Fremantle Ports' refreshed 2027 Strategic Plan marks an exciting new chapter for one of Australia's most successful ports. Building decades of expertise, we're setting a bold vision for the future and we are looking for an External Relations Advisor (Approvals) to be part of this journey.
If you're passionate about making a difference, love working in a fast-paced environment, and are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, this could be the role for you.
Role Highlights
The External Relations Advisor – Approvals plays a pivotal role in navigating complex regulatory landscapes to enable successful project delivery. This position is responsible for leading strategic engagement with Commonwealth and State Government agencies and coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs to secure statutory approvals across all phases of the project lifecycle.
Key duties include but are not limited to:
* Lead and coordinate engagement across Commonwealth and State Government agencies (e.g. Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, Border Force, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Federal Police) to support statutory approval pathways.
* Support end-to-end approvals processes, ensuring regulatory compliance across project phases including design, delivery, and pre-operational review.
* Provide expert advice on approvals schedules, risks, and opportunities to inform strategic project planning.
* Align internal priorities and ensure stakeholders understand external approval requirements and obligations.
* Coordinate technical inputs across legal, consultant, and internal teams to support timely approvals.
* Develop and enhance reporting tools, systems, and processes to ensure visibility over approvals progress.
* Maintain relationships with government officials and regulatory bodies at federal, state, and local levels.
* Advocate for project outcomes and facilitate stakeholder alignment through strategic communications and regulatory guidance.
What Makes You a Great Fit
You will enjoy working in a collaborative environment that is fast paced, process driven with a high level of attention to detail. You will have a can-do attitude and are a strong team player, supporting the progress of major strategic projects and serve as a key interface between internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment, compliance, and transparency throughout the approvals process.
Other qualifications you will possess:
* Understanding of government approvals frameworks for major infrastructure/
* Demonstrated experience navigating State and/or Federal approvals systems and working closely with regulatory bodies.
* Background in external or government relations with a compliance or policy focus.
* Proven project management and coordination skills across complex stakeholder groups.
* Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
* Experience delivering regulatory strategy and maintaining continuity across large-scale infrastructure projects.
What We Offer
This position will be offered at a 1-year maximum term.
Join Fremantle Ports and be part of a proud organisation with a rich history and culture that makes a significant contribution to the WA economy. Based in Fremantle, you'll enjoy a unique workplace with stunning ocean views, rich heritage and striking architecture in the heart of the Victoria Quay precinct, which is currently undergoing exciting revitalisation.
Benefit from free onsite parking and access to a gymnasium, flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, generous annual leave, access to salary packaging, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive health and wellness program.
Get to Know Us
Fremantle Ports is a Government Trading Enterprise with proven commercial success and a highly regarded reputation with its partners, the community, and other stakeholders. The Port of Fremantle is a vital transport hub, supporting Western Australia's economic growth by facilitating more than $45 billion of trade in FY Fremantle Ports acts as both a landlord, and the operator of its own import and export facilities in Kwinana.
Next Steps
If you're looking for a meaningful role in an organisation with purpose, impact, and a strong values-based culture, we want to hear from you.
Further information is detailed in the employee job description. For specific queries, please contact the recruitment team via -applications sent direct to this email address will not be accepted.
Closing Date:30 January 2026 at 5:00pm AWST.
Fremantle Ports is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, underpinned by our Values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce by providing supportive pathways and development opportunities. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged.