Did you know that there has been some recent Government departmental name changes? When dealing with Government departments, you may find that a specific unit that you once dealt with, no longer exists! While this can seem confusing for many consumers, there is actually a method to the madness!!!
In 2017, the Premier announced an integral first round of Machinery of Government (MoG) changes for the public sector in support of the Government’s election commitments to create a number of new amalgamated departments. These structural changes are aimed at creating collaborative departments focused on whole-of-government objectives and delivering services in a more efficient and effective way. As these changes are implemented, you will find they affect a range of public sector agencies throughout Australia.
One such change that the team at Public Service Resumes has recently noted has been the change from the Department of Immigration to the new Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Modelled on the UK Home Office, DHA is aimed at consolidating responsibility for all security agencies within a single portfolio. According to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the new arrangements will ensure stronger oversight of security matters to balance protection for civil liberties and freedoms.
According to the Department’s secretary-designate Michael Pezzullo;
“…the core functions of the department will indeed be policy, strategy, the coordination across multiple agencies of those strategies, assessing capability development requirements, assessing resourcing strategies, along with the delivery of certain programmatic responsibilities, such as transport security, visas, which will remain a function of the department’s citizenship programs, as well as emergency management.”
So what exactly does that mean for you as a job seeker? To put it simply – know your stuff! Whenever you are applying for a role within the Australian Public Service, ensure that you take the time to thoroughly research the department and its associated units. Knowing whether or not a Department has recently undergone changes or an amalgamation could make or break your interview. Researching your new potential employer is a vital part of the application process, whether it is to decide what role to apply for, how to best tailor your application to the role, or to demonstrate your existing dedication with your knowledge of the department or unit. A typical interview question is “why do you want to work for us?”. Therefore, it is imperative to take the time to look into exactly who you may be working for.
Applicants who have researched the company they are applying to always make a good impression. Go beyond a cursory glance at their website: find out as much as possible about the department and its current projects, and if the MoG has affected the department in any way, as well as check the news and internet for any issues facing the wider sector. Working this information into your interview responses can really make a big impact to your success.
When you engage in the services offered by Public Service Resumes, our team of professional Writers take every care to conduct their own research for your application. Not only that, they can point you in the right direction for refreshing your own knowledge. If this research and putting together an application seems too daunting for you, or if perhaps you just do not have the time, contact us today to find out how we can put together a tailored package to meet your needs.