Qualification details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

New qualification. Equivalent to DEF60812 Advanced Diploma of Defence Public Affairs. Structure and packaging rules changed.

1

DEF12 V1

First release.

Employability Skill 

Employability Skills Statement 

Communication 

• clarify the ethical aspects of decisions/actions and advice
• communicate and encourage the professionalism required of public servants in ways suited to the diversity of the workforce
• document promptly and in accordance with organisational policy and procedures, issues relating to ethical problems
• encourage reporting of suspected unethical conduct, deal with in a confidential manner and act on promptly, and in accordance with policy and procedures
• establish effective communication channels to exchange strategic information for the mutual benefit of network members
• interpret and explain complex, formal documents and assist others to apply them in the workplace
• prepare written advice and reports requiring precision of expression
• provide guidance on more complex ethical problems
• provide objective and impartial advice to government regarding policy decisions relating to the public interest
• source information from inside and outside the organisation, and confirm its authenticity and reliability
• use a variety of words and language structures to explain complex ideas to different audiences

Teamwork 

• confirm staff understanding of legislation, guidelines and action to address professional development needs is timely
• encourage staff to discuss, clarify and meet legislative requirements
• encourage staff to raise ethical dilemmas, provide them with frameworks for ethical decision making and policy setting, and coach in their application
• identify key stakeholders and their needs, expectations and roles
• manage participative arrangements in consultation with employees and their representatives in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation, internal agreements, and consistent with the organisation’s overall process for consultation
• model ethical conduct and reinforce in others
• use a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the linkages between governments in taking decisions, advice and actions

Problem solving 

• deal with ambiguity and machinery of government changes
• discard redundant information/version control
• identify misunderstandings and conflict situations, and address constructively in accordance with principles of conflict resolution
• interpret legislation and evaluate compliance outcomes
• undertake analysis of the political, social and economic environment that takes into account emerging trends, and current and possible future goals of the organisation
• undertake consideration of relevant facts comprehensively, and give unbiased, transparent and defensible weightings to competing interests
• use decision making processes transparently and document accountably and reasoning/grounds for decisions in accordance with policy and procedures

Initiative and enterprise 

• apply procedures or protocols for reporting unethical conduct
• develop initiatives and resources to address barriers to equal employment opportunity within the organisation or adopt in accordance with the diversity strategy
• establish new network links between self and key internal and external stakeholders and use effectively
• identify inadequacies in existing risk control measures in accordance with the hierarchy of control, and seek resources enabling implementation of new measures and/or provide according to appropriate procedures
• structure advice to include strategies for dealing with sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, and handling consequences if confidentiality is breached

Planning and organising 

• develop or review organisational processes and practices to ensure they meet the requirements of procedural fairness and accountability
• identify features of required strategic networks, identify or establish network links with key stakeholders and build strategic relationships
• identify organisational linkages between government organisations and with quasi-government organisations and non-government organisations, and regularly reassess to maintain currency of information
• include risk management strategies in processes and ensure they meet client, staff and organisational needs for transparency and accountability
• provide staff with opportunities to develop skills in identifying and resolving situations requiring ethical judgment
• take decisions, advice and actions making effective use of a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of these organisational linkages
• undertake risk assessment planning relating to legislative compliance to establish the risk of non-compliance and develop/implement mitigation strategies in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

Self-management 

• acquire, retain, recall and communicate information
• employ a range of leadership styles to facilitate intercultural management and to manage diverse teams
• ensure professionalism, which may include ethical conduct, commitment, diligence, courtesy, respect for others, conduct free of cultural and gender bias
• maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the current political environment and reflect in decisions, advice and actions taken
• resolve conflict in a strategic networking context
• use a range of communication methods with diverse strategic networks including consultation, liaison, negotiation, building influence and reputation, transparency
• use formal and informal industry communication channels
• use personal conduct to demonstrate a commitment to compliance with legislation, policy and guidelines

Learning 

• learn about legislation related to privacy, freedom of information, human rights, whistleblower protection
• learn about local, national and international public sector structures and protocols, equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• learn about public sector ethics, organisational code of ethics/conduct

Technology 

• access legislation and codes of practice electronically or in hard copy
• apply communication technology
• liaise with electronic media
• prepare written advice and reports requiring precision of expression
• review insecure internet/fax access
• use qualitative data and analysis
• use technology to access legislation and guidelines
• use telephone contact and/or electronic mail

11 units of competency are required for this qualification including:

• 4 core units
• 7 elective units

Choose a minimum of 3 elective units from the Group A elective list below.

Choose a minimum of 1 elective unit from the Group B elective list below.

Choose the remaining 3 elective units from either the 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 

PSPGOV605A

Persuade and influence opinion

PSPPA601A

Manage public affairs

PSPPA602A

Provide public affairs advisory service

PSPPA603A

Manage media relationships

Code 

Group A Elective Units (Specialisation) 

PSPGOV601B

Apply government systems

PSPGOV602B

Establish and maintain strategic networks

PSPGOV606A

Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials

PSPMNGT605B

Manage diversity

PSPPA502A

Coordinate public affairs events and activities

PSPPOL603A

Manage policy implementation

Code 

Group B Elective Units (General) 

PSPMNGT701B

Provide strategic direction

PSPMNGT602B

Manage Resources

PSPMNGT609B

Formulate business strategies

PSPETHC601B

Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPMNGT607B

Develop a business case