Organisation: Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Job Title: GAZ -EL1 National – Inspector
Word Limit: 2 Pages
Location: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA,TAS
Shapes/Supports Strategic Direction
Showing judgement, intelligence and common sense, I identified areas in need of attention and made recommendations to improve the efficiency and security of a new initiative surrounding issues associated with the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). Following best practice methodologies for change management, I acted as a positive change advocate within my team to promote a collaborative environment, which was critical to the acceptance of this initiative. To elaborate further on the situation at the time, a new CTU was to be created within eight international airports around the country, which included establishing new roles within each unit. The National Security Branch provided information to the CTU and as a result there was confusion related to who would be responsible for writing and defining the roles and concepts of operations for this new initiative. In order to determine specific roles and responsibilities, the department requested assistance and I was tasked with developing a scenario-based exercise program that would involve all parties involved with National Security at Australian borders.
Initially, I identified numerous internal and external stakeholders that would be included in devising this all-encompassing program. Some of these stakeholders included the National Security Committee (NSC), Strategic Border Command (SBC), the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) as well as various branches of these divisions and departments. In order to harness information, I liaised with various members from these organisations to form a stakeholder group that represented all parties involved. Based on the feedback and gathered information, I was able to conduct an in-depth needs and gap analysis and develop an 18-month program. To support strategic direction, I developed a program and body of work that included seven distinct exercise-based activities to be implemented within the CTU. I received approval for the 18-month rolling program, which was officially opened by the Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Border Force (ABF) and was written up as one of the activities engaged in during the 2015 annual report. To support this in-depth analysis and detailed program, I secured funding from the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee (ANZCTC), an overarching body that has established capabilities in areas such as crisis management, command and control, intelligence and investigation. Initially, I was awarded $30,000 for the first six months of the program and have now secured an additional $65,000 for the remaining time of the program, which is still in progress, with results and refinements constantly emerging. As a result of my initiative in this regard, ours was the first Commonwealth government department to receive funding from this committee to date.
Achieves Results
My strong record of success in a variety of settings throughout my career shows my strong capacity to deliver quality outcomes. Fundamental to these roles has been my strong ability to achieve results. A contributing factor to achieving results is my ability to steer and redirect change as needed, whilst dealing with uncertainty and a measure of resistance. This situation occurred since there were many senior and long-term individuals who had remained in the same role for approximately 10 years. As a result, many had an ingrained day-to-day routine in which they carried out their responsibilities in an autonomous manner, without consultation or collaboration with fellow departments. At the time, many operations and decisions were based on personal experience and instinct, rather than intelligence-based and evidence-based information and procedures.
Identifying the need for a change in work culture and perspective, I began to introduce new processes to their work area to improve service delivery and efficiencies to be more in line with other department policies and proceedings. Liaising directly with the team, I began to build a solid network of communication and rapport between their various teams in preparation for significant change, creating awareness and educating all regarding each other’s roles, workspace and interconnectedness. Against an undercurrent of resistance and negativity, my intention was to create enthusiasm and attract contributions and suggestions from all members of the team. To facilitate this and create a platform where all felt comfortable to express themselves, I organised regular meetings, inviting all comments, ideas, and sharing past success stories along with training and direction. In these instances, I relied on my high-level change management skills to facilitate a positive workplace culture where the benefits of the new system could be clearly seen. My commitment to action, proactive outlook, and ability to produce and follow through on clear and realistic plans while identifying and eliminating barriers to success, led to outstanding results. Because of my success in achieving results and positively influencing change management, I was afforded the opportunity to act in an EL1 level capacity for an extended period of time using my expertise over the whole area, comprising many teams, to continue further improvement.
Supports Productive Working Relationships
Throughout my career, I have developed excellent networking skills as well as the capacity to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with front-line operational staff through to senior management and boards, both within a consulting environment as well as internally within private and public (both state and federal) organisations. My ability to listen, understand and recognise the needs of others and respect their views, adds to my success in supporting productive working relationships. I have a natural ability to nurture internal and external relationships by drawing alongside others, accepting and embracing colleagues regardless of background, skill level, or position. My expertise in this regard was exemplified in 2009 as Supervisor Christmas Island Joint Intelligence Group. During this time, I was provided with an intelligence lead surrounding people smuggling and was responsible for collecting data and reporting, and was required to travel to the front line at Christmas Island. Additionally, my role was to develop and establish an intelligence flow pertaining to information from Christmas Island through to the Department, Canberra and whole of government, within a two-week period.
