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A final word from some of our graduates...
The DAFF Graduate Development Program (GDP) has provided many interesting and varying experiences to the graduates who have participated. These individual profiles give an insight into their GDP experience and what they have done since completing the GDP.
Recent ex-graduates
Jacqui Lizzio
Bachelor of Arts (Communications) at the University of Technology, Sydney and Master of Applied Science (Environmental Science) at the University of Sydney. Joined the Department as a Graduate in 2007.
The graduate year was fun, busy and challenging, and it provided me with the opportunity to try different things, regardless of my background experience. The training schedule gave us access to some highly qualified and insightful speakers and we grads had a great time training together. The leadership training at Thredbo was particularly fun and the walk up Mount Kosciusko in rain and hail was nothing short of character building!
The opportunities presented to a graduate are numerous and during my three rotations I had diverse experiences with research, policy and program delivery. My first rotation was in BRS where I worked on a triple-bottom-line project and attended workshops with representatives from many agricultural industries. My second rotation in Rural Policy and Innovation gave me first hand insight into the issues driving rural policy at a local and individual level. I attended a forum with a large group of young farmers which gave me—with my non-rural background—an understanding of perspectives at the ‘grass roots’ of our portfolio. My last rotation in Biosecurity Australia involved attending international delegation meetings, liaison with many areas in the Department and becoming familiar with the importance of protecting Australia’s borders from pests and diseases when working on import and export risk analyses.
Since completing the Graduate Program, I am working in the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) on biotechnology projects.
The graduate year was a well-rounded experience in both a work and social sense. I was given a lot of responsibility which was challenging but proved to be invaluable. Being a DAFF grad is never boring!
Callum Burke
Studied Bachelor of Commerce (Major Accounting) at Latrobe University Bendigo. Joined the Department in 2007.
Growing up and studying in a regional area exposed me to many issues that affect Australian agriculture. After looking at different job options I found that I was really attracted to the work being done by DAFF, and since joining have developed an even stronger interest.
Starting a new job and a professional career is a scary step for anyone. The Graduate Development Program (GDP) was a great way to enter such a large and diverse Department, and the Australian Public Service as a whole. Right from the start of the interview process the DAFF recruitment team made me feel like I belonged – they made the selection process, the move to Canberra and the Department easy.
My graduate year was full of challenges, personal development and lots of fun. Working on farm adjustment programs and grant programs to help farmers become more innovative and sustainable introduced me to a broad range of stakeholders. My final rotation in the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service gave me a chance to see the important role we play in keeping our country safe from pest and disease.
Besides rotations in the Department, grads get heaps of training and development opportunities. As a DAFF grad I’ve been behind the scenes at AQIS operations in Sydney airport and attended a three day leadership training course in Thredbo – there are lots of opportunities to get away from the desk.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how topical the work is. It’s often in the news - and that makes what we do even more rewarding.
The GDP gave me opportunities for many experiences that are unusual for someone with a Commerce degree. I now work in the Corporate Finance area of the department and see the benefits of being in the 2007 GDP everyday.
Completing the DAFF graduate program opens many doors - the only limits on your future options within the Department are those you set yourself.
Clare Creegan
Graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts/Communications (Politics major) in 2006. Participated in the DAFF Graduate Program in 2007.
I grew up on my family’s wheat and sheep farm in Western Australia, and have always had an interest in agriculture. While at university I worked in a variety of positions related to agriculture, including as a Policy Officer for a Member of Parliament, a student journalist for a rural newspaper and a grain sampler for Co-operative Bulk Handling. I saw the DAFF graduate program as a good opportunity to pursue my interest in communications, politics and agriculture.
I had never been to Canberra and it seemed a long way from Perth, but I decided it was a fitting place to begin a career in government. The move from WA was a bit daunting at first, but DAFF arranged my relocation and once I arrived 58 fellow graduates from across Australia made sure there was never a dull moment.
As a Graduate I did rotations in the Sugar Implementation section of Food and Agriculture, the Western Australian joint team in Natural Resource Management division and the department’s Public Relations section. I loved each of my rotations and was constantly surprised by the diversity of work undertaken by different divisions of the department. I gained experience and highly transferable skills in project management, communications, public affairs and policy development.
