Industrial Relations Advisor

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 05 ($103,256.00 - $111,861.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15885

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 14 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

The AFP’s Industrial Relations team sits within the broader Workplace Relations team in the People Services branch and is responsible for overseeing, managing and maintain the organisations employment framework. The Industrial Relations team are a Tier 3 advisory team, providing an escalation point for complex matters arising from and relating to the AFP’s employment framework. The team provide considered advice to decision makers and HR teams (among other areas) across the organisation as well as actively seek opportunities to align the employment framework with the Commissioner’s intent and HR best practice.

As an advisor within the IR team, you will offer valuable expertise and specialist advice to AFP decision makers, HR teams and business areas, ensuring proactive and effective management of industrial risks throughout the organisation. A primary component of this role involves analysing and interpreting Commonwealth legislation and the AFP’s employment framework, governance and guiding principles, as well as leading engagement with key internal and external stakeholders. This role requires extensive collaboration across the organisation, in particular with the broader Workplace Relations team and the AFP’s Legal team. You will be required to work closely with your peers to foster a harmonious and risk-aware work environment, which in turn assists in shaping the strategic direction of the AFP.

What will you do?

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Providing accurate and timely advice to internal and external stakeholders by interpreting the Enterprise Agreement, legislation, industrial instruments and relevant policies.
• Preparing formal correspondence for an executive audience, including briefs and minutes.
• Providing clear, informed advice to AFP Senior Executive on dispute resolution matters. 
• Providing responses to the AFP’s unions on behalf of the organisation on employment relations matters.
• Representing the interests of the AFP when instructing on litigation matters before external courts and commissions. 
• Working closely with the AFP's Legal team to resolve complex employment-related matters.
• Upholding high ethical standards and integrity when handling sensitive personnel information.
• Supporting the development workplace change processes and policies resulting from industrial relation decisions and legislation changes.

About you: 

Our ideal candidate will have the following experience and attributes:

• Strong knowledge of workplace legislation, policies and procedures.
• A knack for developing innovative solutions to a broad spectrum of matters within the boundaries of a complex employment framework.
• The ability to convey messages effectively and sensitively across multiple audiences, including the Senior Executive.
• An appreciation of the value of developing strong networks and relationships with our Command partners and stakeholders and have the tools to excel in this space.
• Proactive, strive for excellence and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A collaborative style and an understanding of the value in sharing information and knowledge.
• Adaptability and resilience to dynamic, complex environments and enjoy facing new challenges every day.
• Demonstrated effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work with others to build and sustain an effective, positive and collaborative team.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Relevant work experience in a HR role or Industrial/Workplace Relations team.

Desirable Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or progress towards this outcome.
• Experience in a specialised Industrial/Workplace Relations team.

Additional Information

• This role is an AFP Band 5 level.
• This role is based in ACT, suitable applicant will be required to be located in ACT, or relocate at own expense.

Selection Criteria

• Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes
• Communicating and working effectively with other people
• Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We're all individuals and we love that. At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Jaquelyn Ferricks

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 5235 ​

Contact Officer Email: jaquelyn.ferricks@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 08/05/2026

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au