Join a revitalised, member-led union and make a real impact!

We are seeking two Industrial Officers to join the CPSU SPSF Group Victorian Branch during an exciting period of renewal and re-energisation. These are full-time, fixed-term positions for 12 months, with the possibility of conversion to ongoing.

As an Industrial Officer, you will be a leading advocate for our members. You will provide expert advice on workplace rights and obligations under enterprise agreements, awards, and legislation. You will support members in grievance, disciplinary, and performance matters, and represent them in workplace meetings, dispute resolution, tribunals, and formal processes.

Working closely with organisers, you will assess risks, develop strategic solutions, and deliver consistent, high-quality industrial outcomes. This is a fast-paced, dynamic role that places you at the centre of campaigns, negotiations, and member representation.

If you want to use your expertise to fight for members and contribute to an activist, democratic union that advocates tirelessly for public sector workers, this is your opportunity.

Role title	Industrial Officer
Term	12-month contract from the date of commencement
Full-time equivalent	1.0 FTE
Job classification range	VPSG4.1.5 – 4.1.7 equivalent. Classification dependent on experience
Base salary range	$106,747 – $111,142 per annum. Salary dependent on experience
Entitlements	Superannuation of 15.5%, paid on base salary A commuted overtime allowance of 10%, paid on base salary 12 Rostered Days Off (RDOs) per year 4 weeks of annual leave
Enterprise Agreement	CPSU SPSF Group Victorian Branch Staff Agreement 2017
Reporting to	the Branch Secretary, via an assigned Team Leader
Primary workplace	128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Role Purpose

Industrial Officers play a central role in representing union members on industrial issues. In this role, you provide timely, high-quality advice and assistance to individual members regarding their workplace rights and obligations, ensuring employer compliance with relevant industrial legislation, awards, and agreements. You support and represent members in disciplinary, grievance, and other employment-related matters, including workplace meetings, tribunals, and dispute resolution processes. You collaborate closely with workplace delegates, union colleagues, and the broader team to deliver consistent, strategic advice, identify emerging workplace leaders, and contribute to organising and campaign initiatives. Accurate record-keeping, trend analysis, and professional representation of the union are key to success in this role.

Organisational Context

The Community and Public Sector Union, State Public Services Federation Group (CPSU SPSF Group Victoria) is the union that represents Victorian public sector workers. This includes employees in the Victorian Public Service, associated public entities such as statutory authorities, public corporations, and arts and cultural institutions; as well as a handful of community and other third-sector organisations.

CPSU Victoria represents members across a wide range of occupations and departments—policy, administration, regulation, heritage and culture, IT, justice, child protection, corrections, and more. The union is based at Level 4, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, and operates within the national industrial relations system, principally but not only under the Fair Work Act 2009 and the Registered Organisations Act 2009.

The CPSU Victoria has a proud history dating back to 1885, when the first Victorian public service association was formed to secure fair treatment, job security, and independence from political interference. Today, CPSU Victoria continues that tradition—fighting for fair pay, safe workplaces, secure jobs, and respect for the vital work public sector employees do to serve the Victorian community.

The union is a democratic, member-led organisation, governed by an elected Branch Council and Executive. It is affiliated with Victorian Trades Hall and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and works collaboratively with other unions and civil society partners to advance the rights of working people.

Duties	Description
Member Industrial Advice and Support	Provide timely, high-quality industrial advice to individual members regarding their workplace rights and obligations under relevant enterprise agreements, awards, and legislation. Deliver industrial advice both verbally (via phone or in-person) and in writing (via email or formal correspondence). Participate in the rotating telephone industrial advice roster to respond to general and specific industrial queries. Respond to written enquiries as assigned, ensuring clear, accurate, and consistent messaging.
Member Representation	Represent individual members in grievance, discipline, performance management, and other employment-related matters, including workplace meetings and formal processes. Prepare written submissions and correspondence on behalf of members in support of industrial or disciplinary matters. Represent members and/or the union in conciliation, dispute resolution, or tribunal proceedings where authorised. Assess the merits and risks of each matter, and determine the most effective path to resolution, including the use of delegate or collective action where appropriate. Work with relevant workplace delegates and union staff to support and coordinate case-based responses.
Teamwork	Collaborate with other Industrial Officers to deliver high-quality casework and industrial advice across the public sector. Work closely with the MDTs to identify when individual issues should be escalated or resolved collectively, and vice versa. Identify emerging workplace leaders through casework and share insights to support organising plans. Provide peer mentoring, guidance, and informal support to Junior Industrial Officers as required.
Data Management and Reporting	Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records using the union’s database and tracking systems. Ensure all relevant case details are documented clearly to enable continuity of service and support by colleagues when required. Record case outcomes and identify trends to support internal reporting and campaign planning.
Industrial Legislation & Regulation Knowledge	Develop and maintain a sound working knowledge of relevant industrial instruments, including enterprise agreements, modern awards, employment legislation, and public sector policies. Apply this knowledge to analyse individual matters and provide accurate and consistent strategic industrial advice and representation.
Union Representation and Visibility	Represent the CPSU professionally in all member interactions, workplace settings, and external forums. Promote the union’s presence, values, and achievements to build confidence and visibility among members and stakeholders.

To apply, send a cover letter of no more than two pages, and CV to mvholman@cpsuvic.org