11.

Relevant technical knowledge (or ability to

acquire knowledge) to:
achieve work area outcomes
apply relevant legislation, policy and
guidelines
apply a broad knowledge of Custom
functions, responsibilities and organisational
linkages.

(Customs Department specific)

I am currently employed by the (Government Department) and do

not have experience working in the Customs Department. I can,
however, demonstrate how I meet this selection criteria in my
current role and how I am able to quickly acquire the knowledge and
skills required in a Customs role.
As a member of the At Risk Educational Team at Tafe SA I work
within my team to not only achieve work area outcomes, but also
outcomes for the at risk youth that we are serving. Our long term
unemployed students often have social or personal issues, and
sometimes both the student and I need to access student
counsellors help in resolving these problems, which then enables
them to reach their full academic potential. English literacy support
is frequently needed in my classes for students with poor reading
and writing skills. A specialised tutor is usually contacted to join my
class for short periods to assist and advise me on how to best help
with these issues. In all these areas, professional help is sought,
and I then work as an individual to put appropriate practises into
action. Our work area outcomes include maintaining specific
attendance rates, pass rates, and employment outcomes or further
educational pathways, which is often difficult with marginalised
students. However, my classes over the past 12 months have
achieved:

86% attendance rate (against a target of 65%)

75% pass rate (against a target of 50%)
45% employment or educational pathway rate (against a target
of 20%.

As a teacher and public servant I my employment is bound by a

number of pieces of legislation, including:
Public Sector Act 2009
 Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Act 1995
Mutual Recognition Act 1992
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997
Freedom of Information Act 1991
Evidence Act 1929
Child Protection Act 1993
Information Privacy Principles 1989
Acts Interpretation Act 1915
When I first began my role with the At Risk Educational Team,
working with high risk teenagers, I found myself challenged on the
very first day. I quickly had to become conversant with policies
relating to students who are high or intoxicated in the classroom,
reporting of dangerous items in public places (namely syringes),
privacy issues and also, unfortunately, my responsibilities under the
Child Protection Act. These issues were a matter of health and
safety and required immediate action. Due to the nature of my
students I have created a number of organisational linkages,
specifically with the Police Department, the Department of Human
Services, Centrelink and The Salvation Army, who often find
temporary accommodation for students who are facing
homelessness.
I believe these challenging situations, and the requirement to learn
quickly on the job and act with maturity has set me up to land on
my feet if in a position, in the Customs Department.

I am aware that Customs and Border Protection work involves a

range of legislation, including:
Customs Act 1901
Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905
Copyright Act 1968
Trade Marks Act 1995
Customs Regulations 1926
Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
Commerce (Imports) Regulations 1940

Customs and Border Protection is also involved in a range of work

that involves legislation administered by other Government
Departments. For example, some Customs and Border Protection
officers perform functions provided for in the Migration Act 1958,
which is administered by the Department of Immigration and
Citizenship. The Customs Department also publishes the Customs
Annual Regulatory Plan annually. I am confident in my ability to
apply this policy, guidelines and legislation in the position.