Industrial Policy & Research Officer (Gender Equity)

Position Title: Industrial Policy & Research Officer (Gender Equity)

Organisation: Queensland Council of Unions

Employment Status: Full Time

Salary: Starting salary range from $133,418.22 per annum plus 15% superannuation (Classification Level 5).

Reports to: Director Queensland Women Rise and ultimately to the QCU General Secretary

About Queensland Unions

The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is the peak representative body for Queensland’s trade union movement representing 25 affiliated unions and 400,000 working Queenslanders.

Our mission is “Leading unions to achieve industrial, political and social justice for Queensland workers”.

Position Purpose

The Industrial Policy & Research Officer (Gender Equity) leads research, industrial policy development and strategic initiatives to improve outcomes for working women across Queensland.

The position undertakes high quality research and provides evidence-based policy advice on issues affecting women at work, with a particular focus on advancing gender equality, improving workplace participation and progression, promoting safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces, and strengthening women’s economic security.

Working closely with the Queensland Women Rise team, the QCU General Secretary and affiliated unions, the role supports the translation of research and policy into practical industrial outcomes through enterprise bargaining, workplace policy development, industrial education and advocacy. The position contributes to the development of model bargaining clauses, industrial resources and policy initiatives that assist affiliated unions to achieve improved outcomes for working women.

Key Responsibilities

Industrial Strategy and Bargaining

• Research and develop model enterprise bargaining clauses and workplace policies that advance gender equity.
• Identify emerging industrial issues affecting women and develop practical bargaining strategies and resources for affiliated unions.
• Prepare industrial briefings and bargaining materials for union officials and bargaining representatives.
• Present research findings and bargaining recommendations to industrial officers, organisers, delegates and affiliated unions.
• Facilitate training and education sessions about gender equity, bargaining and emerging workplace issues.
• Monitor bargaining trends, industrial decisions and legislative developments to identify opportunities to improve outcomes for working women.

Women’s Committee

• Provide research, policy and administrative support to the QCU Women’s Committee.
• Assist with policy development, meeting preparation and implementation of Committee priorities.

Conferences and Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in coordinating women’s conferences, equity forums, workshops and other events.
• Develop presentations, discussion papers and conference materials.
• Build collaborative relationships with affiliated unions, government, researchers and community organisations.

Skills and Experience

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience in enterprise bargaining, industrial negotiations or industrial advocacy.
• Experience researching, developing and drafting enterprise agreement clauses and workplace policies.
• Understanding of the Fair Work Act, enterprise bargaining framework and contemporary industrial relations issues.
• Ability to translate research into practical industrial outcomes, including bargaining claims, workplace policies and industrial resources.
• Experience delivering training or presentations to organisers, industrial officers, delegates or other workplace representatives.

Relevant qualifications in public policy, industrial relations, law, social sciences, gender studies or a related discipline are highly regarded, but not mandatory for experienced applicants.

Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• A commitment to advancing equality for working women.
• A commitment to the values and principles of the trade union movement.
• Initiative, sound judgement and professionalism.
• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion and evidence-based policy.

Other Requirements

This position is based in Brisbane. Some travel and occasional out-of-hours work will be required.

The Queensland Council of Unions is committed to achieving gender equality and encourages applications from women.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience preparing submissions, policy papers or other high-quality written materials.

• Demonstrated experience in enterprise bargaining or industrial advocacy, including the ability to research, develop and draft enterprise agreement clauses, bargaining claims or workplace policies that improve workplace outcomes.

• Demonstrated knowledge of workplace issues affecting women, including gender equality, enterprise bargaining, industrial relations, work health and safety or related public policy.

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, build stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively.

• Demonstrated commitment to the values of the trade union movement and advancing equity for working women.

#LI-DNI

Industrial Policy & Research Officer (Gender Equity)

Queensland Council of Unions

Job posted on: July 6, 2026

Applications close: Friday 17th July (5pm)

Salary: Starting salary from $133,418.22 per annum plus 15% superannuation (Classification Level 5).