Helen

Home State

New South Wales

University

Australian National University

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce

Background

I completed a double degree in Arts (International Relations, German) and Commerce (International Business) at the Australian National University in 2008.

I chose the graduate program in the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts because of the variety of work opportunities and excellent learning and development program on offer. With no environmental studies or qualifications in any of the themes covered by the department, I was committed to bringing generalist skills to a department that deals with such exciting and interesting issues. I was also committed to making the most of any opportunity or rotation that came my way and developing my career in the public service.

Placements

First Placement

Parks Australia/Parks Australia South/Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research

Organisation of an independent review of the Centre,
Involvement in strategic discussion,
Extensive contact with senior executive and external stakeholders,
Preparation of a range of briefing papers,
Input into the draft of the review report for the independent panel.

Second Placement

Water Efficiency Division/Water Recovery Branch/Water Recovery Analysis Section

Administration of the Small Block Irrigator's Exit Grant package;
Involvement in the Commonwealth's shareholding in a public company;
Analyses of market prices of water entitlements in the Murray-Darling Basin;
Stakeholder engagement;
Media monitoring; and
Preparation of a range of briefs, ministerial correspondence, Question Time Briefs.

Third Placement

Policy Coordination Division/Strategic Advice Branch/Economics and Strategic Policy Section

Support to the review of research and information management in the department;
Consultation with staff across the department;
Drafting reports and other correspondence;
Secretariat support for the Executive Management Group (EMG) meetings;
Drafting and preparation of briefing for the Executive and Ministers; and
Coordination of information requests across the department.

Final Placement

Policy Coordination Division/Strategic Advice Branch/Economics and Strategic Policy Section

'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'

Employment