The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) works to make energy consumers better off, now and in the future. We focus on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions.
We regulate electricity networks and covered gas pipelines, in all jurisdictions except Western Australia. We set the amount of revenue that network businesses can recover from customers for using these networks.
From 1 July 2026, the AER structurally separated from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and transitioned into a standalone non-corporate Commonwealth entity with its own accountable authority, staff and budgetary control.
The separation of the AER from the ACCC is a significant regulatory reform aimed at improving the governance and operational autonomy of the AER and is an exciting time to join us and help shape our new agency.
THE CHANCE
As Senior Advisor, Employee Relations you will…….
Key responsibilities include:
Support the AER through workplace change, including establishing the HR capability, functions and services required of the Employee Relations team following legal separation.
Contribute to the enterprise bargaining process, including claims development, agreement drafting, and related activities required to support negotiations and implementation.
Provide high-level advice and case management for employee relations matters, including sensitive and complex performance management, preliminary assessments and formal investigations.
Partner with the AER Capability team and managers to support employee development, strengthen manager capability, and improve organisational understanding of employee relations and performance policies, practices and procedures.
Provide expert advice on interpreting and applying the Enterprise Agreement and HR legislation, while reviewing and maintaining people policies,
industrial instruments and procedures, undertaking Employee Council secretariat duties, supporting projects, and fostering the AER archetypes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We invite applications from people with the following experience, skills and attributes:
Demonstrated understanding and application of HR frameworks, including legislation, strategies, policies, guidance, systems and practices relating to employee relations, performance management, complex health and case management, and formal investigations or procedures.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coach, consult, negotiate and collaborate with a range of stakeholders to facilitate positive outcomes.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity and deliver quality outcomes within defined timeframes, while driving governance, system and process improvements in line with legislation and best practice. Relevant tertiary qualifications in psychology, human resources, AHRI accreditation and/or equivalent experience are desirable, as is recent APS experience in performance, conduct, complex case management, investigations and enterprise bargaining.
ELIGIBILITY
Australian Citizenship – our successful candidate must be an Australian Citizen
Security clearance – our successful candidate is required to hold, or have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level
Employment check – your suitability for employment will be assessed through a screening process.
CONTACT OFFICER AND CLOSING DATE
For further information about the role, please contact Gabriel Fattal on 02 059 . Applications close at 11:30pm, Wednesday 12 August 2026 (AEST).
To learn more about working at the AER, please visit
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📌 Senior Advisor, Employee Relations (Melbourne)
🏢 @
📍 Melbourne