Public Interest Careers Guide 2023 by UNSW Law Society

PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS GUIDE 2023

DEAN OF THE UNSW LAW FACULTY Andrew Lynch UNSW LAW CAREERS MANAGER Brooke Johnson

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

UNSW LAW CAREERS MANAGER (2022) Siobhan Ryan UNSW LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENTS (2023) Matthew Ng Shanzeh Malik UNSW LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENTS (2022) Harrison Zheng Christina Ienco VICE PRESIDENT (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) (2023) Amrita Chahal PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS RESEARCH DIRECTORS (2023) Chelsey Lson Royce Fu VICE PRESIDENT (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) (2022) Jeremy Ma PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS RESEARCH DIRECTORS (2022) Amrita Chahal Aoife Daly PUBLICATIONS DESIGN TEAM Alexandria Kim Ashley Pak Charlotte Fang Hendro Lynette Zhang Mandy Li Minrui Li

© 2023 UNSW Law Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UNSW Law Society. Disclaimer The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the UNSW Law Society, the editors, or those of the UNSW Faculty of Law. Although the editors and the authors have taken every case in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or relies upon it. The editors, authors and the UNSW Law Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication.

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Dean’s Foreword UNSW Law Careers Manager’s Foreword Law Society’s Presidents’ Foreword Public Interest Careers Vice-President’s Foreword

9 10 11 12

CHAPTER I: GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE FEDERAL (GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE) Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Attorney-General’s Department Australian Human Rights Commission Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Office of Australian Information Commissioner Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Department of Defence Department of Veterans’ Affairs Department of Education, Skills and Employment Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Fair Work Commission Fair Work Ombudsman Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Department of Health Department of Home Affairs Commonwealth Ombudsman Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Department of Social Services Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) The Treasury Australian Defence Force Australian Federal Police

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

CONTENTS NSW (GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE) Legal Aid NSW NSW Public Service Commission NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office NSW Department of Communities and Justice NSW Law Reform Commission Council of Law Reporting for NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

47 48 49 50 52 53 54

CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT PRACTICE (GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICE) Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Police Prosecutors Public Defenders

56 57 58 59 60

CHAPTER II: COMMUNITIES & NGOS COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES (COMMUNITIES & NGOS) Aboriginal Legal Service Arts Law Centre of Australia Australian Centre for Disability Law Environmental Defenders Office Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre (CTBMCLC) (prev. Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre) HIV/AIDS Legal Centre Immigration Advice and Rights Centre Kingsford Legal Centre Macarthur Legal Centre Marrickville Legal Centre Redfern Legal Centre Refugee Advice & Casework Service Welfare Rights Centre Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre Women’s Legal Service NSW Youth Law Australia

64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80

CONTENTS OTHER SOCIAL JUSTICE (COMMUNITIES & NGOS) 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94

Amnesty International Australia Australian Pro Bono Centre Cancer Council NSW Intellectual Disability Rights Service Justice Action Justice Connect NSW Council for Civil Liberties Oxfam Public Interest Advocacy Centre Unions NSW Voiceless Youth Action Reconciliation NSW PLAINTIFF/PRIVATE PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FIRMS (COMMUNITIES & NGOS)

96 97 98

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Shine Lawyers Slater and Gordon Lawyers

CHAPTER III: UNSW LAW INTERNSHIPS The Australian Human Rights Institute

100

CHAPTER IV: THE BAR & JUDICIARY Associate and Tipstaff Positions

103

CHAPTER V: PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW/INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST POLITICAL BODIES (PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW/INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST) United Nations (UN) World Trade Organisation (WTO) World Bank International Court of Arbitration International Court of Justice

106 107 109 110 111

CONTENTS ORGANISATIONS (PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW/INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INTEREST) Human Rights Watch Centre for International and Environmental Law Greenpeace International Environmental Law Research Centre International Tribunal for Law of the Sea Asian Development Bank International Monetary Fund Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Asian Human Rights Commission International Bar Association International Commission of Jurists International Committee of the Red Cross International Criminal Police Organisation United Nations United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) United Nations General Assembly United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) World Food Programme (WFP)

113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138

CHAPTER VI: TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS Beatriz Linsao at Slater and Gordon Lawyers Michael Simmons at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

140 141

INTRODUCTION

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF THE UNSW LAW FACULTY UNSW Law & Justice has always prepared students to work in the public sector as a part of our commitment to serving the whole of society. Many of our successful alumni have gone on to take up key roles in government agencies, community organisations and NGO’s, and demonstrate the professional fulfillment that this route offers. Like all professions, the true rewards and challenges of a particular pathway can only be realised through exploration and engagement. This Public Interest Careers Guide offers you a wealth of helpful information to get started! Our faculty is built upon a proud foundation of social justice advocacy and this is strongly reflected through our embedded research and community centres, and institutes. I encourage you to investigate the incredible work being carried out in this space. As well as inspiring you, it will develop your appreciation of the full spectrum of what the ‘law in action’ may encompass. You can also gain hands on professional experience by participating in a Work Integrated Learning Legal Clinic at the Kingsford Legal Centre, The Police Powers Clinic or the Land and Environmental Court Clinic. Your skills and expertise as law graduates are needed more than ever to play a role in seeking justice. The public legal sector is at the forefront of meeting the challenges of modern society, never more so than in the current global context of post-pandemic social and economic upheaval, geopolitical uncertainty, and the climate emergency. Different and emerging areas of note in the public interest sector include: the growth of regulation and compliance requirements; the continuing expansion of security services in their many forms; and balancing the rights of citizens in relation to data privacy and public health. Participate fully and actively in your university life, both inside and outside of the classroom. The academic environment of UNSW Law & Justice is enriching and stimulating and offers insight into the diverse lived experiences that shape people’s experiences with the law. To fully activate your classroom learning, seek out career opportunities and experiences to enhance your understanding and inform your career choices. Gaining experience in this area is highly accessible at all stages of your degree, and you should connect with your dedicated faculty Career Service to support you in this endeavour. I thank the UNSW Law Society for their support of the student body and congratulate the editors on the publication of this valuable resource.

Professor Andrew Lynch Dean of UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice 9

MESSAGE FROM THE UNSW LAW CAREERS MANAGER Hi, I’m Brooke Johnson, Careers Manager for the Faculty of Law & Justice at UNSW. Law is a versatile and foundational degree for many career pathways, especially within public interest. At UNSW the Law & Justice faculty has a strong tradition in advocacy and social justice, offering a high number of social justice internships under the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs and working closely with centres on campus providing direct legal service delivery and policy reform. This strong tradition has resulted in many UNSW alumni taking on roles in the public sector, community legal centres, and other national and international social policy driven organisations. Your law degree, and the training you receive at UNSW, are in high demand by employers. Identifying the right career pathway for you can be difficult with so many choices available but trust your instincts and know that you will likely change your career multiple times during your working life so there’s no wrong career pathway. It’s all experience. The role of the Law & Justice Careers service is to work with you to forward plan for graduation and ultimately secure your dream job at the end of your studies. This includes keeping you up to date with industry news and information on different career pathways. The MyLaw website offers a range of resources to support you in exploring the best career fit for you, understanding the current legal market and applying for work. Work experience is invaluable in assisting you to discover what career fits your strengths and interests. On the UNSW law career website, the Law & Justice Jobs Board advertises roles for both students and graduates, including jobs exclusively advertised to UNSW students. The Law Careers service also offers career coaching appointments with our Careers Advisor. These one-on-one 45-minute appointments can be used to review your resume and/or cover letters, review job applications or to discuss career plans and options aligned to your interests and goals. I would encourage you to schedule a session via this link Careers Coaching Bookings. Throughout the year the Careers Service also organises a range of events for students to assist students explore employment opportunities. I know you will find the careers service useful, and we look forward to hearing from you. For more information: https://my.law.unsw.edu.au/ or email law.careers@unsw.edu.au.

Brooke Johnson UNSW Law Careers Manager 10

MESSAGE FROM THE UNSW LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENTS

The UNSW Law Society prides itself on being able to support the UNSW Law community in being able to pursue their career and personal goals. A crucial part of this mission is equipping our student body with the knowledge and opportunity to be able to effectively achieve their goals. To this end, we are proud to share with you the Public Interest Careers Guide, where we hope that you not only read this guide but to apply the plethora of knowledge that has been painstakingly compiled for your benefit. This guide has information about the many career paths in government, not-for-profit organisations, and a multitude of other agencies which the UNSW Law Society is proud to support. More specifically, information regarding the work in each respective area, application tips and relevant application dates have been included to equip you and provide you with the opportunity to put your best foot forward. A career in the public interest space is highly rewarding – being a sector that is full of passionate, tenacious and inspiring change makers. We are currently in a time where public interest work has truly been brought to the fore front of many people’s lives – in addressing refugee and immigration issues, introducing policy and humanitarian change and fighting for justice within our society. We hope this guide sparks curiosity in areas of interest for you. Whatever your passion, you have our full support. As a final note, we would like to thank the Public Interest Careers team and the Secretarial team for creating this guide, with special mention to our Vice-President (Public Interest Careers), Secretary and their directors. We hope you find this guide useful and wish you all the best in your careers!

Harrison Zheng and Christina Ienco Co-Presidents, UNSW Law Society 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) Throughout this year, I have been so incredibly privileged to lead a team truly dedicated to serve the UNSW Law Community. I’d like to thank the directors I have had the honour of leading, including Royce Fu and Chelsey Ison, who have worked tirelessly to produce this guide. To many, being a UNSW Law Student is synonymous with having a deep-rooted sense of advocacy and justice. We recognise we are immensely privileged to pursue higher education at a world-renowned institution and possess the capabilities to apply, challenge and change the legal and socio-political systems around us. The public sector is just one avenue to do so, and I hope this guide drives students to partake in advocacy on both a domestic and international level and to lead fights for the causes they believe in. This publication provides valuable information on careers and opportunities across a range of organisations, encouraging students to find their passions and develop skills that will serve their future careers. The 2023 Public Interest Careers portfolio has introduced a number of initiatives, including the highly successful Human Rights Networking Night, in collaboration with the UNSW Law Society Social Justice portfolio and the Australia Human Rights Institute, and the Careers in Criminal Law and Criminology Night with the UNSW Criminology Society. The Public Interest Careers and Social Justice portfolios have also organised the Law Reform Panel, where we were privileged to host the Hon. Tom Bathurst. These events, alongside many others run by the Public Interest Careers portfolio, have provided valuable insight and experiences to students, faculty members and external guests alike, further building the broader UNSW Law community and connecting like-minded individuals. We hope this guide provides insights and inspiration for the work you all commit yourselves to. On behalf of myself and the UNSW Law Society, we wish you the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the impact of your triumphs.

Amrita Chahal Vice-President (Public Interest Careers), UNSW Law Society 2023

CHAPTER I:

Government and Public Service

FEDERAL

Government and Public Service

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) All Capital Cities except Darwin Mailau and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs The AAT affirmed a decision of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs (the Department) not to revoke the mandatory cancellation of the applicant’s resident return visa. He was found to not be of good character. Testimonial - Michael Simmons After practising in refugee and migration law firms as an early career lawyer, I joined the AAT as a Legal Officer in the Migration and Refugee Division. In this role I advised Tribunal Members on how to conduct lawful and procedural fair reviews of migration decisions. I then moved into a decision making role within the AAT, reviewing negative protection visa decision for certain applicants who entered Australia by sea. Around two years ago I became a Conference Registrar role within the AAT’s General Division, conducting dispute resolution proceedings in matters including disability, workers compensation and social security reviews. More recently I was appointed as an AAT Member. Despite being a smaller sized agency, the AAT has offered me various different and interesting opportunities. Although while at law school I did not intend to work for government, now that I have a broader awareness of the varied opportunities within the public sector it is something I would encourage law students to be open to.

