Industrial/Legal and Compliance Officer

The Australian Workers' Union/The Australian Workers' Union of Employees, Queensland (collectively known as the AWU) is the nation's oldest and one of its most influential trade unions, representing approximately 75,000 working Australians. We are also a diverse union, representing workers across industries including (but not limited to): manufacturing, steel, aluminium, glass, oil and gas, aviation, agriculture, civil construction, state public services, local government, youth justice, aged care and disability care, public and private health, food manufacturing, resources, events, horticulture, retail and aquaculture.

Getting the best outcome for our members is at the heart of what we do.

We are currently looking for a permanent Industrial/Legal and Compliance Officer to join our Queensland branch industrial team.

The branch industrial team protects the interests of the AWU and its members through advocacy in the Fair Work Commission, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, the Queensland Industrial Court and the Federal and Federal Circuit Courts. We dispute unfair dismissals and other unjust employer conduct, recover underpayments for workers, review collective agreements for compliance with minimum standards, contest (or defend) eligibility rules applications, and contest approvals of non-compliant collective agreements in our industries. We provide advice to AWU officials, delegates and members, represent the AWU on committees and boards and contribute to the AWU's responses to Parliamentary and government inquiries into industrial and policy issues.

The Branch industrial team is located at the AWU's office in Brisbane QLD. While the position will be based in Brisbane, the role will require (infrequent) travel all over Queensland to attend hearings.

• Offered on a full-time basis

• A competitive salary will be offered, based on skills and experience

• Generous additional conditions of employment

• Successful candidates will be subject to a 6-month probationary period

The Industrial/Legal and Compliance Officer is responsible for providing effective legal and industrial advice and representation to the Branch, as follows:

• Advocacy before the Fair Work Commission, Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and relevant courts and other tribunals

• Providing advice and support to the Branch around a range of industrial and legal matters including, disciplinary matters; dispute resolution; discrimination; harassment; bullying; redundancy; unfair dismissal; and adverse action

• Drafting enterprise agreements and assisting with enterprise bargaining

• Development of educational legal materials and delivery of training for members and Union Officials

• Providing legal advice and co-ordination in relation to union governance and our compliance framework

• Providing legal advice and representation in relation to operational matters as required

• Demonstrated commitment to union values.

• Qualifications in law (and a keen interest in industrial relations) and admission as a solicitor in the State of Queensland (with practicing certificate).

• Minimum 3+ years of industrial relations experience is required for this role.

• Comfortable and adept at working in a team environment.

• Ability to work autonomously and to demonstrate initiative.

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Strong advocacy skills and the ability to represent the AWU in hearings and conferences.

• Prior advocacy experience in industrial tribunals is required before starting this role.

• High-level research and legal reasoning skills

• Familiarity with key AWU industries (see list above); and

• Prior experience in a union legal/industrial team (Min. 2 years).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE C.O.B. FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2026