Government Relations Manager

Our purpose is to make skills, education and employment accessible to every person, so they can create their own world of unbounded possibilities.

About The BUSY Group…

The BUSY Group is a not-for-profit organisation which presents almost 50 years experience as a community partner.  With multiple business entities operating across 100+ locations Australia-wide and now in New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, we offer an extensive range of employment services and programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, mentoring, specialist schools and allied health services. 

About the Role  

The BUSY Group is seeking an experienced and politically astute Government Relations Manager to join our high‑performing External Affairs team. This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine national impact — helping shape public policy, strengthen BUSY’s voice across governments, and support programs that change lives every day. 

The Government Relations Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering BUSY’s government relations and public affairs objectives. You’ll work closely with the Director of Government & Stakeholder Engagement to build influence, gather intelligence, and position BUSY as a trusted, credible voice across governments, parliaments, public services, media and industry. 

Your work will directly support BUSY’s mission to make skills, education and employment accessible to every person — including young people, veterans, people with disability and those with lived experience of the justice system. 

You’ll sit at the centre of BUSY’s political and public policy activity — analysing issues, guiding strategy, preparing our leaders, and advocating directly with government. Your responsibilities include: 

Government Relations & Public Policy  

• Policy monitoring — Track and analyse legislation, regulatory changes, parliamentary activity and key political developments across jurisdictions. 
• Advocacy development — Prepare submissions, reports, talking points and briefing materials that clearly communicate BUSY’s policy positions. 
• Direct advocacy — Engage with Ministers, MPs, Shadows, public servants and industry stakeholders to advance BUSY’s priorities. 
• Opportunity & risk insight — Identify grants, tenders and partnership opportunities while flagging emerging risks to BUSY’s operations. 

Engagement & Stakeholder Management  

• Relationship building — Maintain strong relationships with political offices, public servants, industry bodies and internal stakeholders. 
• Leader preparation — Equip BUSY leaders with tailored briefings for meetings, events and consultations. 
• Engagement coordination — Support political and industry visits and ensure consistent, professional engagement across BUSY. 

Strategy & Public Affairs  

• Strategy implementation — Support delivery of the Parliamentary Relations & Public Affairs Strategy. 
• Media monitoring — Track media, sentiment and announcements to identify issues and opportunities. 
• Public‑facing content — Draft media responses, speeches and advocacy materials with the marketing team. 
• Internal awareness — Contribute to internal communications and GR/PA awareness building. 

Why BUSY? 

• Meaningful, high‑impact work influencing policy and advocacy outcomes. 
• A supportive leadership team that values strategic insight and independent judgement. 
• Opportunities to grow your career in government relations, public affairs and external engagement. 
• 4 additional paid annual leave days – 1 My BUSY Day and 3 days at Christmas  
• Enjoy a hybrid work model, collaborating in the office and working from home 
• Clear pathways for internal advancement  
• Dedicated training budget for personal and professional growth   
• BUSY Benefits program - Paid Parental Leave, retail discounts and access to Fitness Passport  
• Community Giving day  
• Enjoy work that genuinely impacts lives  
• Employee Assistance Program with Sonder Wellbeing App 

This is a permanent full time position, based in Brisbane.

What You'll Bring 

• Relevant sector knowledge — Understanding of Australian Apprenticeships, VET, Employment Services and Disability Employment Services (preferred) 
• Government relations experience — 2–5 years in government, public policy, advocacy or a related field, ideally with experience engaging legislators, agencies or advocacy groups. 
• Strong communication & engagement — Exceptional written and verbal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across political, public service and industry stakeholders. 
• Political systems understanding — Solid grasp of government structures, parliamentary processes and Machinery of Government. 
• High accuracy & organisation — Strong attention to detail, time management and the ability to juggle competing priorities. 
• Ethical, non‑partisan approach — Commitment to BUSY’s values, ethical conduct and non‑partisan engagement. 
• Growth mindset — Positive approach to continuous improvement, innovation and change. 
• Self‑motivation — Enthusiastic, proactive and able to operate independently within a performance‑oriented culture. 
• Flexibility — Willingness to travel when required. 
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Business, Management, Communications or Public Affairs (preferred) 
• Blue Card 
• National Police Check 
• Open Driver’s Licence 

Next steps... 

Candidate care is important to us; this role will actively commence recruitment from the date of advertisement. The closing date of this ad is dependent on the appointment of the role.  

The BUSY Group is an Organisation that puts the best interest of children and young people first by adhering to the Child Safety Organisation National Principles.  The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening including, criminal history and relevant working with children checks. 

The BUSY Group is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from First Nations People, veterans, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.