ABOUT The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) conducts independent merits review of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws. The AAT reviews decisions made by Federal Government ministers, departments and agencies and, in limited circumstances, decisions made by state government and non-government bodies. They also review decisions made under Norfolk Island laws. The AAT reviews decisions “on the merits”. This means they take a fresh look at the relevant facts, law and policy and arrive at their own decision. In this regard, the AAT operates differently to courts conducting judicial review. They must make the legally correct decision or, where there can be more than one correct decision, the preferable decision. Members do not necessarily have a legal background, and can come from accountancy, disability, mediicine, migraiton, public administration, science and social welfare. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The AAT consists of the President and members who may be appointed as Deputy Presidents, senior members or members. All members of the AAT are statutory office holder appointed by the Governor-General.

Tribunal members conduct merits review in the following areas: • Freedom of information • Migration and refugees • National Disability Insurance Scheme • Security • Small business taxation • Social services and child support • Taxation and commercial • Veteran’s appeals GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The AAT offers Associate positions for graduates. The role of an Associate is the undertake legal research, assist with the preparation of hearings and publications of orders, decisions and reasons for decisions, prehearing liaison with parties and their representatives, drafting simple directions and interlocutory orders. Associate positions are non-ongoing and can have a duration of between 12 months and three years. The AAT also has an employment register to source employees for temporary work in areas including legal and policy/research. Work is short-term or project-based and may be part-time or full-time. To see when these positions are available, check here: https://aat.bigredsky.com/page. php?pageID=106

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Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) All states and territories Diversity The ABC has a number of diversity and inclusion iniatives, including ABC Pride, ABC Disability Employee Network Group, and programs to support women working in technology. Further, the ABC offers a number of jobs and training programs for indigenous people. Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training is compulsory for all new staff as part of induction.

ABOUT The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s national public broadcaster. The ABC provides entertainment, news, current affairs and sports programming across television, radio, mobile and online services to metropolitan, regional and remote Australia. The ABC is primarily funded by the federal government, but is independent and non-partisan. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The ABC’s Legal Services provide pre- and post-publication advice for journalists, television shows, radio programs and online content. ABC Legal Services has a number of teams, including: • Dispute Resolution, that deals with program complaints, litigation and related disputes; • Commercial, whose key function is to provide advice and draft agreements across divisions such as Music, Books, Audio, Magazines

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Internships at the ABC may be available to tertiary students who are required to complete a period of practical experience as part of their course. Internships are an unpaid period of work experience arranged between the educational institution, the ABC, and the student. There are a number of internship opportunities available, depending on what you would like to get out of the experience. More information can be found here: https://www.abc.net.au/careers/ work-experience/12007628 GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Each year, ABC News offers cadetships to aspiring journalists, with opportunities in every State and Territory. The ABC NEWS Cadetship is a 12-month paid program. They offer comprehensive training in multiplatform reporting, the chance to learn from some of Australia’s most outstanding journalists, a mentoring program, and the potential for a rewarding and varied career with the nation’s most trusted and independent source of Australian conversations. More information can be found here: https://www.abc.net.au/careers/ work-experience/12007628

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Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Attorney-General’s Department All capital cities Nicholas Watson - AGS Grad Program I joined the 2019 Graduate Program with a BSc (Psych) / LLB (Hons) and eventually settled in the Commercial Practice Group in 2020. My day-to-day work involves drafting, researching, advising and delivering training to a diverse set of Commonwealth clients. The subject matter is highly varied, covering property, contracting & procurement, probity, IP, governance and technology. I’ve especially enjoyed probity – thinking about ensuring government purchases are fair, equitable and defensible. I’ve found the unique nature of AGS particularly rewarding: working in the national interest as the Australian Government’s central legal service, while also having the client-focused characteristics of a more traditional law firm given that we compete with other legal providers for much of our work.

ABOUT The Attorney-General’s Department deliver programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia’s law and justice framework, and to facilitate jobs growth through policies that promote fair, productive, flexible and safe workplaces. Through the Australian Government Solicitor, they also provide legal services to the Commonwealth, including legal advice and representation. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Attorney-General’s Department is structured into five groups: 1. The Australian Government Solicitor - provide legal advice and representation to government clients 2. Legal Services and Families - draft legal policy and guide royal commissions 3. Integrity and International - work on security and criminal justice matters, and international law and cooperation 4. National Anti-Corruption Commission - litigation and policy writing 5. Enabling Services - operational and human resources

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Attorney-General’s Department offers a 12-month Graudate Program across different streams. As a graduate you can work on a variety of interesting and important policy and program issues and legal matters, often in unique and precedent-setting work of importance to Australia. You can interact with real clients, the Australian community, key stakeholders and other government jurisdictions to help achieve the Australian Government’s policy, program and legal objectives. More information can be found here: https://www.ag.gov.au/ about-us/careers/employmentprograms

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Human Rights Commission Sydney “Racism. It Stops With Me” is a national campaign that provides tools and resources to help people and organisations learn about racism and take action to create change. In 2022, the Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan has relaunched the Racism - It Stops With Me initiative. The relaunch comes after a period of consultations primarily with Australians who have lived experience of racism. Consultations sought to understand the role a national anti-racism campaign should play. The campaign refresh was also guided by a number of Expert Advisory Groups, made up of experts and practitioners from diverse sectors and communities. The campaign acknowledges that First Nations peoples and others with lived experience of racism have been leading anti-racism in Australia for centuries, and calls on more Australians to reflect on their responsibility and take action.

ABOUT The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation, established by the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. The AHRC protects and promote human rights in Australia and internationally. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Daily work includes: • conciliating discrimination complaints • holding public inquiries • developing education resources for schools and workplaces • providing legal advice to courts • making submissions to parliaments and governments • initiating research into human rights and discrimination issues

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The AHRC offers unpaid internships for students in their final or penultimate year of an undergraduate or graduate degree. Internships can be completed parttime across 12 weeks or full-time across six weeks. Interns will work on a single piece of policy work, submission or project and undertake supporting research, draft writing and/or project/administrative support. The internship program is advertised annually in September/ October. You can apply here: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/ jobs? GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The AHRC is currently developing a formal Graduate Program. In the meantime, graudates are encouraged to apply for vacant positions as they arise. These include roles as administrative assistants, and policy and project officers. You can find available positions here: https:// humanrights.gov.au/about/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane Review of Judicial Impartiality The ALRC has been asked to undertake a review of the laws relating to impartiality and bias as they apply to the federal judiciary. In particular, the ALRC has been asked to consider: • whether the law about actual or apprehended bias relating to judicial decision-making is appropriate and sufficient to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice; • whether the law provides enough clarity to decisionmakers, the legal profession and the community about how to manage potential conflicts and perceptions of partiality; and • whether current mechanisms for raising allegations of actual or apprehended bias, and deciding those allegations, are sufficient and appropriate (including in relation to review and appeal mechanisms).

ABOUT

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is an independent statutory authority, which functions to conduct inquiries on behalf of the federal Attorney-General. The ALRC undertakes research and provides recommendations for law reform. As an independent body, the ALRC is within the AttorneyGeneral’s portfolio, however, it is simultaneously independent of executive government and thus able to undertake research, consultations, legal policy development and make recommendations utilising its own authority. ALRC recommendations do not automatically become law, however over 85 per cent of ALRC reports have been either substantially or partially implemented—making the ALRC one of the most effective and influential agents for legal reform in Australia.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

Employees work as policy advisors, undertaking multiple research inquiries as per the needs of the ALRC. This involves: • Bringing the law into line with current conditions and needs • Removing defects in the law • Simplifying the law • Adopting new or effective methods for administering the law and dispensing justice • Providing access to justice

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The ALRC provides opportunities for penultimate and final-year law students to work with Commission members and legal staff as a voluntary legal intern. Interns will assist with current inquiries through research and policy drafting. More information can be found here: https://www. alrc.gov.au/publication/annualreport-2013-2014-alrc-report-125/ special-features-4/alrc-internshipprogram-4/#:~:text=An%20 internship%20at%20the%20 ALRC,contributing%20to%20 an%20ALRC%20inquiry.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

The ALRC does not have a formal graduate program. However, they do maintain a register of potential employees for short-term employment of up to 12 months. To be considered for a vacancy, you must hold a law degree and have experience in policy develpment and/or law reform. All positions are based in Sydney. You can find more information here: https://www.alrc.gov.au/ about/careers/.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) Canberra A Secret Agency

ABOUT ASIS’s primary goal is to obtain and distribute secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside Australia, which may impact on Australia’s interests and the well-being of its citizens.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? ASIS’s functions are to: For over twenty years, the • Collect foreign intelligence, existence of ASIS remained a not available by other means, secret, even from members of which may impact on the Australian Government. The Australia’s interests; Service was first referred to in • Distribute that intelligence to Parliament in 1975 and was not the Government, including publicly acknowledged until 1977. key policy departments and The then Prime Minister, Malcolm agencies; Fraser, informed Parliament • Undertake counter-intelligence that “ASIS’s capacity to serve activities which protect Australia’s national interest Australia’s interests and will continue to depend on its initiatives; and, activities being fully protected • Engage other intelligence and by secrecy”. This statement has security services overseas in been reaffirmed by successive Australia’s national interests. Governments. Today, ASIS is a part of the Foreign Affairs portfolio and is responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES ASIS offers a 12 month graduate program called ACTIVATE. Successful applicants will gain experience through corporate and operational work placements and will be given the opportunity to travel and undertake specialist training. You can find more information here: https://www.asis.gov.au/Careers/ Current-Vacancies/GraduateProgram/.

Based on a recommendation by a Commission of Inquiry in 1995, the Intelligence Services Act 2001 came into being in 2001. It provides a legislative framework for ASIS and made public for the first time, ASIS’s functions and limits.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Canberra In the 2020-21 Annual Report, ASIO reported it pursued its purpose to protect Australia and Australians from threats to their security through five key priorities: • • • • • •

Counter-terrorism; Counter–espionage and foreign interference; Border security; ASIO’s reform program; and Governance and accountability.

ABOUT The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is an Australian intelligence agency and the nation’s security service. ASIO’s purpose is to protect Australia and Australians from threats to their security. Areas of priority include counter-terrorism, counter-espionage and foreign interference, border security, reform and governance and accountability.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES ASIO offer two 12-month graduate programs in Canberra. The Corporate Graduate Program is targeted towards graduates who have studied disciplines such as law, economics and accounting. Graduates complete structured rotations to gain firsthand experience across a range of corporate priorities.

The Technologist Graduate Program is targeted towards graduates with skills in data WHAT KIND OF WORK? analytics, science, cyber and ASIO’s work includes: • collecting intelligence here and information security and software development. Graduates undertake overseas • providing advice to government rotations across a variety of technical areas and disciplines, and industry partners to both at the operational and strengthen public safety enterprise level. • investigating threats • analysing visa applications and other movements of goods and Both programs lead to permanent positions. people • reforming data analytics and More information about these technology programs can be found here: https://www.asio.gov.au/ graduates.html.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Office of Australian Information Commissioner Sydney OAIC openned an investigation into Bunnings and Kmart. In mid2022, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) opened investigations into the personal information handling practices of Bunnings Group Limited and Kmart Australia Limited, focusing on the companies’ use of facial recognition technology. The investigations follow a report from consumer advocacy group CHOICE about the retailers’ use of facial recognition technology. The OAIC has commenced preliminary inquiries with Good Guys Discount Warehouses (Australia) Pty Ltd following public reports that the company has paused its use of facial recognition technology. Investigations are ongoing, and updates can be found on the OAIC website.

ABOUT The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is an independent agency within the Attorney General’s portfolio. OAIC’s primary functions are ensuring individual privacy, freedom of information and transparent government information policies. This is done through conducting investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice. OAIC’s purpose is to promote and uphold privacy and information access rights. WHAT KIND OF WORK? OAIC’s work involves: • • • • •

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES OAIC does not offer a formal graduate program. However, they do maintain a Temporary Employment Register for when non-ongoing full-time, parttime and casual vacancies arise. Opportunities are available for periods of up to 18 months. Job opportunities are available in each of OAIC’s three branches: 1. Dispute Resolution 2. Regulation and Strategy 3. Corporate More information can be found here: https://www.oaic.gov.au/ about-us/join-our-team/.

conducting investigations handling complaints reviewing decisions made under the FOI Act monitoring agency administration advising the public, organisations and agencies.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Canberra Review of Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation Currently, an independent expert panel is reviewing Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation, including costs and charging arrangements.

ABOUT The Department Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Cities has recently merged with the Department of Communications and the Arts to form the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDC). DITRDC oversees internet, television, phone, radio and post communications and connectivity across Australia, connecting people. WHAT KIND OF WORK? DITRDC’s work involves: • strategic advice and policy development • program and grants management • regulatory management • collaborative stakeholder engagement

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES DITRDC offers a graduate program in Canberra. Applicants with degrees in public policy, law, sciences and communications are highly valued. Opportunities may be available across the sectors of aviation, cities, territories, transport, maritime, post, regional, media technology and communications, corporate, arts and rail. You can find more information here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/ department/careers/graduate.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Defence Australia-wide World-class electromagnetic warfare research centre In September of this year, Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General John Frewen, officially opened the Pitt-Johnston Electromagnetic Warfare Research Centre, a collaboration between Joint Capabilities Group and the Defence Science and Technology Group. This purpose-built facility boasts a highly secure environment with first-class laboratories, workspaces and high-end information technology to test the survivability of Defence platforms on the electromagnetic spectrum.

ABOUT The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903. Its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, the ADF serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government’s defence policy. The ADF has a Legal Division which is responsible for the provision of legal advice and other legal services to the ADF, the Minister of Defence and the Department of Defence. WHAT KIND OF WORK? In various roles employees: • Plan advice for the Minister for Defence • Develop strategic guidance for the ADF • Evaluate information from classified and unclassified sources

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The ADF offers Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship to students wishing to pursue a degree through the UNSW Canberra campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy. More information can be found here: https://www.defencejobs. gov.au/students-and-education/ defence-university-sponsorship/ what-is-dus. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The ADF offers Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship to students wishing to pursue a degree through the UNSW Canberra campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Sponsorship is available for the following degrees: • Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Aeronautical) (4 years) • Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security (3 years)

Work in the Legal Division involves: You can find more information • Providing legal advice, support and services on the here: https://www.defence.gov.au/ management of legal affairs APSCareers/DCUS.asp and here: • Operations law including https://www.defence.gov.au/jobshumanitarian law careers/graduates.

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Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans DVA’s clients are diverse, ranging from young children, through contemporary veterans of operations in places like Afghanistan, to war widows of First World War servicemen. Darryl Kelly OAM is one such client of DVA. He worked in the Australian Army for 39 years, and was eventually offered the rank of a Major. In 2016, Kelly took 76 Legacy Youth to the battlefields of Belgium and France to learn about WWI battles.

ABOUT The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is a department of the Australian Government. The DVA provide support, services and information for: • veterans and their dependants • serving and former serving ADF members • war widow/ers • Australian British Nuclear Tests participants • members of the Australian Federal Police and • students, teachers and historians WHAT KIND OF WORK? The DVA provide the following support, services and information: • financial support • health care • rehabilitation • mental health care • help returning to civilian life • commemoration and recognition • home care assistance • help with housing • historical information

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The DVA offer an 11-month Graduate Development Program comprised of three work placements. Students with degrees in accountancy, commerce, business, finance, law and policy are particularly sought after. Graduates will have the opportunity to work in several business areas, including: • • • • • • • • •

Secretary’s office Commemorations and War Graves Division Rehabilitation and Support Division Health and Community Services Division Corporate Division Transformation Division Legal Services, Assurance and Deregulation Branch Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service

The Graduate Development Program leads to an offer of permanent work with DVA. More information can be found here: https://www.dva.gov.au/ about-us/careers/graduates.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Education, Skills and Employment Canberra JobTrainer DESE is responsible for overseeing the new JobTrainer program, which was introduced in response to the COVID-19 crisis. JobTrainer will provide Australians with free, or low cost, training in areas of identified skills need. There will be around 340,700 additional training places available for school leavers and job seekers.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES DESE runs a 10-month graduate program in Canberra. There are four main career pathways that you can apply for: • Generalist Career Pathway - graduates are involved in policy development and advice, project and contract management • Legal Career Pathway graduates work with in-house legal counsel to provide advice across several different areas of law • Economic Career Pathway WHAT KIND OF WORK? graduates conduct economic The work of DESE involves: and labour market research • Ensuring quality, affordable and and analysis accessible early education and • Finance Career Pathway care for families graduates prepare budgets, • Improving schooling outcomes provide financial analysis and for children reporting • Preparing their future workforce through globally You can find more information competitive tertiary education, here: https://www.education.gov. training and research sectors au/graduate-and-entry-levelprograms/graduate-program. ABOUT Department of Education, Skills and Employment is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians find and keep employment and work in safe, fair and productive workplaces. They are responsible for developing the policies and programs run under the Australian Government employment services systems, overseeing training programs for employees and providing financial incentives to employers.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources All major cities Government and business partner to establish mRNA production in Australia The Australian Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government have finalised partnership arrangements to establish an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility at Monash University in Melbourne.

ABOUT The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources aims to drive growth and job creation for a more prosperous Australia, by facilitating economic transformation and boosting business competitiveness. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Department: • boost Australia’s competitiveness and economic transformation by backing business, science, innovation and investment • deliver policies and programs to reduce emissions, increase renewable energy uptake and help Australia adapt to climate change • rely on building strong relationships between businesses, entrepreneurs, employees, the science community, government, regulators and international partners

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES There are a number of paid and unpaid research-based student opportunities at the National Measurement Institute. These are mostly for science or engineering students, and include vocational placements for internships, work experience and the Year in Industry program. You can find more information here: https://www. industry.gov.au/about-us/workwith-us/student-opportunities. There are also opportunities for students, volunteers and work experience at Questacon. You can find more information here: https://www.questacon.edu.au/ science-communication/workingat-q GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Department offers a 12-month Graduate Development Program, with an additional optional sixmonth career transition support program. The graduate program offers on-the-job learning, formal training and networking opportunities. Graduates will collaborate with other graduates on a major project tackling real-life policy issues, and will learn soft and technical skills. There are three streams available: • Generalist stream • STEM stream • Professional services stream - for graduates with backgrounds in ICT, finance, law, communications or HR You can find more information here: https://www.industry.gov.au/ about-us/work-with-us/graduatesprogram.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Fair Work Commission All capital cities Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) leave On the 16th of May 2022, the FWC handed down a decision as part of its ongoing review of Modern Award entitlements, increasing the amount awarded for family and domestic violence paid leave. The FWC did not extend the proposed paid FDV leave entitlement to casual employees and has offered no view on whether the National Employment Standards (NES) should also be amended to provide for paid FDV leave, however, this is likely to be discussed in the coming months.

ABOUT The Commission is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. It was established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act) and is responsible for administering the provisions of the Fair Work Act. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Commission’s powers and functions include: • dealing with unfair dismissal claims • dealing with anti-bullying claims • dealing with general protections and unlawful termination claims • approving, varying and terminating enterprise agreements • promoting cooperative and productive workplace relations and preventing disputes.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Commission maintains a Nonongoing Temporary Employment Register. Vacancies are available up to 18 months in every capital city. Opportunities may be part-time, full-time or casual. Positions include: • Client Services Representative • Case Manager • Research Officer • Conciliator You can find more information here: https://fwc.bigredsky.com/page. Associate postitions are also available on a non-ongoing basis of 12-18 months and their main duties include administration, case management, in-court duties and legal research. You can find more information here: https://www.fwc. gov.au/about-us/careers

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Fair Work Ombudsman All capital cities RSPCA The September of 2022, the Fair Work Ombudsman secured a $21,450 penalty in court against the former operator of an IGA supermarket in Perth.

ABOUT The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) aims to promote harmonious, productive, cooperative and compliant workplace relations in Australia. They do this by: • Providing education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations. • Promoting and monitoring compliance with workplace laws. • Inquiring into and investigating breaches of the Fair Work Act.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES FWO maintains an Employment Register for non-ongoing opportunities of up to 18 months. Positions are available at all Australian Public Service levels, including entry-level. You can find more information here: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ careers.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Ombudsman educates and enforces workplace laws through: • workplace investigations involves collecting evidence, applying to the AAT for a FWO Notice, evaluating whether a workplace law has been broken and deciding the most appropriate outcome. If a person or company that has broken the law fails to fix the problem, the case may be referred to court for further action. • compliance notices - the FWO has the authority to take an employer to court if they do not comply with a compliance notice • litigation

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Canberra World leading scientific research using 3D X-ray technology for the detection of illegal wildlife trafficking In September of 2022, the ‘Detecting illegal wildlife trafficking via real time tomography 3D x-ray imaging and automated algorithms’ paper by Pirotta et al. was published and was the first to document the use of 3D x-ray CT scanning technology for the use of wildlife protection in the scientific literature.

ABOUT The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry work to enhance the agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries. They create new and maintain existing agricultural export opportunities, to provide gains for Australian agriculture and manage biosecurity risks to Australia to protect their multi-billion dollar agricultural industries and our way of life.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Department offers a graduate program with six career streams to choose from: • Generalist • Veterinary Science • Finance and Accounting • Legal • Human Resources • Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Entry Level Professional Program

WHAT DO KIND OF WORK? You can find more information The Department works in three here: https://www.agriculture.gov. major ways: working with au/about/jobs/graduates Administrative Arrangements Orders, enforcing laws and working with stakeholders, governments and the public.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Canberra, International Russia – Australia prohibits the import of Russian gold In October of 2022, the DFAT announced Australia will impose further sanctions against Russia in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Australia will prohibit the import, purchase or transport of gold exported from Russia after 30 September 2022. The Minister for Foreign Affairs made the Designation under subregulation 4A(3) of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011.

ABOUT The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) works to make Australia stronger, safer and more prosperous, to provide timely and responsive consular and passport services, and to ensure a secure Australian Government presence overseas. DFAT provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Federal Government. They work with other government agencies to ensure that Australia’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively. WHAT KIND OF WORK? DFAT officers are involved in: • developing and implementing foreign, trade and development policy • negotiating international agreements • delivering an effective aid program • providing high quality consular assistance Generalist officers with economic backgrounds are also involved in: • negotiating trade agreements • managing aid programs to help advance developing country economies • working on trade policy and investment issues • working at embassies or high commissions overseas

Generalist officers with legal backgrounds are also involved in: • commercial, administrative and international law • providing advice on contracts, employment law and diplomatic privileges and immunities • managing litigation in Australia and overseas • working on bilateral and multilateral legal issues, including international trade matters, law of the sea and international human rights GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES DFAT offers a two-year graduate program based in Canberra. Graduates will complete four work placements. Graduates are able to apply for positions overseas after their first year. There are two programs available: • Policy Program - for graduates with an interest in Australia’s foreign, development and trade policy interests, including in the international and domestic policy contexts • Corporate Management Program - for graduates with an interest in project management, business, finance, accounting and human resource management You can find more information here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/careers/ dfat-aps-careers/graduate-program/ Pages/graduate-program. DFAT also offer an Indigenous Graduate Pathway, Indigenous Apprenticeship Programme and Indigenous Australia Development Program. You can find more information here: https://www.dfat. gov.au/careers/dfat-aps-careers/ indigenous-programs/Pages/ indigenous-programs.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Health All capital cities $156 million to support innovative medical research In September 2022, the Department announced the Australian Government will be investing $156.7 million in 93 innovative medical research projects to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Ninety-three projects will share $156.7 million of MRFF funding. This includes $33.6 million to help reduce the number of Australians affected by heart disease and stroke. Funding is from the MRFF’s: • Cardiovascular Health Mission ($33.6 million, 41 projects) • Clinical Trials Activity initiative ($4.6 million, 3 projects) • Genomics Health Futures Mission ($56 million, 20 projects) • Preventive and Public Health Research initiative ($9.4 million, 4 projects) • Indigenous Health Research Fund ($11.5 million, 11 projects) • Traumatic Brain Injury Mission ($4 million, 2 projects) • Stem Cell Therapies Mission ($24.4 million, 7 projects) • Research Data Infrastructure

