Senior Policy and Compliance Officer

Western Australian Meat Industry Authority; Perth; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) is seeking a Senior Policy and Compliance Officer to provide specialist policy, regulatory and compliance expertise. You will work with the CEO and board to shape policy, strengthen regulatory outcomes and support strategic objectives within WA’s meat and livestock sector.

You will undertake research and analysis, develop evidence-based policy advice, and contribute to regulatory reform while engaging with government and industry

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector policy development and regulatory oversight.
• Ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable advice for senior decision-makers.
• Proven written communication skills for reports, briefings and submissions.

Responsibilities

• Develop evidence-based policy advice on complex legislative issues.
• Monitor policy, regulatory and industry developments and identify risks and opportunities.
• Prepare governance and parliamentary documentation, including ministerial briefings and board papers.
• Lead and coordinate reform initiatives and compliance program development.
• Represent WAMIA at government, interagency and industry forums and working groups.

Skills

Policy expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Compliance

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Public policy degree

Job description

Are you an experienced policy professional who can turn complex issues into clear advice and practical solutions? We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Policy and Compliance Officer to provide specialist policy, regulatory and compliance expertise to support the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) in delivering its statutory functions and strategic objectives. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of policy development, regulatory oversight, stakeholder engagement and strategic projects that support government objectives and industry priorities. You will undertake research and analysis of complex and emerging issues, develop evidence-based policy advice and contribute to regulatory and legislative reform. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board, government and industry stakeholders, you will help shape policy, strengthen regulatory outcomes and support the continued development of the industry.

About WAMIA

The Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) is an independent statutory authority established under the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority Act 1976. WAMIA supports a successful and sustainable Western Australian meat and livestock industry that benefits regional communities and the State. WAMIA's responsibilities include ownership and management of the Muchea Livestock Centre, regulating abattoirs and providing advice to Government on industry matters.

Strategic Plan 2026-2030 focuses on:

• Ensuring high-quality, independent livestock exchange facilities that contribute to supply chain stability.
• Regulatory frameworks that support equity and fairness, protecting the reputation of the WA meat and livestock industry.
• Strengthening industry and stakeholder engagement and communication to develop evidence-based responses and informed advice.
• Effective governance, accountability and delivery of a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

About the Opportunity

We currently have one (1) permanent full-time opportunity for a Senior Policy and Compliance Officer available for immediate filling. The Senior Policy and Compliance Officer provides specialist advice across policy, regulatory and compliance matters and plays an important role in supporting WAMIA's statutory responsibilities, strategic priorities and decision-making.

Responsibilities and Duties

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Develop evidence-based policy advice and recommendations on complex policy, legislative and regulatory issues.
• Undertake research, analysis and evaluation of emerging issues affecting WAMIA and the meat and livestock industry.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory and industry developments and identify associated risks, opportunities and implications.
• Prepare high-quality policy, governance and parliamentary documentation, including Ministerial briefings, Board papers and submissions.
• Lead and coordinate WAMIA's contribution to legislative, regulatory and policy reform initiatives.
• Develop, implement and review compliance frameworks, policies, procedures and regulatory programs.
• Monitor abattoir and industry compliance with WAMIA legislation, regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct compliance reviews, assessments and investigations and support appropriate regulatory responses where required.
• Contribute to organisational planning, governance, reform, continuous improvement and annual reporting activities.
• Represent WAMIA at government, interagency and industry forums, committees and working groups.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government, industry and other key stakeholders to support informed decision-making, achievement of WAMIA’s objectives and influence positive outcomes for the meat and livestock industry.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will be an experienced policy and compliance professional with strong research, analytical and communication skills and the ability to work confidently across complex and sensitive issues. You will have demonstrated experience developing policy and providing clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to senior decision-makers. You will be comfortable interpreting legislation and regulatory frameworks, assessing risk and developing practical approaches to achieving regulatory and organisational outcomes. You will be a strong written and verbal communicator, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, briefings and submissions and communicate complex or technical information to a range of audiences. Your ability to build trusted relationships will be important, as the role involves working closely with government, industry and other stakeholders and representing WAMIA at forums and working groups. You will be able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a small team, using sound judgement to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within deadlines. Experience working within the public sector, a relevant tertiary qualification and knowledge of the Western Australian meat and livestock industry will be highly regarded. Above all, you will be someone who contributes to WAMIA's positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture and actively demonstrates WAMIA's values every day.

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligibility to work in Australia.
• National Police Clearance.
• Pre-employment medical assessment.
• Participation in WAMIA's Q Fever Vaccination Program.
• Current driver's licence.
• Occasional travel to regional areas of Western Australia.

Why Join WAMIA?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the regulation and future direction of Western Australia's meat and livestock industry while working on issues that directly support industry, government and the community. You will join an organisation that:

• Plays an important role in Western Australia's meat and livestock industry.
• Provides the opportunity to work across policy, regulatory and compliance matters.
• Values evidence-based advice, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provides exposure to senior decision-making, government and industry engagement.
• Supports employee development and wellbeing.
• Provides meaningful work with a direct impact on industry and the broader community.

We are committed to a safe and inclusive workplace that values the contributions of all individuals. WAMIA is committed to an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment for conduct and cooperation. We are an equal opportunity employer. WAMIA welcomes applications from all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, sexuality, religion, disability or any other characteristic protected under Australian law.

Privacy and your personal information: WAMIA handles and releases information in accordance with relevant privacy and information access laws including the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI) and the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA) (PRIS). Further information is available via our Privacy Statement.