Senior Legal Policy Adviser

About us

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.

The Industrial Relations Victoria (IRV) division provides strategic industrial relations legislative, policy and technical advice to the Government and departments.

IRV develops and reviews regulatory frameworks to support a positive industrial relations environment and fair and productive workplaces, secure work and gender pay equity.

IRV also oversees industrial relations matters and enterprise bargaining policy and processes across the Victorian public sector. It works towards achieving a positive working environment for all Victorians through engagement with public and private sector employers, workers, and other stakeholders and representatives.

IRV consists of the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Private Sector group and the Public Sector group.

About the role

This position is responsible for providing strategic and expert advice on industrial relations policy issues and supporting the development of programs and initiatives to achieve the Government's industrial relations priorities.
The successful applicant will provide strategic and expert legal policy advice on a broad range of industrial relations issues and reforms impacting the Victorian private sector workforce and legislative reforms to assist Victoria's participation in the national industrial relations system and state/federal relations. This may include provision of advice and support of major inquiries and reviews, including in relation to reforms to Fair Work laws, gender equity at work, secure work and protections.

The successful applicant will demonstrate experience and expertise in the provision of high-quality legal policy advice combined with a comprehensive knowledge of industrial relations matters and legislative processes; high level analytical and conceptual skills; a proactive, strategic approach, and excellent communication and writing skills.

Key accountabilities

This position has the following responsibilities:

Provide high quality policy advice on a range of industrial relations matters affecting the private sector and the national workplace relations system, including Fair Work laws, secure work, worker protections and gender equity in the workplace.
Formulate policy options and assist in the implementation of industrial relations policy, programs and initiatives to achieve the Government's priorities affecting the private sector and the national industrial relations system
Prepare time sensitive and high-quality ministerial briefs, written reports, submissions and correspondence on industrial relations matters.
Provide industrial relations advice, information and support to stakeholders in relation to the Government's industrial relations policies.
Develop and maintain networks and relationships with external stakeholders regarding industrial relations issues in the private sector.
Assist in representing the Department and the Victorian Government in meetings, conferences and seminars about specific industrial relations issues and initiatives.
Participate in cross-functional projects in IRV and the Department to address specific issues or introduce reforms.
About you

We are seeking applications from candidates with demonstrable experience in:

Demonstrated relevant experience in the provision of strategic and legal policy analysis and advice, demonstrating a strong knowledge of industrial relations and workplace matters including legislative frameworks, policy issues and developments, trends and emerging issues in the private sector.
Well-developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to provide pragmatic, concise, solutions-based legal policy advice.
Well-developed written and oral communication skills including the ability to prepare high quality briefings, concise reports and correspondence on complex policy issues.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment, to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in a pressured situation, in an environment that is complex and ambiguous.
Tertiary qualifications in law, industrial relations or economics is highly desirable.
Current knowledge and experience in workplace and industrial relations would be highly regarded.
Experience and qualifications
About our culture

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.

How to apply

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Sharon De Silva on 0448 372 1+7.

To apply, select the `Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close at midnight, 1 May, 2025. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Covid-1+ Vaccination
DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-1+ Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated. Read more