Senior Work, Health and Safety Business Partner

Department of Energy and Economic Diversification; Perth; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior WHS Business Partner at the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED) will influence safety culture and employee wellbeing across the department. The role focuses on education, engagement and practical safety support, working with leaders to embed proactive WHS practices and respond to emerging risks.

You will contribute to developing WHS initiatives, managing psychosocial risks and fostering safe, sustainable workplaces with contemporary knowledge and collaborative

Qualifications

• Contemporary WHS knowledge and practical experience.
• Commitment to safety and positive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of findings from a review of DEED's WHS function and strengthen safety, wellbeing and workplace risk management.
• Build WHS capability through education and engagement with leaders and employees.
• Translate WHS requirements into practical advice, education and actions for staff and managers.

Job description

About the Department

Shape the Future of Western Australia Join a department that’s powering WA’s energy transition and building a bold, diverse economy for generations to come. At the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED), your work will help drive innovation, support local businesses, and position WA on the global stage. If you're ready to make a real impact - this is where your next chapter begins.

About the Department

DEED is responsible for securing the State’s energy and economic future, driving innovation and long-term prosperity for all. This includes:

• Ensuring Western Australia is a reliable, efficient and attractive place to do business
• Increasing business investment
• Fostering Western Australia’s skills and capacity now and into the future
• Driving the energy transition

The Department is guided by the following principles which shape our culture, decision-making and strategic direction:

• Lead with empathy and integrity : Act with kindness, respect and care for colleagues, stakeholders and communities. Be authentic and transparent, making grounded decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term priorities.
• Collaborate and connect : Build trust and strong relationships across teams, regions and international offices. Break down silos, share expertise and engage stakeholders constructively to deliver better outcomes together.
• Take ownership and be accountable : Lead at every level by taking initiative, leaning on strengths and empowering others. Define roles, responsibilities and decision pathways clearly, ensuring accountability is visible and consistent.
• Focus on progress and continuous improvement : Prioritise finding practical solutions. Reflect, learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances, continuously improving processes to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication.
• Stay aligned to purpose and impact : Keep connected to DEED’s bigger picture, enabling Western Australia’s long-term prosperity. Align actions to strategy, work across government and deliver innovative solutions that create enduring value for the community.

About the Role

Tenure: This is a two-year, full-time fixed-term opportunity with the possibility of extension and/or permanency subject to business requirements.

The position will form part of a team currently undergoing organisational change and, as the future operating model is developed, the position’s reporting arrangements, functional alignment and/or team structure may be subject to redesign.

The People and Culture Directorate plays a critical role in supporting and enabling DEED’s most valuable resource, its employees. People and Culture Leadership oversees three teams: Talent Acquisition helps shape the DEED’s workforce by working closely with senior leaders and hiring managers to identify workforce needs, attract talent and recruit suitably qualified candidates. People and Organisational Development provides guidance and advice across the full spectrum of People and Culture matters, including employee relations, organisational development, capability, work health and safety, psychosocial risk and employee wellbeing. The team designs and implements integrated people strategies that enhance the employee experience, support safe and healthy workplaces and strengthen organisational effectiveness.

Payroll Services supports the accurate and timely administration of employee pay and related entitlements, providing advice and services across payroll processing, allowances, leave, superannuation and employment conditions, in accordance with relevant industrial instruments and legislative requirements.

Role Description

The Senior WHS Business Partner is a newly established role with an opportunity to make a meaningful impact to DEED’s safety culture and employee wellbeing. As individual contributor to the Work Health and Safety function, you will support the implementation of findings arising from a recent review of DEED’s WHS function and help strengthen the way safety, wellbeing and workplace risk are understood and managed across the organisation. The role will have a strong focus on education, engagement and practical support, working with leaders and employees to build WHS capability, improve responsiveness to emerging risks and embed proactive, contemporary safety practices.

You will contribute to the development and implementation of WHS and wellbeing initiatives, support the management of psychosocial and workplace risks, and help create positive, safe and sustainable workplaces. To be successful, you will bring contemporary WHS knowledge and practical experience, together with a genuine commitment to safety and positive workplace culture. You will be proactive, solutions-focused and confident building trusted relationships, with the ability to translate WHS requirements into practical advice, education and actions that support both employees and leaders.

Further information about the role and the expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form. Assessment of leadership behaviours may be included in the recruitment process.

Interested in more information?

For information regarding these positions, you are encouraged to contact Hugh Matkovich, People and Organisational Development Manager, [e-mail] , 0487 792 428

To learn more about what we do and how to prepare your application, please refer to the Applicant Information Pack.

Supporting diversity and inclusion

As an equal opportunity employer, the department is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities, and young people.

If you have any communication or access needs and require adjustments to take part in the application process, please contact our Talent Team at [e-mail].

We are committed to providing a fair and supportive recruitment experience for everyone.

Additional job information

Applications must be submitted prior to the closing date and time specified in the job advertisement. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants deemed suitable may be considered for appointment to similar roles within the department for up to 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a National Police Clearance before commencing employment. Some positions may also require an Australian Government Security Clearance.

Closing Date

Your online application must be submitted online prior to the closing date and time - 5:00 PM (AWST) on Monday 26 October 2026.