Qualification details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

New qualification. Equivalent to DEF51212 Diploma of Defence Public Affairs. Structure and packaging rules changed.

1

DEF12 V1

First release.

Employability Skill 

Employability Skills Statement 

Communication 

• communicate facts in a fluent, clear and interesting manner
• complete all required documentation
• conduct operational debriefs
• conduct press conferences and group interviews
• ensure instructions and directions are communicated to team members clearly and unambiguously
• ensure organisational protocols are followed when liaising with the media
• liaise with media and other organisation personnel
• maintain communication with the team leader and provide supervisor with feedback and constructive advice
• provide attention to detail
• recognise, discuss and deal with team members’ concerns and queries
• refer to supervisor any issues that cannot be rectified or addressed
• represent issues to management
• retain professionalism under duress
• show empathy with victims and operational personnel
• understand and implement instructions and directions
• understand current media liaison practices
• understand legal and organisation requirements relating to confidentiality, libel, accuracy and discrimination
• understand the requirements of different media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television) and the requirements of local vs regional vs national media
• understand the role of media in disseminating information
• undertake public speaking and media presentations
• undertake informal performance counselling and provide feedback on performance

Teamwork 

• act as a team leader
• allocate duties, rosters and responsibilities to team members
• encourage team members
• mentor and coach team members
• maintain the safety of others
• monitor the performance of others and take appropriate action through coaching and mentoring
• set goals, identify tasks and present to team members
• undertake team building

Problem solving 

• analyse and solve problems
• deal with incidents where the media has become involved
• take action to correct inappropriate behaviour

Initiative and enterprise 

• manage media to ensure the integrity of information being disseminated
• translate media research and analysis into clear advice to stakeholders

Planning and organising 

• change the media strategy at any time to suit operational demands and level of incident
• ensure media personnel and VIPs are provided with occupational health and safety clothing where appropriate
• promote the work and achievements of organisation, volunteer and other organisation personnel at incident throughout the incident to assist in maintaining morale and public profile
• schedule and plan information briefing sessions and tours to appropriate times in line with operational responsibilities and media requirements
• use the media plan to form the media strategy

Self-management 

• accept responsibilities
• act independently
• ensure own demeanour and presentation reflects the professional standards of the organisation and support for victims and others affected by the incident
• ensure own level of authority is recognised and adhered to
• ensure personal safety and safety of others is maintained
• ensure that the individual decision making process is conducted in accordance with standard procedures
• monitor individual performance against defined performance requirements and ensure appropriate action is taken to maintain performance
• provide feedback on own performance
• set performance requirements

Learning 

• deal with diverse groups and strategies for undertaking public speaking
• develop an understanding of media requirements

Technology 

• use appropriate information technology and software

11 units of competency are required for this qualification including:

• 6 core units
• 5 elective units

Choose a minimum of 2 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 

DEFPA004

Manage media requirements at major events

DEFPA005

Develop and implement media plans

DEFPA006

Develop and implement public affairs strategic plans

DEFPA007

Develop and implement effective communication strategies

DEFPA008

Manage public affairs projects

BSBWOR501B

Manage personal work priorities and professional development

Code 

Group A Elective Units (Specialisation) 

BSBFIM501A

Manage budgets and financial plans

BSBINM501A

Manage an information or knowledge management system

PSPGOV511A

Provide leadership

TAEDEL301A

Provide work skill instruction

Code 

Group B Elective Units (General) 

PSPGOV605A

Persuade and influence opinion

PSPPA502A

Coordinate public affairs events and activities

PSPPA601A

Manage public affairs

PSPPA602A

Provide public affairs advisory service

PSPPA603A

Manage media relationships