Organisation: Queensland Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Job Title: Senior Investigations Officer – Office of the Adult Guardian
Word Limit: 2 pages maximum for all attributes (criteria)
Location: Brisbane
Supports strategic direction – you will understand the strategic purpose of a client-focused
organisation and possess demonstrated skills in helping an organisation to achieve this
vision, including knowledge of the legal framework and service system as they relate to
people with impaired capacity.
As acting Sergeant with the Western Australian Police Service in Kalgoorlie, I was responsible for
ensuring that the team and I understood the strategic direction and mission of the state’s Police
Service. My task was to translate our strategic initiatives and policies into practical and demonstrable
activities and outcomes. I achieved this through regular and targeted communication, meetings and
monitoring our performance against the office action plan. Being able to align local action plan
priorities to broader strategies across the service was a good way of developing a common purpose.
For example, the high performance of the Kalgoorlie office was a direct reflection of the team’s ability
to understand and implement the range of informing strategies. Our adherence to strategic policies
contributed directly to the key principles detailed in the WA Police Strategic Plan 2010 – 2013.
Awareness of the Commissioner’s strategic priorities was also an important part of my goal setting for
the team at a local level. For instance, the Commissioner’s commitment to addressing alcohol related
incidents and reduction of road fatalities was articulated in the 2012 Annual report and linked to the
‘Towards Zero Strategy’ as part of the back to basics approach. Understanding the legal frameworks
relating to the above strategies and implementing action plans demonstrates my capability to support
strategic direction. I am confident in my ability to interpret and apply the provisions contained within
the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000, and associated articles relating to the Senior
Investigations Officer position.
High-level role-specific skills – you will demonstrate knowledge and experience in
conducting complex investigations and the ability to analyse situations, develop solutions,
apply legislation, take protective action and achieve timely outcomes in a client-focussed
manner.
During 2011 as an Investigator with the Western Australian Police Service attached to the
Kalgoorlie Detectives Office, I conducted and ongoing and detailed investigation into a serious
spate of arson activity. These activities required me to undertake a 6 month investigation to identify
and charge the perpetrator(s). To illustrate the serious and life threatening nature of these acts, the
individuals charged were responsible for 21 house and car fires within the Goldfields District,
including one house fire which was started while the occupants were still inside the property.
In the course of conducting the investigation, I had to employ a range of techniques and covert
strategies including surveillance, conducting interviews and gathering information to be used as
admissible evidence. In order to progress the investigation and take further action I had to draft a
detailed warrant application, referring to relevant legislation in support of community protection and
public safety. The investigation, led to the arrest, charging and conviction of a local couple.
As a further example of my expertise in conducting complex investigations, I have been actively
working as an independent contractor to some of the largest insurance companies within the
industry. These investigations are often complex and involve public liability, compulsory third party
and general insurance claims. Being commercial in nature, these investigations are highly
solutions driven.
Supports productive working relationships – you will demonstrate the ability to build and
maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in an
environment which is conducive to high individual performance, teamwork and ethical
behaviour.
As a Patrol And Inquiry Officer with the Western Australian Police Service stationed at Exmouth, I
undertook liaison and partnerships roles with internal and external stakeholders. As a member of a
small team I fulfilled a variety of additional but important duties. One such role was Chairman of the
Local Disaster Council. In addition, I worked with key contacts across other departments including
Parks and Recreation, Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade and Shire Emergency Management. These
networks involved regular meetings, community consultation and the maintenance of strong
operational connections to meet any emergency situation. These relationships were established with
clear tactical procedures.
I also committed my personal time and assistance to work with the local Police Citizens Youth Club as
the Police Liaison, which was a very rewarding experience. I was actively involved in organising
various programs and activities such as ‘Blue Light Discos’, outings and other physical activities for
the local youth within the community.
Working with the Kalgoorlie burglary team in 2010, we employed targeted and well coordinated
strategies to ensure that the number of burglaries was reduced significantly. The achievement of such
an outcome was only possible due to exceptional teamwork and cooperation.
My individual levels of performance, teamwork and ethical conduct were recognised by receiving a
certificate for Outstanding Performance from the Assistant Commissioner for Regional WA.
Communicates with influence – you will demonstrate high level written and oral
communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, negotiation,
collaboration, mediation and influencing skills in representing adults with impaired
capacity.
During my tenure with the Western Australian Police Service in 2013 I was responsible for
producing a coroner report for a death that occurred in my district. Due to the circumstances
involved, the report that I compiled contained an exhaustive amount of information, which was
necessary to determine cause of death, the manner in which the death arose and identity of the
deceased. In order to provide the correct findings I interviewed and gathered information from a
variety of expert sources to identify potential causes and ensure all possible factors were taken into
account. The report that I provided was extremely comprehensive and thorough, requiring a high
level of writing skills and attention to detail. The report enabled the coroner to conclude the
investigation and allow the death to be registered. I received no follow up requests for information
or clarification due to the complete nature of my report and received positive comments about the
quality of my work.
As a result of my extensive experience dealing with members of the community, other government
departments and business, I have developed very effective interpersonal and communication skills.
These are demonstrated through comments made by one of my superiors in a 2012 appraisal,
“First Class Constable du Cloux is an excellent leader within the team. He is the first person to
assist staff and the first person staff approach with questions”.
I have further developed my negotiation and collaboration skills by volunteering and undertaking
additional duties that require extensive networking with key stakeholders and third parties. The
practical application these activities on a daily basis together formal training and management
qualifications have been instrumental in my success.
