A senior legal role at heart of WA’s industrial relations system
Are you an experienced legal practitioner with a passion for industrial relations and a desire to shape outcomes across WA’s industrial relations framework? We are seeking a Deputy Registrar to join our leadership team in a pivotal statutory role, based in Perth’s CBD.
About Us
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (Commission) is a specialist industrial tribunal and court of record. Established by the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), the Commission resolves disputes about industrial matters, including any matter relating to the work, privileges, rights or duties of employers or employees in industry.
The Department of the Registrar provides administration, advice and support to enable the general community, employee and employer associations, industrial practitioners and government agencies to make applications to the Commission, the Industrial Magistrates Court and the Industrial Appeal Court.
Our Values
- Excellence in Customer Service
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Accountability and Integrity
- Respect and inclusiveness
- Collaboration and team spirit
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Deputy Registrar, the Deputy Registrar is a key member of the Registry Services leadership team and plays a pivotal role in the administration of Western Australia’s industrial relations system. The position exercises statutory powers under the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), including delegated authority as Clerk of the Court of the Industrial Magistrates Court and facilitation of conciliation conferences to resolve disputes. The role also undertakes complex legal research and provides high‑level legal advice to the Registrar, Senior Deputy Registrar and Chief Commissioner on a wide range of industrial relations matters.
In addition, the Deputy Registrar contributes to legislative and regulatory reform across industrial relations jurisdictions. The role provides mentorship and technical leadership within Registry Services, builds strong and productive stakeholder relationships across government and the sector, and fosters a collaborative, inclusive and values‑driven workplace culture.
Our Ideal Candidate
You’re a legal practitioner with experience practising in industrial relations in state and/or federal jurisdictions. You have substantial knowledge of state and federal industrial relations legislation and are confident providing high‑level legal advice on complex matters. You bring strong analytical and research capability, and experience in alternative dispute resolution exercising sound judgement in adversarial situations. You build effective stakeholder relationships and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and values‑driven workplace.
Leadership Expectations
We believe all our people are leaders irrespective of their role. We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people and to support this we have adopted Leadership Expectations.
Everyone leads in a context, and the leadership context for this position is Leading Leaders (knowledge leader).
How to Apply
If this unique opportunity appeals to you and you’d like join our team, please submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the following Role Specific Requirements from the Job Description Form (JDF):
Qualifications:
- Degree in Law, and admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia (or otherwise approved by the Legal Practice Board of WA), with relevant post admission experience in a legal role, commensurate with the position. (Please submit a copy of your qualifications)
- Current Australian practising certificate, or eligible to obtain one. (Please submit a copy)
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrated experience in industrial relations, with experience practising in state and/or federal jurisdictions (Deliver on high leverage areas).
- Demonstrated substantial knowledge and practical application of state and federal industrial relations legislation, including the ability to interpret legislation and provide high level advice on complex matters (Think through complexity, Dynamically sense the environment).
Your application should provide sufficient information to enable an assessment of your skills and experience relevant to this role.
An assessment of the remaining selection criteria will occur throughout various stages in the selection process.
Please note we may conduct further search activities or extend the closing date, if required, to supplement the field of applicants.
For Further Job Related Information
For further information on this exciting opportunity please contact Sarah Kemp, Senior Deputy Registrar on 0419 822 989 or email sarah.kemp@wairc.wa.gov.au.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a safe and positive workplace culture. We firmly believe that the best services come from a workplace, where varied views are welcomed and encouraged every day. Diversity and inclusion is valued and we encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We particularly encourage applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
If you require any reasonable modifications to the application, recruitment, selection, or assessment process, please reach out to HR@wairc.wa.gov.au. Our People and Culture Team will assist you and ensure that your accessibility requirements are considered.
Working with Us
We offer a supportive, diverse and innovative environment, with great benefits, including:
- Great central CBD location.
- Generous leave provisions which include personal leave, an additional 3 public service days per year, purchased leave and parental/adoption leave.
- Wellbeing program which includes onsite ergonomic massage, skin cancer screenings and ergonomic assessments.
- Employee assistance program which includes professional counselling and assistance for employees and their families.
- Choice of Government Superannuation Scheme or superannuation scheme of choice.
- Salary packaging options.
- Ongoing training opportunities.
Other Conditions
This is a permanent full-time position.
This process may be used to fill other similar permanent or fixed term positions that may arise throughout the Department for the 6 months following the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
Australian Permanent Residency status is a minimum requirement for permanent appointment to the WA Public Sector. Appointment will be subject to a successful Criminal Record Screening clearance.
