The Industrial Relations/Legal Officer at Far West Local Health District manages industrial relations issues and projects while advising the executive and management teams. The position sits in People and Culture, works alongside the Ministry of Health Workplace Relations and supports a rural and remote health service from a hybrid arrangement. View the official job ad.
This guide explains how to apply for Industrial Relations/Legal Officer through individual responses to eight selection criteria. No page or word limit is stated, so each response should stay focused on the criterion and use evidence from complex industrial or employee relations work.
The application needs to show deep knowledge of industrial relations frameworks, employment law and NSW Health policy, along with the judgement to manage disputes and provide strategic advice. Because attendance in Far West Local Health District and travel are required, confirm your driver licence and willingness to travel clearly.
Industrial Relations/Legal Officer role snapshot
| Role detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Role | Industrial Relations/Legal Officer |
| Organisation | Far West Local Health District |
| Location | Hybrid, with attendance in Far West Local Health District as required |
| Job reference | 596173 |
| Work type | Temporary full-time, 12-month contract |
| Salary | $77.44 to $92.27 per hour plus superannuation |
| Closing date | Tuesday 8 September 2026 |
| Official role | View the official job ad |
Application requirements for Industrial Relations/Legal Officer
NSW Government applications are screened against the stated submission requirements. Prepare each requested document in the required format and keep eligibility conditions separate from the written evidence.
- Individual responses to 8 selection criteria
- No word or page limit is stated
Essential role requirements
- Qualifications in Industrial Relations, HR Management, Law or a related field, together with extensive practical industrial relations experience
- Valid unrestricted driver licence for use in NSW/Australia
- Willingness to travel and attend Far West Local Health District as required
Check the official job ad and the online application before submitting in case the portal includes an additional instruction.
Candidate evidence for Industrial Relations/Legal Officer
Use examples that show your decisions, actions and results in a setting close to this work. The following evidence areas come directly from the role responsibilities and applicant requirements.
| Evidence area | How to demonstrate it |
|---|---|
| Dispute resolution through negotiation | Use an example where you resolved or narrowed an industrial dispute through a measured, non-adversarial approach with external stakeholders. |
| Research, analysis and legal instruction | Describe a complex matter where your research shaped instructions to legal representatives or Counsel, a negotiation position or an appearance before a court or tribunal. |
| Strategic employment relations advice | Show how you interpreted an award, legislation or policy and delivered practical advice in a high-volume environment within agreed timeframes. |
| Complex workplace problem solving | Explain how you diagnosed a workplace issue, developed an innovative response and managed the risks around implementation. |
| Employment law and NSW Health policy knowledge | Demonstrate how you applied legislation or policy to a grievance, complaint, workplace safety matter or another health-sector issue. |
| Written, oral and negotiation communication | Use a situation where you presented a clear position, handled challenge and helped stakeholders reach a timely resolution. |
| NSW industrial relations system knowledge | Connect your knowledge of the NSW system to a matter you advised on, including the forum, instrument or process that guided your approach. |
Example application structure for Industrial Relations/Legal Officer
Build the written application around the requested format and the strongest evidence for this role. Keep within every stated limit. The table below shows a practical order for the cover letter.
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Criterion 1: qualifications, licence and travel | Confirm the qualification and industrial relations experience you bring, then state your unrestricted driver licence and willingness to travel. |
| Criterion 2: negotiated dispute resolution | Use a specific dispute to explain your preparation, engagement with external stakeholders and the outcome reached. |
| Criterion 3: research and complex proceedings | Show how your analysis supported legal instructions, advocacy, negotiation, policy work or a court or tribunal matter. |
| Criterion 4: strategic employment relations advice | Explain how you applied awards, legislation and policy to give timely advice in a high-volume setting. |
| Criterion 5: problem solving | Describe a complex workplace issue and the reasoning behind the solution you developed. |
| Criterion 6: legislation and policy knowledge | Use a health-context example involving employment law, workplace relations, complaints, grievances or workplace health and safety. |
| Criterion 7: communication | Show your written, oral, negotiation or presentation skills through an industrial relations outcome. |
| Criterion 8: NSW industrial relations system | Explain how your understanding of the NSW system informed advice, advocacy or dispute management. |
What the panel will want to see in your examples
- Industrial relations advice grounded in legislation, awards and NSW Health policy
- A constructive approach to disputes and difficult conversations
- Research and analysis that can support complex proceedings
- Credibility with executives, managers and external stakeholders
- Readiness to travel and support a rural and remote health district
Before you submit
Check that every requested document is attached, every limit is met and each example makes your own contribution clear. Confirm the closing date and any additional portal questions before you press submit.
You can use the NSW cover letter template to shape your first draft. If you want an experienced government hiring manager to prepare the full application, request application support from Team 3Thirty. You can also return to the official job ad when you are ready to apply.