Public Affairs Advisor

We currently have an exciting new opportunity for a passionate and experienced Public Affairs Advisor to join our Government Affairs team.

Reporting to the Policy & Industry Affairs Manager, the Public Affairs Advisor plays a critical role in shaping and maintaining Melbourne Airport’s strategic engagement with government stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels. The role includes government relations, monitoring and influencing policy developments, and leading advocacy efforts that support the airport’s operational and commercial objectives. This position will contribute to ensuring Melbourne Airport’s interests are effectively represented and aligned with regulatory frameworks and public policy priorities.

Explore how we are thinking big with exciting projects like the Third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments. You can also learn more about life at Melbourne Airport – our culture, values, and what makes us unique at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/our-culture-and-values. Join us in shaping the future of aviation as we propel Melbourne Airport towards becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination.

Key responsibilities:

The role's duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as a primary liaison between Melbourne Airport and government agencies, ensuring timely communication and response to government inquiries or initiatives.
• Provide expert advice to senior management and the executive team on government relations and policy developments.
• Support the coordination and management of Melbourne Airport’s industry associations policy submissions, committees and workshops.
• Regularly monitor government updates and policy positions including legislative or regulatory changes that affect the aviation industry and Melbourne Airport operations.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence policy outcomes that support the airport’s long-term growth and sustainability.
• Prepare policy briefs, submissions, and position papers to inform internal stakeholders, industry associations and external decision-makers.
• Collaborate with internal teams including environment, planning, communications, and commercial units to align advocacy efforts and ensure consistent messaging.
• Represent Melbourne Airport at industry forums, government consultations, and community engagement activities as required.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and briefings for internal and external audiences.

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualifications in political science, law, business, economics, public policy or a related discipline.
• 5 plus years’ experience in a similar role and understanding of machinery of government
• Qualifications in political science, law, business, economics, public policy or a related discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing high-quality reports, submissions, and briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with government stakeholders across different levels.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and respond to stakeholders, political and policy development.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and manage multiple priorities.
• Develop and implement targeted advocacy strategies and campaigns to influence policy outcomes in line with Melbourne Airport’s interests.
• Manage regulatory engagement activities, ensuring compliance with aviation and infrastructure regulations, and proactively contributing to regulatory reviews, consultations, and approvals impacting Melbourne Airport.
• Knowledge of the regulatory environment and political landscape impacting airports and the aviation industry is highly desirable.

We understand that not everyone will feel they meet all of these 100%. However, if you feel you have the attitude and aptitude to grow within our team, we invite you to apply and have a conversation with us about this position.

About the Company:

Melbourne Airport (Australia Pacific Airports Corporation) is proud to be one of Australia's premier transport hubs and Victoria's gateway to the world, connecting us to the global marketplace. We are committed to creating connections that matter and enhancing the traveller experience across every aspect of our organisation to deliver our vision of becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination. Currently, in an exciting phase of change, we are delivering rewarding career opportunities, making Melbourne Airport a dynamic and fast-paced place to work for our people.

APAC is a majority Australian-owned private company that also operates Launceston Airport, the tourism gateway to Tasmania and an industry multi-award-winning airport.

Culture and Values:

By joining the team at Melbourne Airport, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on our people and their development.

Our vision is to become Australia's favourite Airport destination and our people are paramount to achieving this success. We provide a supportive environment, with values that encourage all of our employees to Be You, Think Big, Own it and Work Together.

Benefits:

• Free access to Higher State, our state-of-the-art Fitness Club & Wellness Hub at Novotel & ibis Styles Airport hotel.
• Airport car parking 24 hours/365 days a year for both business and personal use
• Hybrid flexible working arrangements
• Airport Holiday, an additional day of leave
• Wellness Day, a further additional day of leave
• Discounted onsite childcare at Creative Garden Early Learning
• Mental health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term career and professional development opportunities
• Active social culture and participation in a range of social impact days and activities
• Signature Experiences including an airfield family day
• Access to an employee benefits scheme including access to corporate rates and airport retailer discounts (including SkyBus)

APAC is committed to weaving Diversity into our DNA. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion will help us realise our greatest potential as a company, and maximise the potential of all our team members. We strive to create a culture where our team members understand that each individual is unique and that embracing diversity makes us more flexible, productive, and creative.

APAC provides equal opportunity and advancement in employment regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability or socioeconomic background. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our workplace values of Being You, Thinking Big, Owning It and Working Together.