With a robust strategy now in place, Nate Burke—immediate past president of IRSQ and current ALERA Executive member—steps into the role of ALERA President, eager to advance several exciting initiatives for ALERA’s members.

We caught up with Nate to hear his thoughts on industrial relations and gain some insights into his vision for ALERA into the future.

What attracts you to the ALERA Presidency and what do you hope to achieve?

I am intimidated beyond belief to be following Neroli Ellis as ALERA President. However, I strongly believe in the direction that Neroli and the whole ALERA management committee have put ALERA in over recent years. As President, I want to see ALERA deliver strong support at the national level to industrial relations societies in every State and Territory and to highlight and develop the workplace relations profession.

Can you share with us the story of how you initially became involved in the field of industrial relations? What experiences or events led you to pursue a career in this area?

I was initially studying to be a doctor. Unfortunately, I got very sick in my second year and the ongoing effects of that illness meant I needed to reassess my options. I swapped into law, then added business, hated both so I chose (read: fell into) something in the middle - industrial relations.

Reflecting on your career journey thus far, could you highlight what you consider to be your most significant achievement within the realm of industrial relations? How did this accomplishment impact your professional trajectory or contribute to your personal growth?

It's probably a number of achievements. Being the President of the IRSQ and now ALERA is something I would never have predicted happening but I'm immensely happy and proud that it did. Similarly, working at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and working on the legislation for Secure Jobs, Better Pay, Protecting Worker Entitlements, Closing Loopholes 1 and 2 was something I wouldn't have thought was on the cards but has given me a real sense of achievement and I'm proud to be able to say that I directly contributed to changing the law. Regardless of your views on the substance of that work, it represents a HUGE amount of work on the part of the many public servants involved. Just as some lawyers would say litigation is something all lawyers should do at least once; I would say playing a part in the legislative process is something all lawyers should do once.

In your opinion, what do you perceive as the most prominent emerging issue within the field of industrial relations today? How do you foresee this issue shaping the landscape of IR in the future, and what steps do you believe are necessary to address it effectively?

I think in recent years there have been significant changes to what 'work' workplace relations regulates, and it will be interesting to see where this goes. As with most things, I suspect it will continue to expand and contract as we go through the cycle.

If you could offer a piece of advice to your younger self when embarking on your first job in industrial relations, what would it be? based on your experiences and insights gained over the years, what guidance would you provide to someone just starting out in this field?

I am affected by imposter syndrome. I would say to younger me: you can do it. Don't take a backseat, if you have an opinion, express it, if you have a question, ask it, if you think something is wrong, raise it. I have been very fortunate that I have been noticed by people with the ability to help me advance in my career, but it would have been better if I'd understood earlier (and even now) that I can do it.

Is there a particular individual within the realm of industrial relations or a related field whom you admire most? What qualities or accomplishments of this person inspire you, and in what ways have they influenced your approach to your own professional endeavours?

I am lucky that I got to work at the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman and be a part of the IRSQ and ALERA. This experience has meant I've met and worked with some real heavy hitters in the field. For a number of years, I worked for Commissioner Paula Spencer and Vice President Ingrid Asbury and despite thinking I knew everything about workplace relations, I learnt almost everything I know from them. I'll forever be grateful that they allowed me to work in their Chambers (and to the Associates that followed me, I had many, many arguments with them about throwing out the hardcopy diaries - of which there were two. You're welcome). There are many others that I cannot list for fear I'd miss someone important, and I can't handle the flood of abusive text messages I'd receive.

As we aim to get to know you better beyond your professional achievements, could you share a random fun fact about yourself? Whether it is a unique hobby, an interesting travel experience, or an unexpected talent, we would love to hear something that offers insight into the person behind the professional persona.

I'm just going to list a bunch of things: I grew up in the (true) beef capital of Australia, I won the religion award at school but haven't been to church since school, I love to cook, I have 2 cats and if you're ever in a teams meeting with me you'll meet them, I come from an extremely large extended family (I couldn't even tell you how many people), I don't like olives but really wish I did, I have watched Downton Abbey from start to finish more times than is acceptable to publicly admit, and I would be a terrific Duke.