Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager

Reporting to: Head of Legal, Risk and Governance

Purpose

The Government & Regulatory Affairs Manager is responsible for shaping and executing the VRC’s government relations, regulatory and advocacy strategy. The role focuses on building trusted, influential relationships with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to support the VRC’s strategic priorities.

This position provides insight-led advice to the Executive on political, policy, and stakeholder dynamics, and proactively identifies opportunities to influence outcomes that enhance the VRC’s reputation, commercial success, and long-term sustainability.

Stakeholders

Internal: Executive team, department heads, managers, Board of Directors, and the broader VRC team.

External: State and local government representatives, ministerial offices and government departments, relevant regulators, racing industry bodies, tourism, events and industry associations. VRC members, customers, and vendors.

Focus

Strategic Government and Regulatory Engagement

• Develop and deliver a proactive government and regulatory engagement strategy aligned to VRC’s strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders across local, state, and federal government and relevant regulatory agencies.
• Monitor government policy developments and emerging issues impacting the racing and events sectors and position the VRC as a credible and valued contributor to public policy discussions.
• In collaboration with the Risk and Compliance team, monitor any changes in law and policy in relation to VRC’s key regulatory risks.
• Coordinate advocacy strategies and submissions on legislative and policy matters affecting the VRC.
• Act as a key advisor to senior leaders on stakeholder engagement approaches and sensitivities.
• Coordinate advocacy strategies and submissions on legislative and policy matters affecting the VRC.

 

Advocacy and Influence

• Identify, prioritise, and lead advocacy initiatives that support the VRC’s commercial and industry interests.
• Shape and influence policy discussions through targeted engagement, submissions, and strategic positioning.
• Coordinate the development of compelling advocacy materials, including briefing papers, submissions, and key messaging.
• Represent the VRC in external forums, industry bodies, and stakeholder meetings.

 

Stakeholder Intelligence and Insight

• Monitor political, policy, and stakeholder developments to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
• Provide timely, actionable insights and advice to the Executive and broader leadership team.
• Anticipate shifts in the external environment and guide VRC’s positioning accordingly.

 

 

Reputation and Relationship Management

• Strengthen the VRC’s external profile and reputation through effective engagement and partnerships.
• Ensure consistent and aligned messaging across government and stakeholder interactions.
• Support issues management by providing stakeholder strategies and guidance.

 

Major Events Engagement

• Lead government and stakeholder engagement strategies for major events, including the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
• Coordinate engagement plans to ensure strong alignment and support from government and key agencies.
• Facilitate effective communication between VRC and external stakeholders during event planning and delivery.

 

Internal Collaboration

• Lead government and stakeholder engagement strategies for major events, including the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
• Coordinate engagement plans to ensure strong alignment and support from government and key agencies.
• Facilitate effective communication between VRC and external stakeholders during event planning and delivery.

 

Success Measures (KPIs)

• Strong, trusted relationships with key government and industry stakeholders
• Clear, effective advocacy outcomes aligned to VRC priorities
• High-quality strategic advice influencing Executive decision-making
• Enhanced external reputation and stakeholder positioning of the VRC
• Proactive identification and management of external risks and opportunities

 

Core Capabilities and Experience

• Significant experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, regulatory management or stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of political and policy environments, ideally within Victoria.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders. Established networks within government or industry sector would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic engagement and advocacy plans.
• Excellent communication skills, including high-quality written materials and executive briefings.
• Strong judgement, discretion, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Contribute to a positive and respectful team environment that values open communication, creative collaboration and mutual support.
• Manage workload effectively, with support from leaders, to balance high-quality output with personal wellbeing.
• Support an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and feedback is encouraged, constructive and solutions focused.

 

 

 

 

Values

Think VRC: We deliver with one purpose and plan. We’re one VRC team.

Create Joy: We design every experience, for our members, customers and each other, to create joy.

Be Gutsy: We are grounded in our heritage; we’re brave and curious in our pursuit of a bigger future.

F-Learn: We fail but learn, treating setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Care Deeply: We genuinely care about each other: our people, our members, are customers and our community.