Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Manager

About Inland Rail

Inland Rail Pty Ltd is delivering a 1,600km freight line that is transforming how goods are moved around Australia. When fully operational, Inland Rail will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, Inland Rail is helping to address the nation’s future freight needs and meet the demands of our growing population.

Delivering Inland Rail will help shift more goods onto rail which means safer, less congested roads and fewer emissions and a more resilient and sustainable national freight network.

More information relating to the project can be found here: Inland Rail

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Government Relations, you will play a critical role in shaping government engagement strategies, identifying emerging political and regulatory risks, and fostering productive relationships with government representatives, industry associations, and advocacy groups.

You will provide strategic advice and support on complex issues while ensuring Inland Rail's interests, priorities, and benefits are effectively communicated to key decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships across government and regulatory agencies.
• Support negotiations and secure outcomes on complex infrastructure, policy and regulatory matters.
• Monitor emerging political and legislative issues and provide strategic advice.
• Develop and deliver government stakeholder engagement strategies and relationship management plans.
• Support engagement with Ministerial Offices and senior government representatives.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry bodies and advocacy groups.
• Promote Inland Rail's role in delivering Australia's freight and economic future.

The successful incumbent will be required to travel frequently to and from Canberra. 

About you

You are a politically astute relationship builder with a deep understanding of government processes and stakeholder engagement within complex and highly visible environments.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience in government relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, policy or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships across federal government, industry and external stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of Australian government structures, policy development and political processes.
• Experience navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments and influencing outcomes without direct authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.

What you’ll be joining

• You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
• This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
• Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
• Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State-of-the Art office embracing flexible working conditions.

Our Organisation and Culture

The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.  We welcome like-minded individuals who value our culture.

At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.

All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.

Apply Now

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre-employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol-free working environment.

Applications close: 06/10/26 

Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don’t delay your application.