Many people prefer to gauge a person's value by measuring their responses against a set of Key Selection Criteria. I have prepared responses against a range of Key Selection Criteria gleaned from advertised vacancies, for those who prefer this method of assessment.

Demonstrated experience in print journalism, mass media, communications, and/or public relations.

I have considerable experience in all areas of this selection criterion through my employment history over the past ten years, with the past four years in the position of Communications Officer - Department of Primary Industries - Farming Systems Institute, based in Toowoomba.

My role with the DPI, had direct responsibility for the communications and public affairs activities for the Farming Systems Institute, a DPI business unit of 400 staff spread throughout Queensland. Included in this role is writing of press releases and articles for use in newspapers, agricultural magazines and specific DPI publications for targeted markets. I also assist in editing articles for magazines on behalf of staff.

These activities have resulted in a level of awareness among key clients and the media previously not seen. My role also includes an annual review of the communication strategy and plans for the Institute, and includes the implementation of project and team communication plans to further enhance communication output.

Other experience in print journalism includes; editor of two national weekly newsletters, editor of the weekly newspaper in Weipa, production assistant with the magazines Australian Grain and Australian Cotton Grower, time with the Toowoomba Chronicle and the Canberra Times. I also successfully supported myself during my university studies by writing articles for various national magazines.

Proven ability to write media releases and maintain effective networks with print and electronic media.

I have the proven ability to identify the most relevant and topical story angle and write media releases on a wide range of topics to best promote the outcomes of RD&E work being undertaken by the Institute on a whole-of-state basis. This involves researching information, often of a highly complex nature in order to produce press releases and articles for general and specialist media. I also performed a coordinating role with the DPI media Unit for the production of additional stories in regional and metropolitan Queensland.

In addition to maintaining a positive profile of the business unit, the releases were used to communicate the relevance of the organisation's work in a way that was relevant and perceived as valuable to the general public, and the specific target audiences. I was also involved in the preparation of ministerial briefing notes, parliamentary briefing notes and draft ministerial press releases and speeches.

As part of his role I worked in close collaboration with DPI Media Unit staff in regional areas and in Brisbane.

I have also experienced considerable success in gaining broad media coverage for outcomes of the DPI. This is attributable to my excellent media network, including close professional liaison with journalists working with rural and urban print publications, journalists and producers working in ABC and commercial radio and ABC and commercial television.

Proven ability to develop media and other communication strategies for complex issues.

I have, as part of my role as Communications Officer, I have developed and reviewed on an regular basis, media and communication strategies and plans for the Farming Systems Institute. These provide a structured and planned approach to promotion of outcomes for both internal and external clients, and to address internal communication issues. A recent initiative has been to develop communication plan templates for project and team leaders to extend the structured and planned approach to these levels, to ensure maximum exposure of our work. These have on occasions required careful management to avoid negative aspects being taken out of context.

In addition, the creation of a senior business group within the Department required strategies to be developed to communicate to clients and stakeholders the role and purpose of the business group, and its relationship to the business unit and Department. This communication extends from primary producers through to senior executives in business and Government.

I have the ability to develop communication strategies for complex issues as demonstrated by work in presenting the application of the combination of climate and applied farming systems research to producers and for high-level ministerial briefings and media presentations.

High level of communication and negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with people, within and outside the organisation.

The requirement to effectively communicate with such a diverse client group has always been handled effectively and satisfactorily. While working with Farmarco I successfully presented information seminars to growers, banking and accountancy representatives, arranged meeting for company representatives with Federal and State Government ministers and initiated contacts with representatives of relevant departments and organisations to enable both company and client's objectives to be met.

Communication skills with a wide range of clients was also demonstrated by effective dealings with participants in both the business and rural industries, often dealing in topics and concepts not totally familiar with the audience.

While with the DPI, my highly developed communication and negotiation skills were evidenced by my capacity to develop beneficial relationships with key parties within the Institute and those who have influence upon it's resourcing. Evidence of this includes the development of beneficial relationships with State Development, Premier's and Treasury. I also liaised on an ongoing basis with staff from the Institute and other sections of the DPI to secure information or other services connected with my role.

I have helped pull together several teams and help them work through communication and media issues. This has been achieved through face-to-face meetings, telemeetings and the introduction of interactive email strategies to facilitate open and honest communication. Based on feedback from staff, I believe I work effectively and have their respect in gaining the best results in promoting their work in written, telephone and face-to-face situations.

I have good negotiation skills and have successfully negotiated with media and other organisations to ensure the best possible coverage of events and outputs.

I have also successfully liaised with non-government organisations on media and other promotional activities including hotel groups, grower representative groups, research organisations and businesses involved in marketing and processing.

Demonstrated project planning skills and demonstrated ability to deliver projects within tight deadlines and to client specifications.

I have the demonstrated ability complete projects, often within very tight time frames - including preparation of information for submissions, budgets etc. Projects the applicant has undertaken include the preparation of the Institute Annual Report, brochures, media kits and organisation of many events involving the Minister for Primary Industries. The applicant also organised a publicly acclaimed sponsor display at Grains Week in Brisbane in 2000 and displays at Toowoomba's AGSHOW.

I have also worked in situations of tight publishing deadlines, including the weekly production of several grain marketing newsletters, booklets, presentations and news stories.