Legal & Industrial Officer
Full-time; 13-month fixed-term position (Parental Leave cover)
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
📍 Melbourne, VIC

Are you a passionate advocate for workers’ rights with strong legal and industrial expertise? Join the peak body of the Australian union movement and help shape the future of industrial relations in Australia.

The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

About Us

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) represents almost 2 million workers and their families. Since 1927, we have led some of the most significant workplace struggles in Australia’s history. The ACTU’s role as a peak body is to encourage workers to join their union, be a national voice for our movement, and advance and defend workers’ rights through coordinated campaigns, representation at various forums, and providing industrial, policy, and other support to our affiliates.

The Role

This is a full time fixed term positon to cover a staff absence on parental leave for a period of 13 months.

As a Legal & Industrial Officer, you will play a critical role in advancing the ACTU’s industrial relations priorities through legal advocacy, strategic litigation, and policy development. Working within a team of experienced union lawyers and policy experts, you will:

• Represent the ACTU in significant cases before the Fair Work Commission and courts.
• Provide legal and industrial advice to ACTU leadership and affiliated unions.
• Develop submissions, briefs, and speeches on industrial issues and law reform.
• Represent the ACTU in consultative bodies and working groups.
• Support affiliates with advice, developing educational materials and sharing best practices.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• At least 8 years’ experience as a lawyer or industrial officer in a union, legal practice, or similar organisation.
• Strong knowledge of industrial relations and employment-related legislation.
• Demonstrated skills in industrial advocacy and negotiation.
• Excellent research, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to union values, social justice, and diversity.
• Please note: weight will also be given to candidates with less experience, but experience working for or from an under-represented community.

Desirable:

• Legal qualifications and a current practising certificate.
• Experience in anti-discrimination law or interest in law reform.
• Understanding of economic and labour market concepts.

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $142,677 – $162,159, depending on skills and experience, along with:

• Additional 15% superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement

How to Apply

Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to Ben Moxham, Director Industrial & Policy at jobs@actu.org.au.

Please note: Applications without a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

Closing Date: Applications close on Monday 25th May, 2026