This project aims to review and enhance Defence Public Affairs qualifications to equip personnel with the skills necessary for effective engagement with the media, stakeholders and the public. Considering the critical role of public trust in the Defence sector, this initiative underscores the importance of transparency, reputation management and strategic communication.

Through benchmarking, collaboration with industry experts and establishment of a Technical Committee, the initiative will update Defence Public Affairs qualifications to ensure continued alignment with industry best practices and evolving requirements within Defence.

Technical Committee

Engagement with the Defence sector is currently taking place. In accordance with the Training Package Products Development and Endorsement Process Policy, a Technical Committee has been stood up to provide advice on amendments to the Defence Public Affairs Qualifications.

The Terms of Reference for the Technical Committee can be found below: Defence Public Affairs – Technical Committee TOR

Consultation Strategy

Public Skills Australia will engage in thorough consultation with stakeholders to ensure that their perspectives, concerns and insights are thoroughly considered in the development process. Details of consultation, including mechanisms and identification of stakeholders, can be found below:

To view the consultation strategy for this project, please click below: Defence Public Affairs – Consultation Strategy

Training Products in Scope

Throughout this project, a consultation log will be maintained to document the feedback received. Information on consensus gathering will be published following the consultation phase.

Details of this project’s information sessions and workshops will be shared on the Consultation tab when available.

This project will review three qualifications, their core units of competency, elective streams and packaging rules. Through this review, the broader learning pathways and qualification design will be considered, noting the key focus in these qualifications is to support Defence capability.

The review will consider the potential for streamlining training products and enhancing understanding of career progression between these three qualifications.

These qualifications include:

• DEF30417 Certificate III in Defence Public Affairs

• DEF40117 Certificate IV in Defence Public Affairs

• DEF50517 Diploma of Defence Public Affairs.