About the opportunity

NatRoad is looking for a Head of Policy who can shape the national conversation on road freight transport. This is a senior, high-profile role at the centre of how NatRoad advances the interests of Australia's trucking industry.

You will report directly to the CEO and work as a senior individual contributor, leading NatRoad's policy agenda and driving government advocacy across federal, state and territory jurisdictions. You will build and hold relationships with Ministers, MPs and senior officials, present policy recommendations to the CEO and Board, and act as the authoritative voice on regulatory matters for our members.

About NatRoad

With a proud history dating back to 1948, NatRoad is the largest Australian road freight transport association, supporting trucking businesses. NatRoad is an independent not-for-profit association, 100% funded through membership fees and business partnerships. Our board is made up of individuals who run transport businesses, and our members range from owner-drivers to large fleet operators, representing all aspects of the industry.

In our business we operate in a high-trust, high-accountability environment. Our members expect us to advocate credibly, deliver consistently, and handle ourselves with integrity. The Head of policy plays a critical role in making sure our members, industry, and government can see this day in day out.

We are a lean, purposeful organisation. We do not carry unnecessary complexity and what we say is what we do.

Our Values

NatRoad's values are not aspirational wallpaper. They describe how we operate, and they are the basis on which we make hiring decisions, manage performance, and assess how we are going as a team.

We expect every member of the NatRoad team, and especially those in leadership positions, to demonstrate:

- Integrity in everything they do, particularly when it is difficult or inconvenient

- Dedication to the work and to the people they are responsible for

- Reliability in following through on commitments, large and small

- Empathy in dealing with colleagues, members, partners and external stakeholders, recognising that the people we serve are running businesses under real pressure

- Innovation in thinking about problems and being willing to try things differently when the current approach is not delivering

- Results focus, because good intentions are not enough. We exist to make a difference for the road transport industry, and that requires us to measure what matters and hold ourselves accountable for outcomes

What you will be responsible for

Strategic Policy Leadership

- Develop and implement NatRoad's policy agenda aligned with strategic priorities





- Analyse emerging policy and regulatory trends affecting the road transport sector

- Direct policy research to identify opportunities and risks for the industry

- Present strategic policy recommendations to the CEO and Board

- Oversee development of major regulatory submissions and position papers

Stakeholder Engagement & Alliance Management

- Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry associations and aligned organisations

- Lead NatRoad working groups to ensure member insights inform policy positions

- Represent NatRoad at industry forums, conferences and public events

- Manage relationships with key transport sector stakeholders

- Drive member engagement on policy and compliance matters

Regulatory Compliance & Member Support

- Provide expert interpretation of Heavy Vehicle National Law and related regulations

- Coordinate member compliance queries and deliver timely, accurate advice

- Monitor regulatory changes and communicate impacts to members

- Develop compliance resources and guidance materials

- Advise the CEO and Board on regulatory risk and compliance trends

Advocacy

- Build and maintain relationships with Ministers, MPs, senior government officials and policy advisers

- Lead advocacy campaigns on priority policy issues

- Coordinate engagement across federal, state and territory governments

- Represent NatRoad in parliamentary and government consultations

Organisational Contribution

- Support strategic planning and implementation

- Collaborate on public relations and member communications

- Lead or contribute to cross-functional strategic projects

About you

You build trust with people because you do what you say you will do. Ministers' offices, department officials and members alike learn quickly that your word holds.

You have a genuine interest in the road transport industry and the people who run it. You do not need to be a trucking expert on day one, but you need to care about the sector and the role it plays in the Australian economy, because that is what NatRoad cares about.

You are resilient and calm under pressure. Government priorities can shift quickly, and policy positions sometimes need to be reworked at short notice. You handle that kind of volatility without it throwing you off course.

Why NatRoad





There are not many roles where the policy positions you shape directly affect the operating conditions of tens of thousands of Australian transport businesses, from the owner-driver running a single truck to the fleet manager overseeing hundreds of vehicles. NatRoad sits at that intersection, and the Head of Policy is one of the people who makes sure the industry's voice reaches the people who set the rules.

This is a role with genuine scope, genuine accountability and genuine access. You will work directly with a CEO who is closely engaged in NatRoad's advocacy agenda. You will build relationships with Ministers, MPs and senior officials who shape the regulatory environment our members operate in. And you will be part of an organisation with a clear sense of purpose and a long history of showing up for its members when it matters.

NatRoad is headquartered in Canberra, and this role is based at our head office. Adaptable working arrangements, including remote work, may be considered for the right candidate. We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and scope of the position.

What you’ll bring

Experience and qualifications

Essential

- You will bring at least 7-10 years' experience in government relations, policy development or regulatory affairs.

- Proven track record influencing government policy outcomes

- Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials and ministerial offices

- Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex regulatory issues into clear advocacy positions

- Exceptional written communication, including submissions, briefings and ministerial correspondence

- Stakeholder management expertise across government, industry and member organisations

- Understanding of Australian parliamentary and regulatory processes

- Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement on complex issues

- Willingness to travel nationally

Desirable

- Tertiary qualifications in law, public policy, political science or a related field

- Deep knowledge of transport sector regulation, including Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility

- Experience in a peak industry body or industry association

- Established government and industry networks

- Demonstrated planning and project management capabilities

- Media engagement experience

How to Apply

Submit your CV with a one‑page cover letter outlining your interest and demonstrating your relevant skills, experience, and capabilities.

For questions about the role, contact: ****@natroad.com.au

Applications close COB Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

📌 Head of Policy (Canberra)
🏢 National Road Transport Association
📍 Canberra