In December 2009 Julius Roe was appointed a commissioner of Fair Work Australia.

Prior to this appointment Julius was the National President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and a member of the ACTU Executive. He had been an official of the AMWU and its predecessors since 1987.

Julius was a lead negotiator in the process of restructuring the metals award and the introduction of career paths in the industry.

He has had a leadership role in the area of skills and training over the past 20 years, and has been a member of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) Board, the National Training Board, the National Training Quality Council and related bodies.

Julius has also been a member of the Victorian Skills Commission (VSC).

From 2001to 2009 Julius was a member of the Executive of the International Metalworkers' Federation representing the Asia/Pacific Region.

Involvement with Catalyst

Julius was a founding member of Catalyst's Committee of Management and served on the committee until his appointment to Fair Work Australia in late 2009.