I am currently working in the Sugar Implementation section, which is interesting as the Government’s $444 million Sugar Industry Reform Program finishes in June this year. Our section is working to ensure all projects are completed by this date.
The Grad Program has been an amazing experience with challenging work, great people, training and support. I could not recommend it more highly.
Justine Cain
Bachelor of Laws with Honours and Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Biotechnology from the Queensland University of Technology. Joined the Department in 2007 in the Graduate Development program, now working in the Fisheries and Forestry Division.
When considering where I was going to work after I finished my university studies the DAFF GDP appealed to me above and beyond several other similar programs offered in Canberra. This was due to the interesting portfolio issues the Department has responsibility for, the strong focus on training and practical learning within the workplace, culminating in the achievement of the Diploma of Government, and excellent opportunities to travel, attend conferences and field trips and meet a fantastic group of people.
The GDP consists of three rotations throughout the Department, with a real emphasis placed on working in areas quite different from your background and qualifications. This is how I found myself working firstly within the International Division, dealing with issues ranging from illegal logging to the trade of endangered species. I then worked in the Product Integrity, Animal and Plant Health Division as the national contact point for responding to marine pest incursions, and finally I worked in AQIS in the human resources section.
The highlights for me last year included the leadership camp to Thredbo and boarding an international vessel with AQIS officers as part of the industry project. Also joining the GDP with over 50 other people, mostly new to Canberra, created a never ending list of housewarmings to attend! This social network ensured the move from Brisbane was not too daunting, though I must say I have missed the Queensland weather!
The GDP was a fantastic experience and I believe it has equipped me with the skills to work as an effective policy officer within my new role in the Torres Strait Fisheries section. This new position is challenging, dealing with a diverse range of issues and stakeholders, but is extremely rewarding. Even a trip to Thursday Island is on the horizon in the next few weeks! I feel the GDP has provided me with the foundation and capacity to respond to a variety of work challenges in the future, and as such, I highly recommend the DAFF GDP.
Mark Harvey-Sutton
Studied Law at James Cook University in Townsville. Joined the DAFF Graduate Development Program (GDP) in 2007.
I grew up in the cattle producing and gold mining town of Charters Towers in North Queensland. The town had three boarding schools which serviced all parts of rural western Queensland, so although I did not grow up on a property, a lot of the mates I made there were from remote cattle stations dotted all over the place. It was through these contacts that first I gained empathy for the challenging Australian country lifestyle and I have remained passionate about rural issues and the agricultural sector.
I studied Law at James Cook University in Townsville and when I was nearing the end of my studies I was torn as to where my career should lead – should I go to country Queensland to practice as a solicitor, or head to the big smoke of Canberra to work for the Government. I definitely made the right choice!
The DAFF GDP has given me a broad range of skills and training that will place me in good stead for the rest of my career – wherever it may lead. I have also had the chance to travel all over Australia, to speak to farmers in rural areas and to state government bodies in the capital cities. It is a satisfying to know that the work you do has an effect in the ‘real world’ and that you are doing something positive for the agricultural sector.
My three rotations during the program gave me a thorough knowledge of how the Government, the public service and the corporate world operate as well as how government policies are made.
Some of the great things that I got up to during my graduate year were:
• going on a drought assessment tour of the Murray River’s irrigation areas in South Australia
• representing the Department on a tour of the Drought Bus in south east Queensland
• providing advice to the Minister on applications to export bulk wheat
• speaking to tropical fruit growers in the Byron Bay area about the impacts of flying foxes
• participating in the process of implementing changes to the wheat marketing governance arrangements which included amendments to legislation.
The GDP also provides you with an instant social network of people from all over Australia. I have made some fantastic friendships that will continue long down the track. The graduate coordinators are also fantastic—always there with a friendly ear and happy to help even after you have finished the program.
In a supportive and encouraging environment, the year challenged me to reach my potential. Since completing the program, I have become a case officer in the Drought and Exceptional Circumstances area where we assess applications from state based bodies applying for assistance from the Australian Government.
