Qualification details

Public Safety qualifications have core units (which must be achieved) and elective units (where there is a choice of units which must be achieved) so different Employability Skills Summaries are possible within the one qualification, depending on the package of core units and chosen elective units.

Employability Skill 

Employability Skills Statement 

Communication 

• ask questions and seek clarification where necessary
• ask supplementary questions as the interview progresses
• identify and record trends in reader interests
• interpret complex information in documents and interviews and make it readable and understandable to a wide variety of readers
• invite subject to expand key points and present all relevant material
• make notes from spoken and written sources
• revise own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness
• structure draft story correctly and correctly attribute quotes
• transcribe material accurately from oral to written text
• use command of language structures, registers, vocabulary and idiom required in conversational exchanges

Teamwork 

• maintain and engage regularly, a network of contacts
• obtain guidance from a senior reporter or the editor on the most suitable person to be interviewed
• recognise individual differences in the workplace, to value these differences and to adjust their behaviour to account for these differences
• seek permission to take the photograph from relevant Defence personnel
• take photos in a field operation without endangering lives

Problem solving 

• assess and determine the most appropriate way to get the photograph
• check, verify and attribute information
• obtain, read and analyse up-to-date material about Defence issues and current affairs from a wide variety of sources
• source, read and critically evaluate background information

Initiative and enterprise 

• determine the need, type and context of the photographs, but in some cases this will be under direction from senior reporters or the editor
• identify a story through personal initiative or from following the direction from the editor or sub editor
• judge newsworthiness with limited supervision
• replace equipment faults that cannot be rectified or take an alternative approach

Planning and organising 

• assess information for newsworthiness and likely reader appeal
• identify an approach to the potential story and obtain clearance from the supervisor
• identify client needs and factor into planning
• identify public affairs objectives and constraints, and factor into planning
• research background information and document before the interview
• set interview objectives and plan questions in advance, taking constraints into consideration
• submit a story for proofreading and clearance by the senior reporter

Self-management 

• apply personal behaviour that shows sensitivity to the differences between colleagues
• apply professional code of practice
• facilitate and sustain a formal oral interview
• gain the willing cooperation of subjects
• meet deadlines
• negotiate interview by establishing a supportive environment
• revise own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness
• understand role and responsibility of photographer
• use a range of interactional strategies to establish, develop and maintain a relationship to explore issues and gather information on a topic
• use a variety of writing genres

Learning 

• learn about ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of Defence public affairs organisations
• learn about Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics
• learn about constraints on using information (e.g. security requirements, conditions on reporting sensitive issues)
• learn about Defence News Editorial Board guidelines
• learn about Defence public information and security policies
• learn about how to convert provided material into different types of genres to achieve a purpose
• learn about implications of security, privacy and libel provisions
• learn about proofreading and clearance procedures
• learn about relevant legislation
• learn about standard newspaper proofing symbols
• learn about the standard operating procedures of relevant public affairs organisations which influence parent organisation
• learn about the types of stories used in Defence publications

Technology 

• check equipment for the interview for serviceability
• conduct interviews in person, over the telephone, by e-mail or web cam
• use appropriate information technology and software
• use equipment, which may include voice recorders, computers, cameras, telephones, fax machines
• use technology to research stories

Code 

Core Units 

PUADEFEQ001C

Work with equity and diversity

PUADEFPR301B

Identify material suitable for publication within Defence

PUADEFPR302B

Conduct an interview to support written material

PUADEFPR303B

Write material suitable for publication within Defence

PUADEFPR304B

Edit provided copy

PUADEFPR305B

Take photographs suitable for publication within Defence

BSBADM402A

Produce complex business documents

BSBCMN105A

Use business equipment

BSBCMN411A

Monitor a safe workplace

Code 

Elective Units 

BSBCMN206A

Process and maintain workplace information

BSBSUS301A

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

CUFBRD05A

Compile material for broadcast transmission

CUFWRT05A

Write content and/or copy

CUFWRT06A

Write a news voice report

PUADEFEQ002B

Supervise equity and diversity in the workplace

PUADEFPR306B

Obtain images suitable for publication within Defence

PUADEFRI001B

Treat risk within Defence at an operational level

PUADEFRI002B

Conduct risk assessment in a Defence environment

NOTES 

BSB units have been imported from the BSB01 and BSB07 Business Services Training Packages.

CUF units have been imported from the CUF01 Film, TV, Radio and Multi Media Training Package.

Information about customising PUA00 Public Safety Training Package qualifications is on page 12 .