Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

11 June 2026 11:59pm

Job Title

Senior Government Relations Advisor

Job Summary

Job Description

Who We Are

We're an iconic Aussie brand with a global footprint. Our purpose is to build a connected future so everyone can thrive. We're all about providing the best experience and delivering the best tech on the best network.

This includes making Telstra the place you want to work. For you, that means a having career that grows with you and working with a team powered by human connection that prioritizes wellbeing and choice.

Corporate Affairs, Risk and Legal – Government Relations maintains positive relationships with government agencies, ensuring that Telstra's voice is heard and that Telstra is aligned with government policies.

About The Role

The Senior Government Relations Advisor plays a pivotal role in advancing Telstra’s strategic priorities through influential government engagement, trusted stakeholder relationships, and expert advice on complex policy and public affairs matters.

Important note: the preference is for the role to be based in Canberra, ACT, but applications are welcome from candidates across Australia. Regular travel to Canberra will be required.

What We Offer

• Performance-related pay
• Access to thousands of learning programs so you can level-up
• Global presence across 22 countries; opportunities to work where we do business.
• Purchased annual leave scheme
• Additional Telstra day off
• Additional 30% off Telstra products and services
• Toolkit provided (laptop + mobile phone + plan paid for)

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head of Government Relations and the broader Public Affairs team to support Telstra’s strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships across the business to manage sensitive and pressing issues.
• Influence government stakeholders to advance Telstra’s commercial objectives and policy positions.
• Build and sustain relationships with political, departmental, and government stakeholders, connecting them with senior executives and relevant internal teams.
• Protect and enhance Telstra’s reputation with government stakeholders and manage key risks.
• Assist in resolving escalated customer complaints and electorate issues raised via MPs.
• Develop and execute government engagement strategies on a range of policy issues relevant to Telstra.

About You

To be successful in the role, you'll bring skills and experience in:

• Experience: Broad and proven experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, or a related field, with a proven ability to influence policy and manage complex issues across multiple jurisdictions.
• Network: Established relationships across the political landscape, including federal and state government stakeholders, and the ability to leverage these to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Portfolio Management: Skilled at managing diverse issues, balancing competing priorities, and anticipating emerging trends.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills, including the ability to prepare concise briefs, high-quality submissions, and present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Strategic Thinking & Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively across teams, influence senior decision-making, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal Attributes: Enthusiasm, resilience, flexibility, and a strong business acumen, underpinned by attention to detail and a proactive, collaborative approach.

Key Skills

• Government Advocacy & Relations
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Delivery & Issue Management
• Risk Identification & Mitigation
• Business Partnering
• Motivates with Vision and Meaning
• Communication Excellence

If you want to be surrounded by top talent at a company that gives back to the community, apply now!

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As part of your application with Telstra, you may receive communications from us on +61 440 135 548 (for job applications in Australia) and +1 (623) 400-7726 (for job applications in the Philippines and India).

When you join our team, you become part of a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is respected, valued and celebrated. We actively seek individuals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and disabilities because we know that diversity not only strengthens our team but also enriches our work. We have zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, and we prioritise creating a workplace culture where everyone is safe and can thrive. 

As part of the hiring process, all identified candidates will undergo a background check, and the results will play a role in the final decision regarding your application.

We work flexibly at Telstra. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you. When you apply, you can share your pronouns and / or any reasonable adjustments needed to take part equitably during the recruitment process.

We are aware of current limitations with our website accessibility and are working towards improving this. Should you experience any issues accessing information or the application form, and require this in an alternate format, please contact our Talent Acquisition team on [email protected] or via the additional contact options found at www.telstra.com.au/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/disability-employment