Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions – Associate Director

About the Office of the CDPP

The Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is an independent prosecution service established by Parliament under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 (Cth) (the Act) to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law. 

The CDPP aims to contribute to a fair, safe and just society by delivering an effective, independent prosecution service in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The CDPP:

  • aims to be fair, consistent and professional in everything it does
  • recognises, values and develops the knowledge, skills and commitment of its people
  • works efficiently and effectively in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth
  • works collaboratively with its partner agencies to assist them in advancing their goals and priorities
  • treats victims of crime with courtesy, dignity and respect, and
  • provides information to the public about Commonwealth criminal law and prosecutions.

The CDPP operates nationally with offices in each capital city, Townsville and Cairns. The Office carries out prosecutions in the courts of every Australian state and territory and is also responsible for prosecuting offences in Jervis Bay and Australia’s external territories.  Further information about the CDPP may be obtained from the CDPP website.

The Portfolio Budget Statement 2024-25 for the CDPP lists the estimated budget as $179 million and the estimated average staffing level as 517. 

Role of the Associate Director

The CDPP operates as an independent agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. The Associate Director is appointed by the Governor-General and is an accountable authority of the CDPP. 

The functions of the Associate Director are reflected in section 18B of the Act, which provides the Associate Director has all the powers and functions of the Director, except the Director’s powers of delegation. This includes, but is not limited to, instituting and conducting prosecutions for offences against the laws of the Commonwealth. The Associate Director will also lead the ‘In-House Counsel team’ to be re-introduced by the CDPP in coming months. 

The Associate Director will work closely with the Director to set the strategic direction for the CDPP and lead the operations of the Office. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment as Associate Director, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Be a legal practitioner and have been a legal practitioner for not less than five years.
  2. Be appointed as Senior Counsel or King’s Counsel.
  3. Have, or be able to hold, a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance. To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background.
  4. Disclose all interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that may conflict with the performance of their duties, including any other place of employment. This is an ongoing requirement of the role.

Selection criteria

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, applicants will need to meet the following selection criteria consistent with the APSC Merit and Transparency Guidelines for APS statutory office holder appointments:

  • Shapes strategic thinking
    • Inspires a sense of purpose and direction
    • Focuses strategically
    • Harnesses information and opportunities
    • Shows judgement, intelligence and common sense
  • Achieves results
    • Builds organisational capability and responsiveness
    • Marshals professional expertise
    • Steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
    • Ensures closure and delivers on intended results
  • Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
    • Demonstrates professionalism and probity
    • Engages with risk and shows personal courage
    • Commits to action
    • Displays resilience
    • Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development
  • Cultivates productive working relationships
    • Nurtures internal and external relationships
    • Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
    • Values individual differences and diversity
    • Guides, mentors and develops people
  • Communicates with influence
    • Communicates clearly
    • Listens, understands and adapts to audience
    • Negotiates persuasively

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate:

  • a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice framework
  • the ability to exercise the powers, functions and decision-making responsibilities of the Director under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 (Cth) and in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. 

Terms and conditions

The successful applicant will be appointed as Associate Director on a full-time basis for a period of up to 7 years. The term of appointment will be determined by the Government. Reappointment is provided for in the Act.

The position can be based in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or Brisbane. Other locations may be considered.

Remuneration and allowances for the position are set by the Remuneration Tribunal. Remuneration Tribunal (Judicial and Related Offices – Remuneration and Allowances) Determination 2025 can be viewed at Judicial & Related Offices.

Applicants who currently receive a Commonwealth or State or Territory parliamentary pension or superannuation, or other related payments, should seek appropriate advice about remuneration.

How to apply

Apply using the online application form. Applications must include:

  • an indication of whether you meet the eligibility criteria for this statutory appointment
  • a completed statement of claims (2000-word limit) against the eligibility and selection criteria
  • an uploaded curriculum vitae no longer than 4 pages outlining qualifications, knowledge and experience
  • the names and contact details of at least 2 referees who have direct and relevant experience of your work. You will be notified prior to referees being contacted.

Please let us know the adjustments you need to help you participate in this recruitment process.

Applications close at 5:00 pm AEDT on Friday, 30 January 2026.

Apply online now

Assessment process

Applicants will initially be assessed by a panel on their written application. Shortlisted applicants will be further assessed by the panel at interview, and referees contacted.

Communication

Applicants will receive initial advice and communication by email. Please ensure the email address you provide is correct. We recommend using an email address that ensures you do not miss relevant updates or invitations – and please regularly check your junk or spam folders.

Contact

Email enquiries about the appointment process to appointments@ag.gov.au.