Principal Industrial Relations Adviser

Attorney-General's Department

Job reference:

Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Classification: ASO8

Salary Range: $121,107 - $125,679 + Superannuation

Duration: Up to 2 years

Vacancy Type: Full Time

Number of Positions Available: Multiple

Closing Date: 11:30pm, Thursday 5 February 2026

About the Opportunity

The Principal Industrial Relations Adviser is accountable for conducting sensitive and high-level negotiations dealing with significant industrial relations claims and matters, including major Enterprise Bargaining negotiations, and the provision of advocacy services involving significant cases. The Principal Industrial Relations Adviser works closely with the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD), senior staff in the Minister’s office, Office of the Chief Executive AGD and public sector agencies to assess major industrial relations claims, develop appropriate responses, conduct necessary negotiations in related matters, whilst advocating the Government’s position before the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) and other industrial tribunals. The Principal Industrial Relations Adviser is responsible for major AGD projects, contributes to policy development and is responsible for training divisional staff in negotiation strategy and techniques and Industrial Relations advocacy.

About the Business

The Industrial Relations and Policy Branch is responsible for providing industrial relations advocacy and advisory services on behalf of the ‘declared employer’ under the Fair Work Act 1994 (SA). In particular:

• public sector enterprise bargaining (agency level and sector wide)
• industrial dispute resolution
• employment-related litigation in the South Australian Employment Tribunal
• policy development

The Branch comprises a small, collaborative team of experienced industrial relations professionals. We work closely with the Office of the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector and with senior colleagues in other public sector agencies.

For more information about the Attorney-General’s Department and also Industrial Relations and Policy, please visit

Special Conditions for Employment

Employment is dependent upon a National Police Certificate clearance that the AGD finds satisfactory. Successful applicants will be provided further information if an interview is requested. Forms are not to be lodged directly with SA Police (SAPOL) under any circumstances and any fees incurred by applicants in doing so will not be recoverable from the AGD.

Technical Expertise (Desirable): Relevant tertiary qualification(s), including Industrial Relations, Law, Business or Economics.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

Additional Notes

You will be prompted to attach your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter (2 pages) after you have answered the questions via the link below. For more information please download the Job Application Pack and Job and Person Specifications.

For further information about this exciting opportunity that is not covered by this website please contact Simon Johnson, Director Enterprise Bargaining on or

Click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application.

The Attorney-General’s Department values workplace diversity and is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and respectful work environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

The South Australian public sector supports flexible ways of working including part-time working arrangements wherever reasonably possible. The sector is diverse and desires to increase in diversity and to create opportunities for more South Australians.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application via the contact above or our website