Government Relations Coordinator

Role overview

Melbourne Airport is seeking an experienced and proactive Government Relations Coordinator to join its Public Affairs function. This position sits within a business that is undergoing significant expansion and delivering major capital works, including the third runway and other large-scale infrastructure programs. The role is central to maintaining strong relationships with government, regulators, and community stakeholders so the airport can progress its growth agenda with broad understanding and support.

The coordinator will contribute directly to the Public Exhibition consultation for Master Plan 2027 and will partner with the Government Relations Manager and wider Public Affairs team across strategic projects. A major part of the work involves engaging with central agencies, government departments, MPs, ministers, councillors, regulators, and industry stakeholders, while helping ensure approvals and planning processes move forward effectively.

This role also supports the preparation of briefing materials, presentations, consultation documents, and timely responses to requests from ministers, MPs, councils, and external stakeholders. The aim is to help Melbourne Airport preserve its social licence to grow while advancing major aviation and infrastructure priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain frequent, senior-level engagement with federal, state, and local government agencies, industry organisations, and community representatives.
• Assist the Community Aviation Consultation Group and associated forums in addressing questions and concerns related to aircraft noise, planning matters, and airport operations.
• Support compliance activities linked to federal and state requirements, including public exhibition processes for Major Development Plans and airport infrastructure initiatives.
• Draft briefings, consultation submissions, analytical material, and reports for both government and internal audiences.
• Track policy developments and regulatory changes affecting aviation, transport, and infrastructure.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will bring a strong background in government relations, public policy, or corporate affairs, along with the confidence to manage complex stakeholder relationships and sensitive public-interest matters. Experience in policy writing, approvals processes, and planning frameworks will be highly valued, particularly within infrastructure or aviation settings.

The company encourages applicants who may not meet every requirement but who have the mindset, capability, and willingness to grow within the team.

About Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport, operated by Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), is one of Australia’s key transport gateways and a major connection point to the global market. The organisation is focused on improving the traveller experience and delivering on its vision of becoming Australia’s favourite airport destination. It is currently in a period of active change and offers a fast-moving environment with meaningful career opportunities.

APAC is a majority Australian-owned private business and also operates Launceston Airport, an important tourism gateway to Tasmania.

Culture and values

Team members at Melbourne Airport work in a collaborative, high-performance environment that places strong emphasis on people development. The organisation’s values are to Be You, Think Big, Own it, and Work Together.

Benefits

• Complimentary access to Higher State, the on-site fitness and wellness facility at the Novotel and ibis Styles Airport hotel.
• 24/7 airport parking availability for both work and personal use, all year round.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• One extra day of leave known as Airport Holiday.
• An additional Wellness Day leave benefit.
• Discounted childcare at Creative Garden Early Learning on site.
• Employee support and mental wellbeing resources, including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Ongoing professional growth and long-term career development opportunities.
• A strong social culture with participation in community and impact activities.
• Access to signature events, including an airfield family day.
• Employee benefits program with corporate discounts and retailer offers, including SkyBus.

Diversity and inclusion

APAC is committed to building diversity into its culture and believes inclusion strengthens the organisation’s ability to innovate, perform, and grow. The company welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and aims to provide equal opportunity in employment and advancement regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability, or socioeconomic background.

Additional information

Applicants are encouraged to consider this opportunity even if they do not meet every listed requirement. The employer is open to conversations with candidates who have the right attitude and aptitude to develop within the team.