ABOUT The Department of Health (DOH) develop and deliver policies and programs and advise the Australian Government on health, aged care and sport. DOH work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure better health for all Australian. DOH’s strategic priorities include: • better health and ageing outcomes for all Australians • an affordable, quality health and aged care system • better sport outcomes. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The DOH conducts the following activities: • provide information and advice to the Australian community on health, ageing and aged care topics and issues • work with stakeholders including members of the public, other government agencies, peak bodies and service providers • manage tenders and grants to deliver activities, goods and services • work on initiatives and programs to deliver services and activities in health, aged care and sport • identify and investigate issues and develop policy to provide the best possible solutions to challenges across health, ageing and aged care, and sport

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES DOH offers a ten-month graduate program in Canberra with three rotations. Graduates help lead and shape Australia’s health and ageing systems and sporting outcomes by developing and implementing evidence-based policies and programs across a wide range of issues. DOH value graduates with degrees such as law, economics, communications, commerce, public policy and science. The application process consists of an online assessment, video interview and assessment centre. DOH contributes some financial support towards relocation and temporary accommodation expenses. You can find more information here: https://www.health.gov.au/ about-us/work-with-us/graduateprogram. DOH also mantain a temporary employment register. You can find more information here: https://healthjobs.nga.net. au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs. jati&returnToEvent=jobs. home&jobID=B2041800-F08C47C4-9B45-AAB900B2B110&audie nceTypeCode=EXT&UseAudience TypeLanguage=1.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

ABOUT On 20 December 2017 the Department of Department of Home Affairs was Home Affairs established as a part of the Home Affairs Portfolio. The Department Canberra (limited opportunities of Home Affairs continues to available in other capital cities) deliver immigration and customs border policy functions previously delivered by the Department of Global Business and Talent Immigration and Border Protection. Attraction Taskforce It also includes national security, emergency management and The Department of Home criminal justice functions from the Attorney-Generals Department; the Affairs oversees the The Global Office of Transport Security from Business and Talent Attraction the Department of Infrastructure Taskforce. The Taskforce offers a and Regional Development; coordinated whole of nation suite multicultural affairs from the of services and a streamlined Department of Social Services; and pathway to permanent residency the counter-terrorism coordination for exceptionally talented and cyber security policy functions individuals and successful from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. high-yield businesses interested in growing their success in WHAT KIND OF WORK? Australia. There is a broad variety of work that can be undertaken by employees and graduates. Graduates can expect to work in: • Business analysis • Cyber security • Project management • Policy development and connection • Dealing with communications • domestically and globally

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Department of Home Affairs offers a 12 month graduate program. Graduates are given a range of interesting and challenging work, access to professional development, support through various diversity networks and rewarding professional relationships. Graduates are provided with support through an orientation and induction program, a mentor, a range of Graduate events, access to health and wellbeing programs, as well as a team of supervisors, mentors and program managers to assist and guide. Graduates also have exposure to Senior Executive Service (SES) Officers and participate in internal and external activities and events such as: • Secretary’s Book Club • Graduate Project • Refugee Week Grad Bake-off • APSC Graduate Events • Graduation Ceremony You can find more information here: https://www.homeaffairs.gov. au/about-us/careers/graduateprogram. Applications open in March each year for the following year.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Commonwealth Ombudsman Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Ombudsman investigation into compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 On 4 October 2022, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Iain Anderson, released an own motion investigation report, Investigation into compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013. The investigation concluded that the agencies’ handling of the disclosures generally complied with the PID Act. However, we identified common areas in which agencies could improve their practice, including: • • • • •

the content and level of detail in investigation reports the content and level of detail in decision records the handling of assessments about the risk of reprisal to people who make disclosures record keeping communication with people who make disclosures.

ABOUT The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman safeguards the community in its dealings with the Australian Government. They have oversight of some private sector organisations. If an Australian Government agency has treated you unfairly or unreasonably, the Ombudsman can help you find a solution. Their service is free and they are independent. The Ombudsman specialises in the following areas: • Private Health Insurance • Overseas Students • VET Student Loans • the Postal Industry • the Defence Force • Immigration Law Enforcement the Australian Capital Territory Ombudsman • The Commonwealth

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Commonwealth Ombudsman does not make a fresh decision, rather they consider the way a decision is made and make recommendations on how the decision or process could be enhanced. The Ombudsman is the oversight body when it comes to complaints. They can assist to resolve complaints by investigating the process if the agency does not change their decision or offer a better explanation of the decision. Ombudsman employees ensure the actions of agencies are fair and responsible by: • handling complaints • conducting investigations • performing audits and inspections • encouraging good administration

Ombudsman is also responsible for: • oversight of the Commonwealth Public Interest Disclosure scheme • inspection and monitoring of certain covert and intrusive powers by police and other law enforcement agencies.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Commonwealth Ombudsman does not have a formal graduate program. Howevers, graduates can apply for job vacanies or resgitser an expression of interest for shortterm temporary employment on the Non-ongoing Employment Register. You can find more information here: https://www.ombudsman. gov.au/what-we-do/careers.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Canberra Women’s Leadership and Development Program The Office for Women administers the Women’s Leadership and Development Program (WLDP), to fund and deliver a range of projects for Australian Women. The program contributes to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Outcome 1. The objective of the WLDP is to improve outcomes for Australian women in six key priority areas: • • • • • •

Women’s Job Creation Women’s Economic Security Women’s Workforce Participation Women’s Leadership Women’s Safety International Engagement

The WLDP is split into two grant streams: Project Grants for one-off projects and Advocacy Grants to fund the formation of six civil society networks to ensure women’s voices are heard in the policymaking process.

ABOUT The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) offers top-tier guidance and support to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers, and Assistant Ministers for cohesive and innovative policy development and execution. PM&C manages policy coordination in various areas, including economics, domestic and international issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, and public service management. PM&C’s roles: •

•

Coordinating government policies for practical improvements in Australians’ lives. Promoting a high-performing public sector in collaboration with the Australian Public Service Commission. Consulting with government, private, non-profit sectors, and the community.

GRADUATE OPPORTINITIES PM&C offers a 12-month graduate program in Canberra with rotations in various areas: •

•

• • •

Domestic Policy: Create and coordinate policy solutions for Australia’s key economic, social, and environmental issues. Government: Promote consistency across government and coordinate public ceremonies and national honours. International Policy: Contribute to discussions on overseas trade, foreign aid, development, and international security. National Security: Provide advice on border protection and defence initiatives. Office for Women: Collaborate across government to advance gender equality . Regulation: Ensure the proper functioning of society and the economy through government-endorsed rules and compliance. Public Data: Enhance the management, sharing, and publication of public data for the benefit of all Australians.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet operates in five main groups:

•

You can find more information here: https://www.pmc.gov.au/ pmc/careers/graduate-careers.

• • • •

Economy, Industry and G20 Sherpa Group Social Policy Group National Security and International Policy Group Governance and APS Reform Group Chief Operating Officer Group.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Department of Social Services All major cities Disability Gateway Evaluation Report On 4 October 2022, it was announced an independent evaluation of the initial 12 months of the Disability Gateway service had been completed and considered whether the service is meeting the needs of people with disability, their families and carers. The evaluation findings are available here: https://www. dss.gov.au/disability-gatewayevaluation-report. Testimonial: Lauren Stinston I’m currently a Generalist graduate at the Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS). The program includes Legal and Generalist streams. The Generalist stream involves 2 rotations in social policy: e.g, pensions, family safety, homelessness, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This year, I have worked with stakeholders to improve access to the NDIS for people with mental illness and, while seconded to Centrelink, assessed welfare claims for the many Australians without jobs. I’m currently lucky enough to work in Legal Services, where I work on legislative amendments and provide legal advice to policy areas. I would highly recommend DSS if you are interested in law reform and improving the wellbeing of Australian communities.

ABOUT The Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for improving the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities. DSS is the Australian Government’s preeminent social policy agency, charged with responsibility for national policies and programs that help deliver a fair and strong policy for all Australians. The department partners with other government and nongovernment organisations to work towards the effective development, management and delivery of payments, policies, programs and services. These uphold the Department’s responsibility for families, communities, housing, social security, and disability services. WHAT KIND OF WORK? DSS is responsible for administering services relating to: • Families and children • Housing support • Seniors • Communities and vulnerable people • Disability and carers • Mental health

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The DSS offers 70-80 spots annually in its graduate program to students of any discipline. This 10-month program includes two five-month rotations and is structured into Generalist, Data & Analysis, Public Affairs Specialist, Legal, and Finance streams. Relevant qualifications are needed for specialist streams. Graduates get access to learning opportunities, networking events, and short-term placements in notfor-profits and Services Australia service centers. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants have a culturally appreciative pathway for streamlined entry. You can find more information here: https://www.dss.gov.au/ careers/graduate-developmentprogram.

DSS employees assist with the delivery of programs and services, benefits and payments, and grants for service providers.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) All capital cities, Townsville Collective bargaining The ACCC has the authority to authorise collective bargaining for businesses. In Sepetmber 2020 the ACCC granted authorisation to enable the National Lotteries and Newsagents Association (NLNA) to collectively bargain on behalf of its current and future members with Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (Tabcorp). The ACCC considered that the Proposed Conduct is likely to result in public benefits by providing NLNA members with improved opportunity for input into contracts and some small transaction cost savings relative to a situation where its members negotiate individually with Tabcorp. Authorisation provides legal protection to participate in collective bargaining that may otherwise breach competition laws because it involves joint action by competitors.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The ACCC comprises a Chair, two Deputy Chairs, and three Commissioners. These officials also chair seven sub-committees, each involving full-time and associate members with specialized expertise. The subcommittees and their functions are: • Enforcement Committee: Recommends actions to ensure compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2020 (Cth). • Mergers Review Committee: Evaluates the impact of Strategies include: mergers and acquisitions on competition. • Promoting competition. • Communications Committee: • Protecting consumer interests Addresses regulatory and and supporting small competition issues. businesses. • Infrastructure Committee: • Promoting efficient Oversees issues related to infrastructure operation and access, price monitoring, addressing market failure. transport, and water regulation. • Conducting market studies and • Adjudication Committee: inquiries. Reviews applications for authorizations, exclusive The AER, Australia’s national dealing notifications, and energy market regulator with trademark applications. an independent board, shares • Consumer Data Right resources with the ACCC. Committee: Manages the ACCC’s role in implementing consumer data rights policy. • Compliance and Product Safety Committee: Sets policy direction, makes decisions on law reforms, and oversees compliance and education programs for consumers, small businesses, and product safety. ABOUT The ACCC enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and related laws, aiming to promote competition, fair trading, and regulate national infrastructure. This benefits Australians through lower prices, better products, and increased choice. The ACCC focuses on ensuring market functionality, protecting competition, enhancing consumer welfare, and preventing anti-competitive behavior.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) All capital cities, Townsville

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The ACCC/AER run a graduate program. Work as a graduate includes: • analysing key market sectors assisting in assessing applications for collective bargaining, authorisations and notifications • the economic regulation of network infrastructure • investigating complaints from business or consumers about possible breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Graduates may be involved in: • consumer liaison activities • product safety surveys • compliance research or • a wide range of activities in our Corporate Division. • Applications open each year in March. You can find more information here: https://www.accc.gov.au/aboutus/employment-careers/graduateopportunities

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) All capital cities APRA finalises new capital framework for private health insurers In September 2022, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) finalised the capital framework for private health insurers. The new framework enhances policyholder protection by seeking to ensure that private health insurers maintain an appropriate level of financial resilience to absorb unanticipated losses. The new capital standards better reflect the risks faced by insurers, improve comparability across insurers and align with international best practice. The standards also align with the introduction of new accounting standards for insurance AASB 17 Insurance Contracts (AASB 17).

ABOUT The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is an independent statutory authority that supervises institutions across banking, insurance and superannuation, and is accountable to the Australian Parliament.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES APRA offer two different scholarships to students studying actuarial studies, finance, economics and similiar.