I’m still directly involved with farmers and enjoying effective ‘hands on’ work. I look forward to continuing my career with the Department and I would recommend the grad program to anyone interested in the issues covered by the agriculture portfolio.
Where are they now?
David Brightling
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce at the Australian National University
Growing up on a property in country Victoria and establishing an interest in international trade law throughout my tertiary studies made DAFF — and the DAFF Graduate Development Program (GDP) — an attractive option after finishing university.
I completed three work rotations during my graduate year putting my university skills into practice by providing agricultural trade policy advice, analysing and evaluating a major farm support program as well as gaining valuable corporate experience. The diverse range of training opportunities along the way complemented the practical experiences of the GDP and was topped off with a Diploma of Government at the conclusion of the year.
Since completing the GDP I have worked in DAFF’s International Division providing advice on a range of agricultural trade policy issues, assisting with Australia’s contribution in the Doha Round of trade negotiations and undertaking work on Australia’s legal interests in agricultural trade disputes. This has included the opportunity to participate firsthand in trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
There have been plenty of rewarding aspects of my career at DAFF to date including the opportunity to be at the forefront of progressing Australia’s agricultural trade interests. However, the most rewarding element of my time at DAFF has undoubtedly been the opportunity to work with highly talented and motivated professionals who are specialists in their field and are passionately committed to advancing Australia’s agricultural interests. If you believe in surrounding yourself with great people and want to work on important domestic and international issues, DAFF is a good place to be!
DAFF has provided me with challenging and diverse work opportunities, a supportive working environment and the opportunity to travel overseas. And if that wasn’t enough, DAFF is supporting me to undertake further tertiary studies. For me, DAFF has made the transition from university easy and has been the perfect way to commence my professional career.
Ian Pastega
Studied Arts / Law at the University of New England. Joined the Department in 2006. Currently working in the People Development Section, Management Services Division.
Completing the DAFF Graduate Development Program (GDP) provided me with extensive training opportunities together with many exciting challenges within a uniquely diverse portfolio. It also provided me with a solid set of skills which I could use throughout the public service.
During my graduate year I worked in Farm Business Management, People Development and Strategy and the Food Processing in Regional Australia Program. Each rotation in the GDP offered a new experience in either policy, corporate or Program implementation, and allowed me a rounded induction into all aspects the department had to offer.
After finishing the GDP, I received a Policy Officer position in the Wheat Policy Branch. At the time, the wheat industry was undergoing significant change and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the team that traveled throughout Australia consulting producers and industry to hear their thoughts as to the future of wheat marketing arrangements in Australia.
My current position is in the People Development Section of the Human Resources Branch, Management Services Division. Although I did not complete a HR degree at university, I found that the skills I had acquired through my Arts/Law degree, together with the valuable experiences of working in three varied graduate rotations, allowed me adjust to the new role quite easily.
At present I am responsible for coordinating Indigenous employment activities throughout the department. This involves recruiting and supporting Indigenous Cadets and developing Indigenous employment strategies and initiatives.
Casey Dunn
Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management) at the Australian National University. Joined the Department in 2006.
Having grown up in rural Australia, I’ve always had a keen interest in agriculture and looked forward to a career where I could do hands-on work in the industry. But the Graduate Development Program provided such a good platform to develop my career that the decision to remain with the Department after the Program ended was obvious. By staying on, I get the best of both worlds: I address real issues that affect rural Australia while building myself a successful and stable career.
As a graduate, I worked on a range of tasks, from routine jobs like preparing briefings to assisting with the development of legislation. The ongoing training that I received through the Program provided me the skills to complete these tasks and helped me to build confidence in my abilities. In all my workplace rotations I was given the chance to attend high-level meetings with Senior Executives, industry and other Government stakeholders. And whether it was through presenting information or simply being present at these meetings, I was able to gain recognition and build valuable networks that I have drawn on to progress my career.
