- Flexible Office, Remote, Hybrid
- Full time
- Maximum term 2 years

The Position:

The Government Relations and Advocacy Officer plays an important role in strengthening the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) influence with governments, policymakers and key stakeholders to advance the social work profession and improve public policy outcomes for Australians. Working within the Social Policy and Advocacy team, you will help deliver government relations, advocacy and stakeholder engagement initiatives that support the AASW Strategic Plan. You will work across a diverse range of policy areas contributing to reforms that benefit both the profession and the communities' social workers serve.

The role builds productive relationships with Ministers' offices, government departments, parliamentarians and sector leaders, while preparing high-quality briefings, ministerial correspondence, consultation submissions and advocacy materials that inform evidence-based decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is politically aware, enjoys building relationships and is passionate about social justice. Your work will help position the AASW as the trusted national voice for social work and contribute to meaningful change for the profession.

About the Association:

The Australian Association of Social Workers is the peak body for social workers in Australia, representing more than 18,000 members across every state and territory. We set the benchmark for professional education and practice while championing social justice, human rights and policies that improve the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Your key responsibilities:

Government Relations

- Coordinate strategic government engagement activities across Commonwealth, state and territory jurisdictions.
- Monitor political developments,



legislative reform and government priorities to identify advocacy opportunities and risks.
- Prepare briefing notes, meeting papers, speaking points and correspondence for the CEO, Executive and Board.

Advocacy
- Support the design and implementation of advocacy strategies that promote the role and value of social workers.
- Support advocacy campaigns aligned with organisational priorities.
- Assist in developing stakeholder engagement plans for major policy initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to influence government decision-making and public policy.

Policy Support
- Contribute to the preparation of submissions, consultation responses and policy papers.
- Undertake policy and political research to support advocacy priorities.
- Monitor consultations, inquiries and parliamentary activity relevant to the profession.
- Ensure advocacy positions are evidence-informed and consistent with AASW policy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Project Management
- Develop productive relationships with external organisations, professional associations, consumer groups and advocacy partners.
- Coordinate stakeholder communications supporting advocacy objectives.
- Manage multiple advocacy projects simultaneously and deliver agreed outcomes within required timeframes.
- Maintain project documentation, stakeholder databases and engagement records.

Key selection criteria:

- Knowledge of the social work profession and contemporary social policy issues.




- Experience within a membership organisation, peak body, health, human services or not-for-profit sector.
- Understanding of Australia's health, mental health, disability or social services systems.
- Experience working with advocacy campaigns and strategic stakeholder engagement.

Desirable requirements:

- Tertiary qualifications in social work. Additional qualifications in policy and / or politics are advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy or public policy.
- Solid understanding of Australian government and parliamentary processes across Commonwealth and/or state jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated experience developing relationships with government and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, submissions, correspondence and reports.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated analytical and research skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to support organisational relationships with diverse stakeholders.

How to Apply The AASW is committed to equal opportunities in employment and embraces diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We encourage applications from culturally and ethnically diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the social work profession including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with a disability.

To be considered for this role, your application must include your résumé and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria listed above.

Applications close 25th of August 2026 however, we reserve the right to end the closing date early.

Please direct any queries to: *@aasw.asn.au

📌 Government Relations and Advocacy Officer - Remote (North Melbourne)
🏢 AASW
📍 North Melbourne