Prudential regulation is concerned with maintaining the safety and soundness of financial institutions, so that the community can have confidence that they will meet their financial commitments under all reasonable circumstances.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES APRA offer an 18-month graduate program in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Gradutaes complete three six-month rotations, across the frontline supervision, policy development and data analytics divisions. The graduate program is aimed at students looking to become finance professionals.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? APRA oversees: • authorised deposit-taking institutions (such as banks, building societies and credit unions) • general insurers • life insurers • friendly societies • private health insurers • reinsurance companies, and • superannuation funds (other than self-managed funds)

You can find more information here: https://www.apra.gov.au/grantsand-scholarships.

You can find more information here: https://www.apra.gov.au/ apra-graduate-careers.

The framework takes effect from 1 July 2023.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

ABOUT ASIC is Australia’s integrated Australian Securities & corporate, markets, financial Investments Commission services and consumer credit regulator. (ASIC)

All capital cities Diversity in ASIC ASIC is committed to workplace diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where all people, stakeholders and communities are treated with fairness and respect. They have a number of initatives to ensure this, including, an accessibility committee, multicultural committee, parents and carers network, rainbow network reconcilisation committee and women in ASIC committee.

ASIC is an independent Australian Government body. They are set up under and administer the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (ASIC Act), and carry out most of their work under the Corporations Act.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Employees are involved in the following types of work: • providing advice and guidance on complex regulatory matters • investigating law reform and new areas of regulatory responsibility for ASIC • conducting ASIC’s litigation • advising on enforcement matters

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES ASIC offer a 24-month graduate program, including: • Four rotations in different ASIC’s role under the ASIC Act is business areas to: • National graduate induction • promote confident and • Professional development informed participation by provided through a blended investors and consumers in the learning approach financial system • Continuous self-development • make information about through professional companies and other bodies memberships and access to available to the public as soon learning workshops (online & as practicable in person) • take whatever action necessary to enforce and give effect to the • Financial assistance towards further study law. • Flexible and dynamic working environment • Lead and participate in a Graduate fundraising project Graduates can rotate through the areas of mathematics, law, finance and information technology. More information can be found here: https://careers.asic.gov.au/ Graduate-program.html.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Taxation Office All capital cities Tax Help Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people earning less than $60,000 per year with simple affairs to complete their tax returns online using myTax. Tax Help volunteers can help people lodge their tax return, make an amendment online or claim a refund of franking credits.

ABOUT The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is Australia’s primary revenue collection agency. It manages tax and superannuation systems, collects revenue, administers GST for states and territories, oversees community benefit programs, manages the superannuation system, and maintains the Australian Business Register. The ATO operates under the Public Governance, Performance, and Accountability Act 2013, within the Treasury portfolio, and is accountable under the Public Service Act 1999. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Legal staff at the ATO are involved in: • shaping tax law, policy and design • managing litigation cases and clarifying the law • managing interpretative advice and guidance • enhancing relationships with professional bodies, consultative forums and the community • working with other business areas across the ATO to provide advice and clarity on law

Students are expected to work during normal business hours, one or two days a week, with more work offered during university break. You can find more information here: https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/ careers/entry-level-programs/ university-partnership-employmentprogram/. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The ATO offers a 12-month graduate program with a taxation stream for law degree holders. In this role, you’ll shape tax and superannuation systems by educating individuals on their rights and obligations. Taxation graduates collaborate in teams to: • • • • •

Advise clients and gather information Conduct client engagement activities, including risk reviews and audits Make mitigation strategy recommendations Administer GST Research and analyze tax data and procedures Interpret taxation laws and procedures Manage the superannuation system.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The ATO run a program for university • students called the University Partnership Employment Program. • Under the program, students are offered a casual contract of up to 12 months and the opportunity to do work The ATO also mainatin a temporary that involves research, administration employment register. You can find andbusiness support relevant to more information here: https://ato. students studying business, commerce, nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs. law, design, economics, project listJobs&jobListid=65c825cc-dd76management, information technology, ca27-5ade-80445fad992c&CurATC= marketing, or statistics. EXT&CurBID=8F00C525-8206-4649B185-9DB401358C99.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Sydney Media Release: Statement by Philip Lowe, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision In October 2022, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 2.60 per cent. It also increased the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances by 25 basis points to 2.50 per cent. “The Board is committed to returning inflation to the 2–3 per cent range over time. Today’s increase in interest rates will help achieve this goal and further increases are likely to be required over the period ahead,” the report said.

ABOUT The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is Australia’s central bank, operating under the Reserve Bank Act 1959. Its core mission includes maintaining currency stability, full employment, and the economic wellbeing of Australians. This involves implementing monetary policy to achieve a predefined inflation target, ensuring a robust financial system and efficient payment network, and issuing national banknotes.

Students are supported to undertake project work that culminates in a research paper that is presented to peers and senior staff. You can find more information here: https://www.rba.gov.au/careers/ careers-at-the-rba/students-andgraduates/summer-intern-program. html.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The RBA offers a two-year graduate program with rotations. It’s open to RBA offers essential banking services students with degrees in economics, finance, data science, law, or similar to the Australian government, fields. overseas central banks, and official Graduates may complete rotations in institutions, alongside managing the following areas: Australia’s gold and foreign exchange • Economic Group reserves. • Financial Markets Group • Payments Policy WHAT KIND OF WORK? Employees work in the following areas: • Financial Stability • Risk and Compliance • analysing domestic and overseas • Note Issue economic and financial market trends Graduates with strong • forecasting, modelling and research relevant to the framing of microeconomics and legal backgrounds are especially sought monetary policy • conducting balance sheet analysis after for Payments Policy, supporting the Payments System Board’s and risk assessment oversight in Australia. Additionally, • managing the implementation of there are graduate programs in monetary policy accounting, audit, and payments settlements. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The RBA runs an eight week paid Summer Intern Program for university students in their final year of study. Applications are accepted from students in their third year (or equivalent) students majoring in economics, econometrics, finance, data science, legal, actuarial or related areas who intend to complete honours or similar research programs.

You can find more information here: https://www.rba.gov.au/careers/ careers-at-the-rba/students-andgraduates/.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

The Treasury Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne. Perth Murugappan Family In 2022, The Hon Jim Chalmers MP, as Treasurer and Interim Minister of Home Affairs exercised his power under seaction 195A of the Migration Act 1958, to intervence in the case of the Murugappan family. The effect of his intervention enabled the family to return to Biloela, where they can reside lawfully in the community on bridging visas while they work towards the resolution of their immigration status, in accordance with Australian law.

ABOUT The Treasury serves as the government’s top economic advisor, with a mission to support informed policy decisions that benefit Australians while promoting strong, sustainable economic growth and fiscal responsibility. As a central policy agency, it analyses broad economic issues, understands government and stakeholder needs, and adapts swiftly to changing circumstances. The Treasury offers expert economic analysis and policy guidance on various areas, including the economy, budget, taxation, financial sector, foreign investment, structural policy, superannuation, small businesses, housing affordability, and international economic policy. Additionally, it collaborates with state and territory governments on critical policy matters and oversees federal financial relations. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Treasury is organized into five groups: • • •

•

Fiscal: Advises on budget, major expenditures, taxation policy, and retirement income Macroeconomic: Provides advice on financial system security and corporate practices Revenue: Monitors economic conditions, advises on macroeconomic policy, and assesses prospects Markets: Offers advice on taxation and retirement income policies and assists with implementation

•

Corporate & Foreign Investment: Provides strategic advice and services to the department, portfolio Ministers, and agencies in areas such as IT, communications, finance, and risk management

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Treasury offers a two-year graduate program in Canberra. Students with degrees in economics, law, business, finance, public policy, political science and mathematics are encouraged to apply. Graduates contribute to policy development in areas such as financial services, fiscal policy, foreign investment, tax policy and structural reform to support growth in living standards. As well as academic qualifications, the Treasury looks for graduates with highly-developed written and oral communication skills, strong analytical and people skills, and individuals who demonstrate initiative, honesty, fairness and respect. You can find more information here: https:// graduates.treasury.gov.au/.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Defence Force Adelaide, Albury/Wodonga, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Kapooka, Melbourne, Perth, Puckapunyal, Sydney and Townsville Operation COVID-19 Assist The ADF have helped mitigate the current COVID crisis through Operation COVID-19 Assist. Defence support includes: • • •

Contact tracing and planning support teams to all state and territory governments. Supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements. The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories.

ABOUT

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is Australia’s military organization, responsible for key defensive roles and a range of peacetime services. The Navy, Army, and Air Force work closely together, tasked with defending: • The nation, its borders, and coastline. • The people and their values. • The way of life. Additionally, the ADF supports various operations, including: • International security and counterterrorism initiatives. • Border protection against illegal activity and incursions. • Humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts. • Assisting communities affected by natural disasters. • Ensuring shipping safety, vital for 90% of our imports and exports.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

Legal Officers in the Australian Army Legal Corps work in the broad fields of disciplinary, administrative, operations, civil and commercial law as well as dealing with legal aid requirements. Legal Officers also have military training in leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Army offers sponsorship for students studying certain degrees, including law. Students can join the ADF and have their fees paid for, earn a salary and be guaranteed a graduate job after completing their studies. In return, students are expected to one to four weeks of training each year during univeristy holidays, and commit to full-time service for the number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (with a minimum of three years’ service). You can serve in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You can find more information here: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/ students-and-education/defenceuniversity-sponsorship.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates with degrees in areas including law can apply for an Officer role through Graduate Entry. You will receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF. Law graduates will study administrative law, discipline law, operations law and military practice law, and will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Military Law and Master of Military Law. Graduates can choose whether to pursue a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You can find more information here: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/ students-and-education/graduateentry/.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Australian Federal Police Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne AFP warning over passenger ‘air rage’ at Australian airports The AFP is warning passengers that offensive, violent and disruptive behaviour, including incidents of ‘air-rage’ will not be tolerated in the air or on the ground, as passenger numbers increase during the busy school holiday travel period. The passenger behaviour warning comes as AFP officers increase patrols across Australian airports as part of the school holiday travel period, ensuring all passengers safely depart and arrive at their travel destinations. In the past seven months, the AFP has responded to 748 incidents relating to public disturbances, intoxication and offensive behaviour at its airports.

ABOUT The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is a versatile law enforcement agency dedicated to enhancing Australia’s security, both domestically and internationally. Prioritizing counter-terrorism and national security, the AFP also places significant emphasis on fostering international relations to facilitate cross-border crime prevention. Collaborating with the Australian Government and various agencies, the AFP spearheads efforts in counter-terrorism, crime prevention, and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the AFP offers a wide array of investigative support, security risk management, vetting, and information services to aid the public. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Lawyers are responsible for the provision of high quality, cost effective in-house professional legal services that directly support the operational law enforcement activities of the AFP. This may include: • providing advice to investigators on Commonwealth powers and offences • providing support to large scale and long running operations • reviewing and updating operational procedures based on Commonwealth legislation

• •

providing advice on international and interjurisdictional operational issues providing advice on and support to the conduct of prosecutions, including sufficiency of evidence, disclosure and protection of sensitive information.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The AFP run a 12 month graduate program providing permanent, fulltime employment in specialist or support roles, working in a variety of areas and playing a key role in helping the AFP stay a step ahead of crime. At the end of the program, you will continue to work in the area that recruited you. Graduates with law degrees are encouraged to apply. Legal graduates will undertake at least three rotations in areas including: • Criminal assets • Litigation • Legislation • Organised crime • Industrial relations You can find more information here: https://jobs.afp.gov.au/jobopportunities/graduate-program.

NSW

Government and Public Service

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Legal Aid NSW Sydney Duty Lawyer Service Legal Aid have lawyers at all local courts in NSW, as well as some other courts and tribunals, called duty lawyers. Duty lawyers help people who have a matter at court that day who do not have their own lawyer. Duty lawyers can: • give you advice about your matter • explain what might happen in court about your matter • help you to get an adjournment (to put off your matter to a later date, so you have time to get legal advice) • talk to the court/tribunal or other parties on your behalf • speak for you in court in most criminal matters.