Upon arrival, to commence establishing productive working relationships, I immediately liaised with all potential stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to ascertain useful information collection points. Additionally, I provided each member with written communication outlining requirements and strategic purpose. My objective was to establish a Joint Intelligent Group (JIG), comprising the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration, and the detention centre’s service provider. With the joint effort of these stakeholders, I was able to establish a 24, 48, 72-hour reporting regime, feeding vital information to whole of government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Department of Defence as well as other internal and external parties. As a result of my ability to establish and maintain ongoing working relationships, the reporting process that I developed and deployed remained in force until 2014, when the process was again reviewed during Operation Sovereign Border. The longevity of the process I put in place benefited from additional changes and implementations throughout this time. Additionally, I received an Australia Day Reward in 2010, which was presented to me by the CEO of Customs and Border Protection for my efforts in establishing, coordinating and defining the intelligence collection, collation, and dissemination of reporting from Christmas Island to feed into the whole of government maritime people smuggling reporting process.
Displays Personal Drive and Integrity
I have a proven record of behaving professionally and maintaining the highest level possible with regard to ethical standards and integrity. Throughout the various roles I have held, I have had access to, and was responsible for, a range of private and sensitive information and documents. I always showed the highest respect for the confidentiality of this information, followed storage and security requirements meticulously, and saw myself as being personally accountable for ensuring the privacy of clients and staff and the security of data. My integrity and drive was demonstrated during the time when I was recently sent to Christmas Island to conduct an investigation to explore rumours and allegations related to the apparent misconduct of a service provider. To arrive at a correct determination, I liaised with more than one detainee and discovered an overall common denominator in the accounts related to me. After grasping the situation from the detainees’ perspective, I approached various members within the service provider’s organisation to obtain further vital information. Instead of accepting the seriousness of the situation and trying to rectify it, many members tried to minimise what was occurring. Once I had established the full extent of the situation, I realised that the allegations were accurate and were a serious enough breach of professional standards to warrant the matter being taken further.
Realising that many of the detainees were living in fear as well as sensing a threat to their personal safety, it was imperative that I display courage and integrity in order to see the situation rectified within the shortest time possible. However, due to the complexity of the situation, investigations are still ongoing. During my time on Christmas Island, I was able to build trust between myself and the detainees and developed a more thorough knowledge of policies and reporting procedures in relation to this kind of noncompliance. As a result of my own professional development in this situation, I have since been able to accurately advise staff members when faced with similar challenges.
Communicates with Influence
Confident in my ability to convey my ideas to my peers and colleagues, I enjoy receiving their perspectives and positive and constructive feedback relating to my practices. Applying good listening and interpretation skills, I am able to engage others and influence outcomes in order to build relationships formed on trust and respect. With a proven track record of delivering tangible results, my internal and external stakeholders know they can rely on me to work in partnership with them to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. My ability to communicate with influence was manifest when I was selected to act as spokesperson and subject-matter expert for the Department for all federal, state and private stakeholders for the whole of government preparations for the 2014 G20 Summit. Provided with a 12-month lead-time, I was to conduct an in-depth analysis and gather information, as well as coordinate and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders in preparation for the arrival of delegations and dignitaries, and ensure the smooth running of the entire event. During those 12 months, I liaised with stakeholders including media representatives, airport operations, Strategic Border Command and emergency and health services.
Based on my findings and significant import from various departments, I developed and documented a series of four scenario-based and two role-play exercises (PARO Series) to build the capacity of all involved. The last role-play exercise, called PARO Mike, was particularly significant as a coordination point for border agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Customs and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Throughout the entire exercise, I was able to provide specific direction and improvement in processes, communicating clearly all expectations and desired outcomes. Presenting all outcomes and reporting to the Attorney General’s Department, and feeding these to the whole of government task force, all processes were well established and in place prior to the event. The G20 Summit ran very smoothly and I received a personal thank you for a job well done from the Attorney General’s Department. Additionally, the program highlighted the need to further develop processes when working with whole of government, state departments and local business during a major event.
Demonstrates Professional or Technical Proficiency
Possessing a career history of more than 15 years with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in a range of positions from APS3 through to APS6, as well as EL1, I present as a highly dedicated and professional individual. I have considerable experience and exposure in frontline operational roles including airports, seaports, waterfronts and offshore facilities. In view of my expertise, I am able to positively contribute to Strategic Border Command by modelling good behaviour and demonstrating integrity and compliance. Additionally, I possess a Diploma of Management as well as various certificates surrounding national strategic intelligence and defence intelligence research and analysis. My formal education, combined with my in-depth knowledge of the department and hands-on experience, has enabled me to be embedded in law enforcement and intelligence sectors that required specific expertise and legislative understanding. As an advocate for change, I am capable of learning new legislation and its implementation. To enhance my skills and knowledge, I am eager to engage in opportunities for professional growth and development.
With respect to workplace diversity and equal employment opportunity, I strongly believe in promoting a respectful and supportive environment to ensure that every person has equal access to education, training and employment opportunities regardless of age, gender, culture, ethnicity or other potentially discriminating factors. I am grateful for employment history within the APS that respects the right of individuals to be treated equally and to value others for their diversity of their backgrounds and perspectives and will continue to model and promote these values.
