Linda
Home State
Victoria
University
Monash University, Clayton (Melbourne)
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
Diploma of Biotechnology (Research and Management)
Background
I originally entered university with the intent of never leaving as I carved out a fulfilling life in academia. For fear of becoming dull, during those years I maintained a diverse set of skills and interests. I studied Chinese Language on exchange in Shanghai, was employed as a dental nurse; taught English, math and science to Sudanese refugees, conducted laboratory research genetically modifying Hepatitis B virus particles, kept active on the soccer field and worked for a twenty-something self-made millionaire entrepreneur in an entirely paper-free online business.
Eventually I became weary of the student lifestyle (perhaps exacerbated as a result of condensing five years worth of university into four) and of learning about the state of the world, yet feeling unable to influence policy and make the changes necessary for improvement. This, along with my increasing concern about the environment and my childhood devotion to the greatest hero of the 90s-Captain Planet-prompted me to try my hand at the Australian Public Service. Saying goodbye to the Melbourne nightlife, I made the move to Canberra to join DEWHA.
Placements
First Placement
Policy Coordination Division - Strategic Information and Environmental Reporting Section
The Environmental Reporting component of the Strategic Information and Environmental Reporting section includes the State of the Environment (SoE) Reporting team where I was placed for my first rotation. The SoE team produces the SoE report in accordance with the EPBC Act, to provide the Minister, Department and public with relevant and timely information regarding the state of the Australian environment.
During my rotation I worked on two main projects. The content and coordination of the department-wide SoE 2011 launch presentation and a review of the distribution and use of the 2006 report. The purpose of the review was to identify what improvements should be implemented for the 2011 report and involved exploring the potential of new avenues such as those presented by Web 2.0 in order to promote and track use of future SoE reports.
As the SoE is a high profile cross-cutting activity, this section afforded me a great overview of the department and a valuable introduction to the work of the public service.
'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'