ABOUT Legal Aid NSW, the largest legal aid commission in Australia, has been serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals throughout NSW since 1979. Originally named the Legal Services Commission, it became the Legal Aid Commission of NSW in 1987 and was renamed Legal Aid NSW in 2006. With over 1,300 staff, they offer legal assistance in criminal, family, and civil law, operating through 25 offices, two satellite offices, 243 outreach locations, and a free legal helpline, LawAccess NSW.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Legal Aid offers unpaid PLT placements to graduates, requiring a commitment of 80 days, either part-time or full-time. PLT students engage in:

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Legal Aid deliver legal services in most areas of criminal, family and civil law. This includes: • legal advice over the phone • one-off legal advice and help with simple documents • providing representation in court as a duty lawyer • workshops and webinars • law reform and policy work

•

• • • • •

Assisting legal officers in effective legal practice. Conducting file work and legal research. Collaborating with practice staff (legal officers and admin). Adhering to the Legal Aid Commission Act, policies, and standards. Completing administrative and case management tasks. Applicants must possess knowledge of issues related to delivering legal services to disadvantaged individuals and familiarity with relevant court procedures, Legal Aid Commission policies, and procedures.

You can find more information here: https://www.legalaid.nsw. gov.au/about-us/working-at-legalaid/practical-legal-training-andwork-placements.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Public Service Commission (PSC) Sydney Michael Siciliano I spent most of my time in university hoping to serve the community, so I was keen to become a lawyer under a tailored program with the NSW Government. Currently, I work within the Department of Premier and Cabinet as part of the Constitutional, Elections and Inquiries Team. My work involves speaking to clients, writing correspondence, drafting legal advice, coordinating the return of papers to parliament and responding to GIPA applications. One of my highlights has been to help brief the Premier on relevant legal issues related to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

ABOUT The PSC plays a pivotal role in formulating and executing workforce management strategies, ensuring the NSW public sector remains equipped to provide top-notch services. It develops exemplary workforce models, overseeing their adoption across public sector entities in NSW. Regular assessments are provided via reporting, tracking the sector’s progress. Reporting to the NSW Premier, the PSC maintains its vital function. WHAT KIND OF WORK? PSC employees are responsible for: • identify reform opportunities for the government sector workforce • lead the strategic development and management of the government sector workforce in relation to workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, equity and diversity etc • advise the Government on leadership structure for the government sector • advise the Government on appropriate strategies, policies and practices in relation to the structure of the government sector workforce

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The NSW Public Service Commission administers the NSW Government Graduate Program. Over 18 months, graduates rotate through various government departments, including the Department of Communities and Justice and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. In the Legal Stream, graduates aid senior solicitors in litigation, policy work, and advice across the NSW public sector. They earn a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and engage in: • Research and analysis • Project delivery monitoring and reporting • Litigation support (e.g., drafting affidavits or briefs) • Legal issue explanation and client advice • Assistance with projects, policies, and program initiatives • Collaborative work across public sector agencies. You can find more information here: https://www.psc.nsw.gov. au/workforce-management/ recruitment/nsw-governmentgraduate-program.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office (CSO) Sydney Inquiries The CSO represents NSW government agencies in inquiries. The Royal Commission investigated child sexual abuse responses in churches, schools, sports, and government bodies. The Crown Solicitor represented NSW in hearings related to: • • •

•

Performing Arts Centers (Australian Institute of Music and RG Dance) Catholic and Anglican church authorities Criminal justice issues in institutional child sexual abuse cases (including evidence admissibility) Sporting clubs (including NSW Institute of Sport).

ABOUT The CSO is the largest provider of legal services to state government agencies in NSW.

•

The CSO has expertise in: • Government Law • Constitutional & Administrative Law • Child Protection • Commercial Law & Community Law • Property & Native Title • Public Safety & Justice • Regulatory & Environment • Employment Law & Industrial Relations Inquiries • Torts Law (Justice/Law Enforcement Agencies) • Torts (Service/Regulatory Agencies)

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The CSO offer approximately 50 paralegal positions to students still completing their degree. Many students then go on to participate in the Graduate Program.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Type of work varies depending on the practice group that employees work within, but includes: • advising on and drafting of intergovernmental agreements • providing advice on a range of legislation • education seminars and training • providing legal advice and assistance for major government policy and legislative initiatives • advising on major agency procurements and reforms • ensuring regulatory compliance

representation in inquisitorial proceedings, including coronial inquests, royal commissions, special commissions of inquiry

Positions are available for high achieiving law students who have completed at least two years of their law degree. Paralegals are assigned to a practice group and are responsible for providing legal and administrative support to solicitors and other team members. You can find more information here: https://www.cso.nsw.gov.au/ careers/students-and-graduates. html GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES CSO run a two-year graduate program. Graduates complete six-monthly rotations across four practice groups. Graduates may be involved in assisting with litigation, providing advice to clients and attending mediation. The purpose of the program is to train participants as government solicitors. You can find more information here: https://www.cso.nsw.gov.au/ careers/students-and-graduates. html

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Sydney MERIT DCJ fund the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment program. MERIT is a program available in most Local Courts in New South Wales that provides the opportunity for adult defendants with substance abuse problems to work, on a voluntary basis, towards rehabilitation as part of the bail process. The MERIT program allows defendants to focus on treating their drug or alcohol problem in isolation from legal matters and is focused on rehabilitation and reduced recidivism.

ABOUT Since July 1, 2019, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) merged the former departments of Family and Community Services and Justice in NSW. DCJ aims to enhance community safety, justice, inclusivity, and resilience. DCJ focuses on achieving just outcomes for: • children and young people • Aboriginal people • people with disability • people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds • people experiencing domestic and family violence • victims of sexual assault • juvenile offenders • people at high risk of reoffending, and • people experiencing homelessness

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The work is varied, and may include: • providing resources to service providers • connecting victims of family violence to support services • helping applicants of rental assistance or social housing • assisting with the oversight of corrective services and Youth Justice centres • connecting victims of crimes to support services • connecting victims of crimes to support services • legal services including advising the government on law, justice and legal reforms, and administering the appointment of Justices of the Peace (JPs) in NSW including coronial inquests, royal commissions, special commissions of inquiry and standing commissions.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Sydney

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES DCJ offer summer clerkships to students in their penultimate or final year of law school. Clerks are involved in: •

• • • • • •

preparing briefing notes for the Attorney General and other Strong Communities cluster Ministers; liaising with stakeholders; conducting in-depth analysis on proposed Bills or policy reform from other Ministers; writing speeches; attending meetings; working with other Government Departments; and conducting research.

Applicants must demonstrate interest in, and an understanding of, the work of the DCJ, and experience that would enable you to contribute to the Department. You can find more information here: https://www.justice.nsw.gov. au/justicepolicy/Pages/lpclrd/ lpclrd_clerkship.aspx. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can undertake a rotation with the Department of Communities and Justice through the NSW Government Graduate Program, run by the NSW Public Service Commission.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) Sydney Review of Religious Exemptions in AntiDiscrimination Legislation Anti-discrimination laws at federal, state, and territory levels often grant religious institutions exemptions to uphold their beliefs and practices. The Australian Government has tasked the Australian Law Reform Commission with evaluating the potential limitation or removal of these exemptions while ensuring religious institutions can adhere to their ethos. Additionally, the government wants a review of laws hindering the expression of the belief in marriage as between a man and a woman. In 2022, Religious Freedom Bills lapsed due to the parliamentary term ending, and the ALRC is awaiting further instructions on this inquiry from the AttorneyGeneral.

ABOUT The NSW Law Reform Commission advises the Government on legal issues referred by the Attorney General. They analyse these issues and suggest legislative changes. Their goals include: • • • • •

Modernising and improving the law Simplifying and consolidating the law Removing inefficiencies and defects Repealing unnecessary and obsolete laws Enhancing access to justice

To identify law issues and reforms, they conduct extensive research, engage with stakeholders and experts, and seek public input through consultation papers on their website, welcoming submissions from anyone. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The process of making law reform recommendations includes: • researching the law • conducting literature reviews • releasing consultation papers which provide background information, discuss key issues, and present options for reform • review submissions to gauge what people think about the law • conduct face to face consultations with with members

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The NSWLRC run a four-week paid internship program in July/August for one-two law students each year. The program is available for students in their final year of study. Interns work on projects of the NSWLRC and NSW Sentencing Council. Depending on the reference interns can be involved in undertaking research, contributing to drafting consultation documents, assisting with consultation processes, or helping draft reports. The Commission and Council credit the contribution of interns in their published papers. You can find more information here: https://www.lawreform.justice.nsw. gov.au/Pages/lrc/lrc_internship/ Internship-main-page.aspx. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES NSWLRC does not have a Graduate Program, but students interested in their work should consider applying for the NSW Government Graduate Program, run by the NSW Public Service Commission graduate-program.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Council of Law Reporting for NSW Sydney History of the Council The first systematic attempt to prepare reports of the Court began in 1828, when James Dowling, a barrister and accomplished law reporter from England, took up an appointment as a judge of the Court and published his own decisions. Prior to 1862 the only source of court reporting in New South Wales was provided by colonial newspapers. Continuous law reporting in New South Wales began in 1863 with reports prepared by two barristers, based largely on newspaper reports. For the period prior to 1828, the only readily available source of court reports is the Macquarie University Division of Law website. The Council was established in 1963.

ABOUT The Council of Law Reporting for NSW was established under the Council of Law Reporting Act 1969. The Council’s overall goal is the efficient reporting of judicial decisions in NSW, primarily for use by the legal profession and the judiciary. The Council is responsible for selecting cases to be published in the NSW Law Reports. The Council is comprised of: • the Attorney General • the Solicitor General • the President of the New South Wales Bar Association • the President of the Law Society of New South Wales • seven members of the legal profession appointed by the Governor: five barristers nominated by the NSW Bar Association and two solicitors nominated by the Law Society of NSW. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The process of publishing cases in the NSWLR involves: • considering judgements and decisions of superior courts in NSW and identifying those that will be significant in the development, interpretation and/or application of the law in NSW

• •

drafting headnotes for each case verifying judgements, including checking citations, quotations and references

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The Council offers paid positions as Legal Admin Assistants. The work only requires a commitment of half a day per week, and is ideal for law students. Students must have completed at least one year of law school to apply. Duties of admin assistants include: • data entry and management • Updating the NSWLR website when new cases are selected • Keeping case selection statistics and provide details to the General Manager for reporting to the Council. • Conducting twice yearly audits of Caselaw to check that all decisions have been received. • Monitoring the status of appeals in cases selected as reportable. • Compiling materials such as appeal lists, judicial movements etc for the covers of the bound volumes.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) Sydney Premier’s Priorities The NSW Premier is committed to 12 key priorities to make NSW a better place to live and work. In addition, the NSW Government has 18 state priorites for the state to grow the economy, deliver infrastructure, protect the vulnerable, and improve health, education and public services across NSW. The current policies aim to achieve: • a strong economy • highest quality education • well connected communities with quality local environments • putting customer at the centre of everything we do • breaking the cycle of disadvantage

ABOUT The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) in NSW leads the public sector to fulfill government commitments. DPC supports the Premier and Ministers by: • • • • •

Coordinating policy, projects, and reforms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Partnering with various sectors for timely, budget-friendly service delivery. Aligning initiatives and managing legislation for government targets. Supporting major projects and planning state events. Collaborating with federal and state/territory governments for national reforms.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? DPC is made up of five groups: 1. Strategy and Delivery - provide analysis and advice to the Premier 2. Transformation - future planning and preparing NSW for changes 3. Community Engagement improve culture and divesity 4. Office of the Genera Counsel develop and implement policy reforms within the Premier’s portfolio, manage litigation and legal services 5. People - planning and delivering strategies across finance, IT, people and culture, projects and performance, and workplaces GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can undertake a rotation with the Department of Premier and Cabinet through the NSW Government Graduate Program, run by the NSW Public Service Commission

CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT PRACTICE

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) All Capital Cities, Townsville, Cairns Education Focus The CDPP is committed to educating the community about Commonwealth criminal law and the consequences of breaking it. They do this by promoting the outcome of successful prosecutions through case reports and promoting sentences imposed through the media. Their aim is to: • Explain the role and work of the CDPP. • Raise awareness of the range and complexity of crime. • Publicise consequences of breaking Commonwealth Law. • Send a strong message of deterrence. • Build public confidence in the justice system.