After the Program ended, I was offered a promotion in the Drought and Exceptional Circumstances Branch, where I had completed my second rotation. But I didn’t get to stay there for long – I was selected by Senior Executives to join an Irrigated Agriculture taskforce to address issues facing irrigated industries in the Murray Darling Basin. The challenge of analysing current policy and developing new programs was one that I never expected I would gain so early in my career. But it was rewarding in more ways than one: I was able to apply the theory that I had learned during the Program to develop new programs to assist irrigators; I got to promote my profile amongst Senior Executives and the Minister’s Office; and I received recognition for my work by gaining a promotion to the Senior Policy Officer level.
In this role, I now assist with managing the grants program for irrigators that I helped to develop while part of the taskforce. This involves overseeing funding and budget requirements, monitoring uptake, managing communications and addressing policy issues. I liaise with the Minister’s Office, Senior Executives, other Government agencies and key stakeholders, including irrigation authorities. And while it is a desk job, I get a reality-check through regular contact with producers and industry groups that are affected by reduced water availability. It is a challenging and sometimes confronting role, but it is also gratifying, as I have an active role in assisting rural Australians.
I doubt I would have received the opportunities I have been given if it weren’t for the Graduate Development Program. The training and support that the Program offered gave me the confidence to challenge myself and seek career progression. I highly recommend the Program, and the Department, for graduates who are seeking a challenging career path that is also very rewarding.
Karina Scott
Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) / Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) from James Cook University, Masters of Aquaculture from Deakin University.
I was a Graduate in 2001, and really enjoyed the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Graduate Development Program (GDP). The training was excellent and the workplace rotations were a great way to see what the Department does across a range of different and exciting issues. Of course, one of the best parts of the program is the social aspect of taking part in the program with a great group of people who become friends as well as work colleagues. I’m now a Manager in the Animal Welfare Branch of the Product Integrity, Animal and Plant Health Division. I’m responsible for high level oversight of the implementation of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (www.daff.gov.au/aaws). The GDP was both a challenging and rewarding start to my career. I know that the training, experience and networks I gained through the grad program helped me get to where I am today. Along the way I’ve had some great experiences including:
- representing the Department and Australia at international meetings throughout Asia including visits to Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia where I was a session moderator at an international aquaculture conference
- being the only Australian member of a three–person team responsible for the organisation and conduct of AusAID aquatic animal health technical missions to Cambodia, Laos PDR and Burma
- writing and conducting “Exercise Tethys”, Australia’s first multi-jurisdiction simulation exercise focused on aquatic animal health
- managing the development of Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health AQUAPLAN 2005-2010 (www.daff.gov.au/aquaplan)
- authoring a paper for the OIE Scientific and Technical Review “Changing trends in managing aquatic animal disease emergencies”
- being involved in several national emergency responses including equine influenza, Newcastle disease and Asian green mussels
I recently completed by Masters of Aquaculture degree. My study was supported through the Department’s Studybank provisions. I was provided with financial support and time off for study and to sit exams.
Monica Staines
Since finishing the graduate program, I did a year in AQIS working on offshore quarantine arrangements with Indonesia, Thailand and India and then moved to the Rural Policy and Innovation. I have worked on series of high profile issues during my time in Rural Policy and Innovation, many of these being issues you would have seen on the evening news. I developed and implemented a project to help the Queensland citrus industry deal with the outcomes from a Citrus Canker incursion, coordinated, developed and implemented new drought assistance measures in 2007 and most recently I have been the Project Manager for the assistance provided to those whose income was affected by the outbreak of Equine Influenza.
I have also experienced things you wouldn't expect like having a former Minister sit in on a workshop without any notice, writing legislation and seeing the debate in the House of Representatives first hand and flying to Alice Springs for a prawn meeting.
The thing I have most enjoyed about working at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, is the work I have done in partnership with a range of agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries and meeting innovative and inspiring members of these industries.
Coming into the Department as a graduate has definitely been a benefit. Not only are you surrounded by a group of people that are in exactly the same situation as you, but you get to use this network for years to come. It is not uncommon for me to still call another graduate from 2003 to get them to help me out with a question. You also get excellent training that you will still find relevant as you progress through your career.
Be Challenged - Grow