norfolk Island

Both positions will become available in the first half of 2027. The successful candidates will be appointed as Magistrates, with one candidate to be appointed Chief Magistrate in June 2027.

This merit-based process reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to integrity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Recognised Australian legal qualification
• At least five years’ experience as a legal practitioner
• Judicial experience in remote communities on a broad range of matters (highly desirable)
• Coronial experience (highly desirable)

Requirements

• Outstanding legal expertise (ideally judicial and/or coronial expertise)
• Integrity, impartiality, and professionalism
• Exceptional organisational and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Resilience and adaptability
• Must be an Australian citizen
• Preferred applicants may undergo police record checks and background checks
• Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at the Baseline level

Benefits

• Daily fee rate based on the full-time base salary of the Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge of the FCFCOA
• Travel allowance for official domestic travel involving overnight absences

How to apply

Applications for these positions close at 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday 4 October 2026. Your application should be submitted through the department’s online recruitment system.

If you experience any issues submitting your application, please contact our recruitment team at 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected].

Assessment Process

The assessment process is designed to determine the suitability of candidates for the role. As part of your application, you will need to provide:

• Your current Curriculum Vitae (CV), no more than 4 pages
• The name and contact details of 2 referees
• A statement of claims (maximum 750 words) addressing how you meet the selection criteria

Candidates will be assessed by the panel initially on their written response to the selection criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to undergo psychometric assessments.

Private Interests Declaration

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a Private Interests Declaration, disclosing any criminal convictions, financial interests, and any substantiated or ongoing complaints to a professional body.

Privacy

Information provided by prospective applicants will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982.