ABOUT The Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) is an independent prosecution service established by Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law. They aim to provide an effective, ethical, high quality and independent criminal prosecution service for Australia in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The CDPP is within the Commonwealth AttorneyGeneral’s portfolio, but operates independently of the AttorneyGeneral and the political process. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Lawyers at the CDPP are involved in litigation across a variety of practice areas: • Fraud and money laundering • Commercial • Serious drugs • People smuggling and human trafficking • Child exploitation • Counter terrorism • Environment • Cybercrime and cyberbullying

Lawyers at the CDPP are also involved in extradition and mutual assistance work where they assist in the investigation and prosecution of transnational and international crime. Lawyers employed at the CDPP further assist with publications, law reform work and maintain a limited role in criminal confiscation. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The CDPP does not have a graduate program. However, if you are interested in federal criminal practice, you should consider applying for the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department graduate program, which involves crime prevention work.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) (ODPP) Sydney Witness Assistance Service The ODPP’s Witness Assistance Service (WAS) provides a range of support services and information to vulnerable witnesses to reduce as much as possible the extra stress of being involved in a serious legal matter. WAS officers are social workers, psychologists or counsellors who understand both trauma and how the criminal justice system works. WAS officers can support witnesses in preparing to give evidence, preparing victim impact statements and can provide court updates and debriefs.

ABOUT The NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) prosecutes indictable offences under NSW law on behalf of the community. The ODPP also prosecute all NSW child sexual assault offences and criminal cases against NSW police officers, whether or not they are indictable offences. The ODPP prosecutes about 18,000 matters a year. These include: • committal proceedings in the Local Court and Children’s Court, to decide whether there is enough evidence for a matter to go to trial • trials in the District Court and the Supreme Court appeals, in the District Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and High Court • hearings in the Local Court and the Children’s Court. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Solicitors are responsible for preparing the brief of evidence, liaising with the police and witnesses, organising conferences and any exhibits, and assisting the Crown Prosecutor at trial. Crown Prosecutors appear in court, settle and determine the appropriate charges, and provide legal advice to the Director on a wide range of issues, including whether there is sufficient evidence to justify proceeding with a particular prosecution or whether the proceedings should be terminated.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNSW students can intern at the ODPP course credit. Students must apply for an internship through the myLaw website. You can find more information here: https://www.odpp.nsw.gov.au/ careers/work-experience. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The ODPP offer a graduate program for students who have completed the coursework component of their PLT. The Legal Development Program is a fulltime paid program that runs for 12 months. Graduates are given the opportunity to develop and enhance: • organisational skills • analytical skills • legal research skills • legal drafting and written communication • knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure • communication skills • teamwork skills. You can find more information here: https://www.odpp.nsw.gov.au/ careers/legal-developmentprogram.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

LawEnforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) Sydney Operation Tusket Operation Tusket, initiated in 2017 by the Commission, delved into the NSW Police Force’s handling of the NSW Child Protection Register. This database houses personal information of individuals convicted of specific childrelated offenses. Offenders are mandated to report their details to the police for a designated period. The investigation exposed longstanding issues with the Register spanning 17 years. These problems included child sex offenders evading police monitoring, unlawful requirements for personal information reporting, and wrongful convictions, sometimes leading to unlawful imprisonment under the CPOR Act.

ABOUT The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) was established in 2017 as a permanent independent investigative commission to provide oversight of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission. LECC replaces the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) and the Police Compliance Branch of the NSW Ombudsman with a single oversight body with two clearly defined functions: detecting and investigating misconduct and corruption, and overseeing complaints handling. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The primary role of the LECC is to detect, oversight, investigate and expose misconduct and maladministration within the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission. This includes: • publishing investigation reports • referring matters to the NSW Police Force or Crime Commission • identifying problems in the systems, practices and procedures of those agencies that might lead to such misconduct or maladministration • monitoring the investigation of critical incidents (incidents involving a police officer that result in death or serious injury)

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES LECC have a specialist legal team, headed by General Counsel, that is responsible for the delivery of all corporate and legal services to the Commission. LECC do not have a formal graduate program, but interested students can have a look at current vacancies: https://www.lecc.nsw.gov.au/ about-us/work-with-us Note that you cannot apply for a job at LECC if you have worked as a NSW Police or Crime Commission officer.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Police Prosecutors Across NSW Officer Charged After Investigation A serving police officer has been charged following an investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Following inquiries, LECC requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) review their brief of evidence in relation to an alleged incident on Wednesday 24 February 2021. The constable – attached to the Central Metropolitan Region – is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 17 November 2022, for the offence of fabricate false evidence with intent to mislead judicial tribunal.

ABOUT Police Prosecutors are responsible for the prosecution of criminal proceedings, applications for apprehended domestic violence orders and other associated application proceedings in the Local Court and Children’s Court of NSW. Appeals filed in the District Court, Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeal connected with prosecutions in the Local or Children’s Court are generally handled by the NSW DPP. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Police prosecuters provide legal advice to all levels of the NSW Police Office. Often this involves supporting major operations and serious crime investigations with strategic legal advice.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Police Prosecutions Command recruit police officers and law students (through the Accelerated Prosecutor Recruitment Program - APRP) with the aptitude to become police prosecutors. Under the APRP, the NSW Police Force is now recruiting law graduates and fast tracking them into prosecuting. You can find more information here: https://www.police.nsw.gov. au/about_us/organisational_ structure/units/police_ prosecutions_command.

Units within the Police Prosecutions Command include: • Coroners Court • Operational Legal Advice Unit • Covert Applications Unit • Executive Legal Supoport Unit • Prosecution Support Unit

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Public Defenders Across NSW Rolling Court List Program The RLC program is available for in-house legal aid matters where there is no co-accused and no fitness issues. It aims to resolve trial matters by early case management, thus reducing the time taken from committal to finalisation and addressing some of the factors leading to the backlog of cases in the NSW District Court. Counsel are typically briefed earlier than in other metropolitan courts, and the ongoing working relationships between them and their respective instructing solicitors from Legal Aid NSW and the ODPP leads to a more efficient disposition of matters. This level of professional trust and communication enables issues in a trial or sentence matter to be identified at an earlier stage. It saves time and expense if the matter can be resolved before trial by an early plea of guilty or appropriate charge modification.

ABOUT Public Defenders are available to represent clients charged with serious criminal offences anywhere in New South Wales, if they have been granted legal aid. Public Defenders are appointed by the Governor in Council. The Governor usually acts upon the advice of the Attorney General, who is authorised by Cabinet to give the Governor such advice. A Public Defender appointed by the Governor has tenure and can only be removed from office as a result of incompetence, misconduct, bankruptcy and mental illness WHAT KIND OF WORK? • Represent accused persons in District Court and Supreme Court trials. • Handle arraignments and sentence matters in District Court and Supreme Court. • Handle some murder committals in the Local Court. • Handle appeals in the Court of Criminal Appeal and the High Court. • Contribute to legal reform through submissions to the Attorney General and committee participation within the criminal justice system. • Promote legal education through lectures, seminars, papers, and student/new barrister work experience.

•

Provide guidance to solicitors and Bar members on criminal law practice and procedure and offer representation throughout New South Wales.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNSW students can intern at the Public Defenders Officer for course credit. Students must apply for an internship through the myLaw website. Consideration will be given to exceptional students wishing to do the work experience component of their practical legal training with Public Defenders. Note that this is unpaid work. You can find more information here: https://www.publicdefenders.nsw. gov.au/.

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Chapter I: Government and Public Service

Public Defenders Across NSW

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Public Defender’s Office offers paid work experience for Aboriginal law graduates through the Aboriginal Law Graduates Program. The program aims to fulfill practical training requirements for solicitor or barrister practice or other legal roles. Availability of the program is contingent on annual funding from the Attorney General’s Department and the presence of suitable candidates. Candidates are nominated by their law lecturers through the University’s Dean of Law or via the NSW Bar Association’s Equal Opportunity program in coordination with the respective Dean of Law. You can find more information here: https://www.publicdefenders.nsw. gov.au/Pages/public_defenders_ intern.aspx

CHAPTER II:

Communities and NGOs

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRES

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Aboriginal Legal Service Across NSW & ACT Fun Fact Aboriginal peoples across the country face troubling disadvantage. Courts have recognised this deprivation may have profound and longlasting effects on the lives of Aboriginal people and communities. The Bugmy Evidence Project is creating community documentation of social disadvantage. The library will be built over time, initially profiling a number of communities in the years 2011, 2001 and 1991. It will provide historical information to demonstrate the disadvantage existing at the time individuals were growing up in those communities. Community reports will provide evidence from Aboriginal communities in NSW, spanning generations. These reports are created to satisfy an evidentiary need: that of proving disadvantage. The library will aid courts in sentence proceedings by directly connecting the individual’s experience to a social context, leading to shorter jail terms, short non-parole terms and more opportunties for rehabilitation.

ABOUT The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) were established in 1970 as the first dedicated and free legal service for First-Nations people. The ALS was founded in response to the new laws that were imposed following dispossession that have played a fundamental role in the systemic oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ALS operates as a nongovernment legal service providing culturally appropriate information and referral, and legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children across NSW and ACT. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Areas of practice: • Family law • Criminal law • Care and protection law • Tenancy (ALS run the Western Aboriginal Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service and Greater Sydney Tenants Advice Service) Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Referrals • Legal representation

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES ALS have opportunites for student volunteers to help with research, law reform, human resources, campaigns, communications and IT. The Student Legal Volunteer Program allows students to work closely with ALS Solicitors and staff to understand the workings of a Criminal law or a Children’s Care and Protection Law practice in an Aboriginal community organisation setting. Student legal volunteers can receive hands-on training in: • Legal research • Drafting submissions, letters and Court documents • Attending Court with Solicitors, • Preparing briefs for Counsel and much more. All ALS offices have the capacity to manage Student Legal Volunteers. You can find more information here: https://www.alsnswact.org. au/volunteer

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Aboriginal Legal Service Across NSW & ACT

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES ALS offer PLT placements to graduates to assist in the work in criminal law, care and protection and family law practice areas. For Practical Legal Training placements in the ‘Crime’ Practice, contact Sheri Misaghi: sheri.misaghi@alsnswact.org.au For Practical Legal Training placements in the ‘Care and Protection’ and ‘Family’ Practice, contact Brittany Tilden: brittany.tilden@alsnswact.org.au

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Arts Law Centre of Australia Sydney, NSW Fun Fact Fun fact: Research conducted by the Arts Law Centre of Australia estimates that as much as 80 per cent of First Nations arts and crafts in tourist shops are inauthentic. Testimonial: Samuel Lee As a pro bono solicitor at Arts Law, I speak with clients every single day on the phone, learn about the fascinating creative projects they are pursuing and help them solve their legal queries, often at zero financial cost to them. The work is as varied as the creative ideas and projects that the artists wish to pursue – whether that’s helping an emerging Australian musician draft their first contract with a record label, advise a writer pitching their screenplay to Netflix or assist an Indigenous artist to retain their rights to a public artwork they are installing in the CBD!

