Apply: Senior Business Partner Work Health and Safety

Our Client

Port Augusta City Council is the local government authority for Port Augusta, Stirling North and the seaside communities of Commissariat Point, Blanche Harbour and Miranda, serving a population of 14,102. The Council delivers a broad range of community services including aged care programmes, childcare, tourism facilities, parks and gardens, ovals, art galleries and performance centres, roads and bridges, street lighting and Aboriginal community development.
With a diverse service footprint and a strong community focus, the Council is seeking a senior Work Health and Safety professional to strengthen its safety function, provide senior expertise and contribute to the ongoing development of WHS capability across the organisation.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager People & Culture, you will lead the Council’s work health and safety function and provide senior, practical guidance across the organisation. You will help build capability in the team, strengthen day-to-day safety practice and ensure WHS activity is well coordinated, responsive and effective.

• Set the direction for the WHS function and provide clear, practical advice to leaders and staff.
• Provide senior technical support and guidance across the WHS function, contributing to capability and consistency.
• Strengthen the Council’s approach to risk, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Help embed a consistent safety culture across the organisation.
• Take ownership of the function with a high level of autonomy and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council’s WHS priorities and provide senior oversight of the safety function.
• Provide technical expertise, support and guidance across WHS activities and initiatives.
• Drive the Care Factor safety programme and encourage strong staff engagement.
• Oversee action plans, follow-through and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain and improve LG Safe procedures, policies and safe work practices.
• Coordinate audits, inspections and routine compliance activity.
• Provide practical advice to managers and teams on WHS matters and incident response.
• Support a proactive safety culture through communication, ownership and accountability.
• Work collaboratively with the existing WHS team to promote consistent practices and strengthen organisational capability.

About You

• Senior operator: Experience in a senior WHS, safety business partner or similar role.
• Transferable sector experience: Local government experience is highly regarded, though candidates from other sectors with transferable skills are encouraged.
• Autonomous worker: Able to work independently, take ownership and require minimal direction.
• Collaborative approach: Able to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to building WHS capability across the organisation.
• Clear communicator: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence across teams.
• Compliance focus: Practical understanding of audits, incident reporting, action plans and procedures.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in the position available, please apply using the relevant link. If you would like a copy of the position description, please reach out to Belinda Wallace – bwallace@ppsconsulting.com.au

Applications Close 5pm 31st August 2026. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Matt Hobby at Perks People Solutions on 08 8273 9385.