Qualification details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

New qualification. Equivalent to DEF41612 Certificate IV in Defence Public Affairs. Structure and packaging rules changed.

1

DEF12 V1

First release.

Employability Skill 

Employability Skills Statement 

Communication 

• acknowledge contributions of personnel in a positive way
• advise and involve the community in public safety activities
• answer general enquiries, give presentations and participate in conferences, community forums and public speaking
• communicate effectively with personnel to encourage contributions to the briefing/debriefing in a constructive and positive way
• communicate information verbally and non-verbally
• ensure an appropriate style is determined and maintained throughout, is correctly structured and quotes correctly attributed
• ensure the preparation and presentation of information is accurate and in accordance with policies, procedures and guidelines
• identify a potential story and obtain clearance from supervisor
• identify key story points and reader specific angles
• interpret comments, listen to questions and analyse information
• maintain and engage regularly, a network of contacts
• produce stories that are fit for publication within a Defence publication – stories must be accurate, with minimal possibility of misinterpretation and conform to government and Defence policies
• provide advice on prevention and mitigation techniques in a way that acknowledges community concerns
• provide information to other organisations in a clear, concise and comprehensive manner
• summarise and record brief/debrief findings
• understand legislative responsibilities (such as privacy, freedom of information) relevant to provision of information
• understand security considerations
• undertake effective two-way communication with the community

Teamwork 

• develop networks and relationships, and liaise effectively
• establish formal and informal networks
• manage group processes
• participate in regular meetings and forums
• seek, encourage and value contributions from personnel during the brief/debrief
• submit stories for proofreading and clearance by the senior reporter
• work within a team environment

Problem solving 

• apply communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation
• demonstrate an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues
• interpret complex information in documents and interviews and make it readable and understandable to a wide variety of readers
• keep up-to-date material about Defence issues and current affairs through using a wide variety of sources

Initiative and enterprise 

• identify a story through personal initiative or following direction from the editor or sub editor

Planning and organising 

• identify and factor into planning, public affairs objectives and constraints
• identify information that is newsworthy and suitable for Defence publications, through personal initiative or following direction from the editor or sub editor
• maintain a library of professional publications
• plan, prepare and schedule briefing/debriefing
• recognise and meet deadlines
• select appropriate location for briefing/debriefing

Self-management 

• judge newsworthiness with limited supervision
• recognise and adhere to deadlines when writing reports/stories
• review own performance, and set clear goals and objectives

Learning 

• develop an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues
• participate in media training, presentation skill exercises and public relations activities

Technology 

• prepare facilities, locations and/or equipment prior to any demonstration or tour by meeting organisation standards and occupational health and safety guidelines
• use media equipment and communications systems such as overhead projectors, electronic whiteboard, electronic presentation equipment, organisation technical equipment, practical demonstration equipment

14 units of competency are required for this qualification including:

• 7 core units
• 7 elective units

Choose a minimum of 4 elective units from the Group A list below.

Choose the remaining 3 elective units from the Group A or B elective lists below, or  elsewhere within this training package, or  another endorsed training package, or  accredited course.

Where a pre-requisite unit is attached to an elective unit it is identified by this symbol ∟.

The pre-requisite units attached to any of the elective units must be undertaken and are additional to the number of elective units required for the qualification.

The elective units should be selected from the units that most closely align to an individual’s occupational outcomes.

Elective units selected must not duplicate content already covered by other units in this qualification. 

Code 

Core Units 

DEFPA002

Identify material suitable for media publication

DEFPR303B

Write material suitable for publication within Defence

PUACOM005B

Foster a positive organisational image in the community

PUACOM006B

Plan and conduct a public awareness program

PUACOM007B

Liaise with other organisations

PUAOPE015A

Conduct briefings/debriefings

SITXEVT017B

Provide on-site event management services

Code 

Group A Elective Units (Specialisation) 

DEFPA003

Conduct market profiling

DEFPR304B

Edit provided copy

BSBCMM401A

Make a presentation

PSPGOV406B

Gather and analyse information

PUATEA002B

Work autonomously

PUATEA003B

Lead, manage and develop teams

Code 

Group B Elective Units (General) 

DEFPA004

Manage media requirements at major events

DEFPA005

Develop and implement a media plans

DEFPA006

Develop and implement public affairs strategic plans

DEFPA007

Develop and implement effective communication strategies

DEFPA008

Manage public affairs projects

DEFPA009

Capture video images

BSBOHS301B

Apply knowledge of OHS legislation in the workplace

BSBWOR501B

Manage personal work priorities and professional development