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Jobs

Our industry specialists will listen to your aspirations and share your story with Australia’s most prestigious organisations. Together, let’s write the next chapter of your career.

See all jobs

Exclusive recruitment partners

Explore the opportunities from a range of organisations that exclusively partner with Robert Walters for their hiring needs.

Learn more
Services

Australia's leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources.

Read more
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Contact Us

Truly global and proudly local, we've been serving Australia for over 25 years with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Get in touch

Principal Crown Prosecutor (ODPP)

About ODPP

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) represents the state in criminal cases. The community’s interest is that the guilty be brought to justice and the innocent not be wrongly convicted.

The main function of the ODPP is to prosecute criminal matters in the Magistrates (limited), District, Supreme and Mental Health courts, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia.

There are three aspects to the work of the ODPP:

  • Legal preparation
  • Court appearances
  • Victim liaison work

 

The ODPP is an independent statutory office of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. The Director, with the help of officers appointed under the Act and the Public Service Act 2008, has the primary function of prosecuting on behalf of the State of Queensland people charged with criminal offences in the High Court, Supreme Court, District Court, Magistrates Court and Mental Health Court and Review Tribunal.

The ODPP also provides information to victims of crime and their families to assist them to interact with the criminal justice system. The ODPP has a role in restraining and confiscating proceeds of crime (in conjunction with the Crime and Misconduct Commission) under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002.

 

Why Cairns?

Cairns is one of Australia’s busiest regional cities, attracting tourists from all over the world. In recent years, many people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of major cities have been relocating to Cairns, and here's why:

  • Diverse Economy: Beyond tourism, Cairns has a $2.4 billion agriculture industry and significant contributions in Marine Sciences and Tropical Health. The city is also a higher education hub with two universities and a TAFE Queensland campus.
  • Affordable Living: Cairns offers a lower cost of living compared to Australia’s capital cities, with cheaper housing, private schooling, childcare, and parking. Monthly expenses range from $1500 to $2100
  • Strong Community Feel: Cairns has a close-knit community atmosphere where making friends is easier. This fosters frequent and meaningful social interactions, ideal for building lasting relationships
  • Convenient Travel: Cairns Airport offers direct flights to major Australian cities and international destinations, making travel easy and accessible.
  • The Esplanade: A popular waterfront precinct featuring a lagoon pool, boardwalks, and weekly markets, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
  • City Center Activities: The city center is a hub of activity with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and cultural events, ensuring there’s always something to do.
  • Healthcare and Education: Cairns boasts excellent healthcare facilities and top-tier educational institutions, ensuring a high quality of life for residents.

 

For more information on why Cairns is a great place to relocate, visit the Cairns Regional Council website. Click the button below to learn more about moving to Cairns.

A career at ODPP / Why work at ODPP?

Wherever you start your public service career, you’ll do meaningful work from day one, be asked to contribute, be recognised for your perspective, and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) values results, professional growth, workforce diversity and a balance between work and life commitments.

Staff are actively encouraged and supported as individuals and have access to excellent working conditions, a range of work experiences, learning and development opportunities.

Vision and values

ODPP vision

Be a cutting edge prosecution service by:

  • Effectively performing prosecution functions
  • Delivering professional prosecution services
  • Utilising contemporary approaches to emerging criminal justice and organisational issues
  • Sustaining excellence in our service delivery
     

ODPP values

We value results, professional growth, workforce diversity and a balance between work and life commitments. ODPP members are actively encouraged and supported as individuals and have access to excellent working conditions, a range of work experiences, and learning and development opportunities.

The ODPP strives to be:

  • Fair
  • Dynamic
  • Independent
  • Professional


 

About the Role

As a Principal Crown Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Cairns, you will lead complex criminal trials and appeals, independently initiate and manage serious criminal charges, and perform circuit work throughout Queensland. Your leadership will ensure high-quality prosecution services, involving the management and mentoring of legal staff, and active stakeholder engagement.

In addition to your prosecutorial duties, you will provide leadership within your Chambers, ensuring the high-quality delivery of prosecution services. This includes managing the performance, workflow, and reporting requirements of your Chambers, and mentoring other Crown Prosecutors and legal staff to enhance their professional capabilities.

Your role involves active management of stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective communication between the ODPP and parties to proceedings, and contributing to office-wide initiatives aimed at improving systems and work practices. You will also monitor the health and well-being of your staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Selection Criteria

Legal Expertise:
  • Admitted as a Legal Practitioner in Australia with extensive experience in complex criminal trials and appeals.
  • Proven ability to exercise independent discretion in serious criminal matters.

Leadership and Management:
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing legal and support staff.
  • Ability to mentor and develop professional capabilities within the team.

Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Strong communication skills for managing relationships with key stakeholders, including the Queensland Police Service, Court Services, and community groups.
  • Effective at addressing the needs of crime victims.

Professional and Ethical Standards:
  • Commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
  • Contribute to office-wide initiatives and system improvements.

Health and Well-being:
  • Experience in managing the well-being of staff in potentially traumatic environments.
  • Ability to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Join us to safeguard the rights of vulnerable people, reduce First Nations over-representation in the justice system, end domestic and sexual violence, and minimize gambling harm. Your leadership will be vital in achieving these objectives across Queensland.


To learn more and apply for this role, click the link below.

Meet your experts

Samantha Fernando

Samantha Fernando

Head of Public Sector, Brisbane

Samantha brings over 14 years of leadership experience in business and recruitment, focusing on Federal, State, and Local Government sectors. With a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and an MBA specialising in leadership, Samantha aims to elevate and align our public sector services with Robert Walters Group's broader service lines, emphasising excellence and innovation.

Ryan McCarthy

Ryan McCarthy

Government, Brisbane

Ryan is a specialist in identifying candidates for senior leadership roles in the public sector. He leads the HR, Safety, and Organisational Design practice area at Robert Walters. With international experience in Singapore, Birmingham, and Abu Dhabi, Ryan brings a global and local perspective to support candidates and clients in their key appointments.