Wortley worked as a plumber and gas fitter before being elected as a union official in 1984.
[2] He is a former head of the Gas sub-branch of the Transport Workers Union in South Australia.
[4][2] He has served as a member of a number of government and community organisations including the Occupational Health and Safety Commission, the Workers Appeal Tribunal and the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee.
[6] Wortley's policy interests include education, health, industrial relations, aged care, environment and natural resources.
[6] He served as President of the South Australian Legislative Council from 6 May 2014 until 3 May 2018.