Some history about you – perhaps where you are from, an interesting fact we may not know.

I was born in Adelaide, but I completed most of my primary school education in the UAE (one of the perks of having English teachers as parents). I then went to finish high school in Lebanon before returning to Adelaide for my tertiary studies!

Qualifications

I have a Bachelor of International Studies, Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Diploma of Languages in German. I’m also currently studying a Juris Doctor at the ANU.

Current Rotation (and work involved)

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Section: Effective laws are a critical component of Australia’s response to threatened or actual terrorist acts. This department administers the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code) which contains Australia’s laws against terrorism. Australia’s counter-terrorism laws focus on terrorist act offences, terrorist organisations, preventing the financing of terrorism, urging violence and advocating terrorism offences and foreign incursions and recruitment offences.

Previous Rotation/s (and work involved)

Mutual Assistance: Mutual assistance is the process countries use to obtain government-to-government assistance in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The work in mutual assistance involved taking ownership of a number of criminal cases and ensuring that the relevant Australian and foreign authorities obtained the information required to conduct the investigation or prosecution at hand. This role involved a lot of stakeholder engagement and was a great lesson in time management. If you prefer talking over the phone instead of sending emails you’ll absolutely love this role! As this role involved working with foreign countries, my language skills came in handy– I was able to translate German and Arabic documents for the team. Another great way to brush upon some perishable skills!

Private International and Commercial Law Section: Private international law governs civil and commercial law transactions and disputes that contain international elements. Throughout my time in the section, Australia was in the process of negotiating its position in a private international law convention, and so the work revolved heavily around this. We drafted briefings for the SES who were attending the convention, and worked with domestic stakeholders in ensuring their interests were taken into consideration before we signed up to any binding agreement. I also worked to other teams in this role – this included the very exciting task of writing speeches for the Attorney-General and his delegates.

Most exciting contribution to the Department

There have been so many amazing things I’ve done throughout the course of the grad program and so it is hard to pick just one, but having the opportunity to write a speech for the Attorney-General has definitely been a highlight. Before entering the department, I had no idea how much (if any) interaction we would have with the Attorney, and so to be able to prepare something that would go directly to him was such a great experience. Knowing he read my work was so validating, especially as a graduate only a month into the job! Another really exciting thing that is currently on foot is my preparations for a 30-minute presentation that I will make in front of 400 guests at a whole government conference that is coming up in late 2019 – exciting times!

Advise if you wish to be considered for certain platforms only – (AGD Website/ Grad Australia / Grad
Connection / Social Media – FB Page)

Happy to be considered for all platforms.

Favourite lunch time/coffee spots

Coffee is absolutely the lifeline of the Public Service and we’re so lucky to be surrounded by many great places to get a caffeine hit. The café at PM&C is well known for their $1 freshly-made cinnamon doughnuts to go with your coffee, and so this one will always take the cake. Otherwise across the road Hideout Café is (apparently) the best coffee shop in Canberra. I can’t remember where I read this or who told me, but I’ll believe it. Usually once or twice a week, a friend and I will wander over to DFAT to eat at their cafeteria – they serve amazing food at amazing prices – 10/10 would recommend!

What you do out of work hours?

When I’m not at work I’m usually studying for my Law degree. During the week I try to make time every night to work out either at the gym or by going for a run around Lake Burley Griffin. Contrary to popular belief, the weekends in Canberra are actually quite lively. There are some pubs and clubs here that are Canberra staples, plus some of the restaurants and wineries around the place are second to none. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do out of work hours.

Favourite sports teams

Once upon a time, I was a supporter of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Since moving to Canberra though, I’ve embraced my status as a local ‘Canberry’ so the mighty GWS Giants are now my team (absolutely robbed in the Grand Final). Also, although I prefer to play rugby union, I’ve had to make do and support the Canberra Raiders (also absolutely robbed in the Grad Final).

Things to look forward to in Canberra

There is so much to look forward to in Canberra. Don’t listen to the naysayers! I came here with very low expectations, but I was very quickly pleasantly surprised. The restaurants here are second to none (see: CBD Dumplings), we have some amazing wineries in the Murrumbateman region and Canberra is the home of Australia’s best museums and art galleries. There is not much more you could ask for. If you like hiking, you’ll love this place – Mount Ainslie is another weekend must-do for the budding Public Servant, and also a great place to run into politicians. Also, we get both the AFL and NRL to look forward to every footy season!

Tips and tricks on moving to Canberra

As with all things in life, the more you embrace something the easier doing that thing will be. This is no different where Canberra is concerned – I would recommend coming here with an open mind, and embracing anything that comes your way (yes, even the winters). The Graduate Program is perfect in that friendships are formed so quickly, and this makes the move so much easier. People within the program and the department at large will become like a second family in no time at all. Finally, embrace all the opportunities that come your way as a grad – both professionally and socially. There is no better time to get out there and get involved in things that you would not normally get the chance to partake in as a regular officer within the department. Relationships are key in Canberra and this will help in developing these – I can’t recommend this last point enough!