Position Title: Workplace Rights Advisor

Organisation: Queensland Council of Unions

Program: Queensland Migrant WorkWise

Employment Status: Full Time 6 months Fixed Term Contract (with a possibility of an extension)

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

Reports to: Director, Queensland Migrant WorkWise and ultimately the General Secretary, Queensland Council of Unions

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.

Queensland Migrant WorkWise is a Queensland Council of Unions initiative that provides education, information and support to temporary visa holders and employers about Australian workplace rights and obligations. The program works closely with affiliated unions, government agencies, community organisations and the Immigration Advice & Rights Centre (IARC) to improve workplace compliance and reduce the exploitation of migrant workers.

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

Position Purpose

The Workplace Rights Advisor provides specialist industrial information, advice and support to the Queensland Migrant WorkWise program to improve workplace outcomes for migrant workers across Queensland.

Working closely with the Director, Outreach Officers, affiliated unions and external stakeholders, the position provides expert advice on workplace rights and obligations, assists in resolving workplace issues, identifies emerging trends affecting migrant workers and supports strategic responses to systemic workplace exploitation.

The role complements the work of Queensland Migrant WorkWise Outreach Officers by providing specialist industrial expertise and ensuring workers receive timely information, referrals and support. Where appropriate, the position will coordinate referrals to affiliated unions, the Immigration Advice & Rights Centre (IARC), regulators or legal representatives to ensure workers receive appropriate assistance within each organisation’s area of expertise.

The position also contributes to policy development, education resources and stakeholder engagement to improve awareness of workplace rights among migrant workers and employers.

Key Responsibilities

Workplace Rights Advice

• Provide accurate information and practical guidance on Australian workplace rights and obligations, including wages, conditions of employment, work health and safety, discrimination, workplace bullying and superannuation.
• Support Queensland Migrant WorkWise Outreach Officers in responding to workplace enquiries and identifying appropriate pathways for assistance.
• Assist workers to understand available options for resolving workplace issues through unions, regulators and other relevant organisations.
• Maintain appropriate records and contribute to monitoring emerging workplace issues affecting migrant workers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Referrals

• Work collaboratively with Queensland Migrant WorkWise Outreach Officers to support workers requiring more specialised industrial assistance.
• Coordinate referrals to affiliated unions where workplace representation or organising opportunities are identified.
• Work closely with the Immigration Advice & Rights Centre (IARC) to ensure workers requiring immigration assistance or Workplace Justice Visa advice receive appropriate referrals.
• Develop productive working relationships with regulators, community organisations, government agencies and legal practitioners.
• Assist in identifying matters that may warrant strategic litigation, regulatory intervention or broader industrial campaigns.

Industrial Research and Policy

• Monitor emerging workplace issues affecting migrant workers across Queensland.
• Analyse trends and contribute to policy development, submissions and reports.
• Prepare briefing papers, case studies and recommendations that inform advocacy and program development.
• Assist in developing practical resources for workers, employers and affiliated unions.

Education and Capacity Building

• Contribute to the development of education materials and information resources.
• Assist with presentations, workshops and stakeholder education activities.
• Provide technical industrial support to Outreach Officers and other program staff.
• Promote awareness of workplace rights through collaborative education initiatives.

Skills and Experience

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience providing advice or information on industrial relations, workplace rights or employment law.
• Sound knowledge of the Fair Work Act, modern awards, enterprise agreements, work health and safety and related workplace legislation.
• Experience interpreting industrial instruments and explaining complex workplace issues clearly.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefing notes or educational materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively with unions, community organisations or government agencies is highly regarded.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities would be advantageous.

Relevant qualifications in industrial relations, law, public policy, human resources or a related discipline are highly regarded, but not mandatory for experienced applicants.

Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• A commitment to improving workplace outcomes for migrant workers.
• A commitment to the values and principles of the trade union movement.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and integrity.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A collaborative approach to problem solving and stakeholder engagement.
• Initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Other Requirements

This position is based in Brisbane and may require travel throughout Queensland as required.

Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

The Queensland Council of Unions is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity employment.

Other

This is a 6 month fixed term contract until 29 January 2027 with a possibility of an extension. The position is supported through the Department of Home Affairs ‘Protecting Migrant Workers’ program funding which may be extended.

Key Selection Criteria

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