Telstra

Senior Government Relations Advisor

Canberra Full time

Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

10 Jan 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 prioritises wellbeing and choice.

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)

What You’ll Do

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

We’re looking for a collaborative and proactive professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is energised by the challenge of shaping outcomes in the telco sector.

Your ability to anticipate trends, manage competing priorities, and build strong relationships will be critical to success.

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

What You’ll Bring

  • Experience: Minimum seven years 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

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a high-profile role, working at the intersection of business and government to shape outcomes that matter in a business that touches the lives of millions of Australians.

Whether it is Telstra’s role in running the Emergency Call Centre for Triple Zero, our commitment to cyber-security and combatting scams, our network and offering to customers through a variety of products, running 1800RESPECT through Telstra Health or some of the work we do through the Telstra Foundation to facilitate access to devices for underprivileged students through the National Device Bank – Telstra has been, and will remain at the centre of Australians’ lives. 

We're amongst the top 2% of companies globally in the CDP Global Climate Change Index 2023, being awarded an 'A' rating. If you want to work for a company that cares about sustainability, we want to hear from you.

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

DisabilityandAccessibility@team.telstra.com or via the additional contact options found at www.telstra.com.au/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/disability-employment