Policy and Advocacy Officer

Position Description

SA Unions is the United Trades and Labor Council of SA, representing the South Australian union movement and over 160,000 members across our state,

Since 1894, our history is rich. It has been our advocacy and dogged campaigning for almost a century and a half that has been responsible for the huge leaps forward in the living conditions of workers in this state.

SA Unions' mission is to:

• Maximise the union movement's effect in political, social, economic and industrial issues.

• Defend and extend the rights of working people,

• Increase the standing of trade unions; and,

• Provide leadership and co-ordination on issues of broad concern to unions and the community.

Role description

The Policy and Advocacy Officer works with the Secretary, the Coordinator of Union Power and Women's Strategy, and stakeholders across the South Australian union movement to:

• Develop and advocate for the advancement of policy positions of interest to unions and workers.

• Undertake research, prepare briefs and draft responses to significant and emerging industrial issues.

• Develop submissions which advance the interests of workers and the union movement.

• Support the advancement of the State Wage Case.

The applicant must have strong communication and research skills and can interpret data to progress our goals.

Experience building alliances, engaging with government, employers and representative bodies is advantageous.

This role would suit an early career law graduate or industrial officer.

Key Criteria

• Experience working for a trade union, or working in an in-house role with exposure to employment law is advantageous.

• Industrial officer experience, or legal qualifications and experience.

• A sound understanding and working knowledge of the Federal and State Fair Work Acts and relevant workplace legislation.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation and regulation.

• Strong knowledge of contemporary industrial relations.

• Exposure to drafting reports and/or submissions to inquiries and Parliamentary Committees.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to produce high quality submissions, plans and reports.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key industrial, political and community stakeholders.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise work.

• Demonstrated commitment to union values and integrity.

• Familiarity with union coverage and priorities in South Australia.

• Current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or ability to obtain a WWCC.

Salary and conditions

• Part Time 0.8FTE

• Reporting to the Coordinator of Union Power and Women's Strategy

• Employment conditions subject to the SA Unions Enterprise Agreement

• Salary: UTLC 4.1, $96,434 p.a ($77,147 at 0.8FTE)

Flexible working arrangements and attractive leave entitlements including 12 rostered days off per year, Christmas shutdown leave and 4 weeks annual leave.

Whilst the position is based in the Adelaide CBD, staff have access to remote working options.

As a union movement with a proudly diverse membership, we are committed to equity and inclusion; and continuing to build a union movement that is truly representative of the workers we cover. We encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and women.

To Apply:

Applications accepted via Ethical Jobs – Policy and Advocacy Officer – Job in Adelaide – SA Unions

Applications close 10th October (5pm, ACDT)

SA Unions

Job posted on: September 19, 2025

Applications close: Friday 10th october (5pm, ACDT)

Salary: Salary: UTLC 4.1, $96,434 p.a ($77,147 at 0.8FTE)