ABOUT Arts Law is an Australian nonprofit legal center providing free or low-cost specialized legal advice, education, and resources to artists and arts organizations. Their mission is to empower creative communities through the law, aiming to strengthen the value and respect for arts and culture. They’re committed to supporting artists with legal matters including contracts, copyright, and employment issues. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Centre specialises in Arts Law, including: • Business structures, governance and tax • Classification • Confidentiality • Contracts • Wills and estates Type of work done by employees: • Legal telephone advice • Review of documentation • Referrals

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students can volunteer at Arts Law as either an administration assistant or research assistant. Student volunteers play a valuable role supporting the solicitors in the provision of legal advice. They are the first point of contact for clients and are tasked with providing information and taking accurate legal instructions. Volunteers may also conduct legal research for the solicitors, get involved with advocacy projects, sit in on legal advice sessions as note-takers, as well as assist with the general administration of a legal centre. Note that volunteers must have completed intellectual property or media law subjects and have a strong interest in the arts. You can find more information here: https://www.artslaw.com. au/support/volunteer/

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Australian Centre for Disability Law Sydney, NSW Case Study - Employment Danielle was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. She worked at an accounting firm and did not tell them about it when she got the job. She was worried about what they would think and she did not think that her diagnosis would affect the way she did her job. One day, she told a close workmate. When she came to work the next day, she found that her workmate had told other people. After lunch, there was a note on her desk calling her a ‘druggie’. Danielle was really upset. After a few days, she decided to ask for a meeting with her employer to tell her what had happened. Danielle’s employer seemed shocked to hear about the behaviour of the others but was worried that if he said something it might cause conflict within the team. He said he would say something to the other employees, but kept putting off actually doing so. Danielle approached ACDL for advice. ACDL told her that she might have a complaint of disability discrimination or harassment under the law, but Danielle did not want to make a complaint at this point in time. ACDL wrote a letter detailing the requirements under disability discrimination law and asking the employer to resolve the matter swiftly. Upon receiving the letter, Danielle’s employer called an urgent staff meeting to discuss the importance of a safe work place and the policy on harassment and discrimination. Danielle’s complaint was then dealt with in accordance with the workplace grievance policy and the situation was resolved.

ABOUT The Australian Centre for Disability Law advocates for the rights of people with disabilities by offering free legal advice, representing them in discrimination cases, and striving to remove barriers, eliminate discrimination, and empower individuals. Their vision is a society where people with disabilities live with dignity, their rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. They achieve this through specialized legal assistance, education, and policy reform.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES ACDL offers volunteering opportunities to students in their final year and to graduates. Volunteers must be able to commit to two days per week for at least six months. ACDL relies on volunteers to managee the Advice Hotlines and support the legal staff in giving advice and undertaking case work.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? ACDL provide legal services in the area of disability discrimination.

Other volunteer duties include assisting with: - Providing legal advice - Providing referrals - Casework and legal advocacy including drafting complaints, participating in conciliations, legal research and litigation

Employees undertake work including: Legal advice and referrals, casework and representation, law reform and projects and replying to feedback and complaints.

You can find more information here: https://disabilitylaw.org. au/about/staff-and-volunteers/ Expressions of interest can be forwarded to recruitment@ disabilitylaw.org.au

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer work can be counted towards PLT requirements and is available to graduates as well as final year students.

Alternatively, job vacancies can be found here: https://disabilitylaw. org.au/about/jobs/

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Environmental Defenders Office Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth Fun Fact The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled in favour of the Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) (represented by EDO), which determined that the NSW Environment Protection Authority has a duty to take serious action on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It is the first time that an Australian Court has ordered a government to take meaningful action on climate change. The court’s ruling means that the EPA has been ordered to develop environmental quality objectives guidelines and policies to ensure protection from climate change.

ABOUT Established in 1985, the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the AustraliaPacific. They work to protect the climate, communities, and shared environment by providing access to justice, running groundbreaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy. EDO works all around Australia, with farmers, conservation groups, Traditional Owners, individuals in rural and metropolitan areas. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The EDO’s work includes: • Holding government and industry to account oveer matters like development, pollution and environmental mismanagement; • Representing community groups in public interest litigation; • Designing and advocating for stronger state and federal environmental laws; • Offering expert legal and scientific advice to people and communities; • Providing workshops, factsheets, handbooks, and other legal tools to help all Australians understand the law and participate in legal processes

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Student volunters take part in: • Legal research on matters concerning biodiversity, climate change, pollution, planning, mining and water law; • Assisting in the preparation of court documents and drafting letters and legal advices Students must have studied planning and/or environmental law. Volunteers must be able to commit at least one day per week for at least three months. You can find more information here: https://www.edo.org.au/ volunteer-with-us-2/ GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Legal volunteering can count towards PLT requirements. Graduates must have completed planning and/or environmental law units. You can find more information at edo.org.au/volunteer-with-us-2/

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ABOUT

Advice Line duties include: Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains • Conducting intake and assisting solicitors in responding to callers Community Legal Centre (CTBMCLC) seeking legal advice is a not for profit organisation providing • Providing information and free legal advice to people in the Blue appropriate referrals Mountains, Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst • Responding to face to face requests and Orange regions. from the public • Assisting solicitors with legal tasks They auspice two programs: Katoomba, NSW • Data entry and filing • the Blue Mountains Tenants’ Advice • Assisting with administrative tasks and Advocacy Service (BMTAAS), • Assisting with preparation for History providing advice, advocacy and community legal education sessions and other projects as required representation to tenants in the Blue Mountains, and Central Tablelands and Blue You can find more information here: Mountains Community Legal Centre • the Cooperative Legal Services https://www.eeclc.org.au/index.php/ Delivery Program (Central started as a project of the Katoomba contact-us/volunteer Tablelands), facilitating Neighbourhood Centre in 1985 with coordination of legal service one volunteer worker. Funding was GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES delivery across our regional later obtained to employ a part-time CTBMCLC offers PLT placements network co-ordinator and solicitor and the for graduates. Graduates must be Centre was incorporated as the Blue willing to commit two days per week Mountains Community Legal Centre WHAT KIND OF WORK? for a minimum of 40 days and have a in 1986. The EDO’s work includes: commitment to social justice. • Holding government and industry Since then the Centre has grown to account oveer matters like Duties of PLT students include: substantially. On 12 March 2006 • To provide clients with information, development, pollution and they changed their name from the advocacy support and assistance environmental mismanagement; with legal forms and documents. Blue Mountains Community Legal • Representing community groups in • To assist with client intake, Centre to Elizabeth Evatt Community public interest litigation; • To assist with preparation of advice Legal Centre (EECLC) to reflect their • Designing and advocating to clients, including online legal expansion into the Central Tablelands for stronger state and federal research. region west of the Blue Mountains. environmental laws; • To assist with ongoing case work. The new name acknowledged the • Offering expert legal and scientific • To assist with project work (eg. significant contribution of Elizabeth advice to people and communities; community legal education and law Evatt to the justice sector as a • Providing workshops, factsheets, reform). judge, law reformer, academic and handbooks, and other legal tools • To assist with conflict checks international human rights advocate. to help all Australians understand the law and participate in legal Expressions of interest are currently In 2020 they decided their name open. Graduates with previous processes should more clearly reflect the experience in a Community Legal regions we service. With Elizabeth Centre or other service for socially STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Evatt’s blessing they changed their CTBMCLC offers Advice Line Volunteer disadvantaged people are encouraged name to Central Tablelands and Blue positions to law students. Students to apply. Mountains Community Legal Centre must commit one day per week with (CTBMCLC) on 2 September 2021. a preferred commitment of 12 months, You can find more information here: and have a comittment to social justice. https://www.eeclc.org.au/index.php/ contact-us/volunteer

Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre (CTBMCLC)

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

HIV/AIDS Legal Centre Sydney, NSW

ABOUT The HIV AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) is a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre, and the only one of its kind in Australia. HALC provides free and comprehensive legal assistance to people in NSW with HIV or Hepatitis-related legal matters, to tackle the severe stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES HALC offers volunteer placements for law students. Students must commit a minimum of three days per week.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? HALC provides advice to clients suffering from HIV and Hepatitisrelated issues in a broad range of practice areas.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer work is also available for graduates who are undertaking their PLT. For students undertaking their Practical Legal Training (PLT) placement generally they would like a commitment of 4 days per week, however the minimum is 3 days per week at this stage.

Students are involved in: • direct client contact • involvement in numerous and diverse matters • usually some court appearances HALC delivers services to people • submission writing from vulnerable social and cultural • drafting of legal documents backgrounds, including people from • strategising for client outcomes the LGBTQI community, people • hands on carriage (with suffering from mental illness, sex supervision) of matters workers, injecting drug users and culturally and linguistically diverse You can find more information here: (CALD) communities. https://halc.org.au/volunteering/

Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Legal referrals • Community legal education • Law reform and policy work

If you are interested in volunteering at HALC, you can forward your CV and a cover letter to admin@halc. org.au.

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Immigration Advice and Rights Centre Sydney, NSW The Immigration Kit Commissioned by IARC and written by experienced migration lawyers from IARC and private practice, The Immigration Kit is a comprehensive, plain language guide to Australian immigration, refugee and citizenship law. The Immigration Kit provides upto-date information about bridging visas; family visas; skilled migration; refugee and humanitarian visas; students; temporary workers; and Australian citizenship. It is an essential reference for migration lawyers and agents and a valuable educational resource for students and members of the public.

ABOUT

IARC is a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre providing free legal advice and assistance to people throughout New South Wales. From its inception, IARC’s vision has been for vulnerable people to receive fair and just immigration outcomes. IARC’s clients are financially disadvantaged, coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and frequently have low level English language skills. Many experience intersecting layers of disadvantage including homelessness, low education levels and disability. They have often experienced torture and trauma. Nearly half of their clients have experienced or are at risk of family violence.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

Areas of practice: • Immigration and domestic violence • Family visas • Refugee and Humanitarian visas • Citizenship • Visa cancellations IARC employees’ work can include: • Legal advce • Legal information • Representation • Community legal education • Law reform and policy work

Volunteer legal assistants work directly with clients to provide information and referral services, take instructions and schedule appointments. Legal assistants also provide general admin support such as answering the phones, photocopying and filing and will have opportunities to assist with legal research and drafting. Applicants should have administrative/paralegal experience; good oral and written communication skills; the ability to take initiative and genuine interest in the issues affecting vulnerable migrants in Australia. You can find more information here: https://iarc.asn.au/support-ourwork/

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

IARC offers opportunities to complete practical legal training for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. PLT students will receive training and supervision and assist with legal research, drafting, observing and client appointments and help with other administrative and legal tasks. Students must commit to a minimum of three days per week for 60 days. You can find more information here: https://iarc.asn.au/support-ourwork/

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

IARC’s offers volunteer placements to law students who have completed at least two years of their degree. Students must commit to one day per week for at least six months.

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Kingsford Legal Centre Sydney, NSW Sexual Harassment Clinic In 2020, KLC introduced a specialist state-wide clinic for people experiencing sexual harassment. The clinic aims to focus law reform work in improving legal options and processes for people who have experienced sexual harassment, to look at ways in which the system can be improved and to work collaboratively with other services. The service is open to people across NSW and will provide advice and casework. The Centre aims to focus on people in lower paid, insecure and marginalised work but covers all types of sexual harassment – not just at work.

ABOUT

Students are involved in the following types of work: • client interviewing • legal research • writing letters • preparing briefs for counsel • writing law reform submissions • undertaking advocacy in court or tribunals • develop community education materials

Kingsford Legal Centre is part of the UNSW Sydney Faculty of Law and Justice and provides a number of clinical legal education programs to its students. KLC’s lawyers, volunteers and students help over 1,500 local community members each year.

You can find more information about clinics here: https://www.law.unsw. edu.au/students/clinics/kingsfordlegal-centre

Since 1981, Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC) has been committed to social justice and to promoting access to and reform of the legal system. They aim to provide quality legal services to the community and to promote excellence in clinical legal education while fostering a critical analysis of the justice system.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNSW students undertake client interviewing at KLC as part of the Lawyers, Ethics and Justice course.

Areas of practice: • Domestic Violence • Credit and Debt • Victim’s Compensation • Criminal Law • Employment Law • Discrimination Law • Centrelink Problems • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Consumer Matters • Neighbourhood Disputes • Fines • Tenancy • Limited advice on Family law matters

Students can also participate in longer clinic programs as an elective. Clinics run in Term 1 and Term 3 and cover community law, employment law or family law.

UNSW students undertake client interviewing at KLC as part of the Lawyers, Ethics and Justice course.

You can find more information about clinics here: https://www.law.unsw. edu.au/students/clinics/kingsfordlegal-centre

Students can also participate in longer clinic programs as an elective. Clinics run in Term 1 and Term 3 and cover community law, employment law or family law.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can volunteer at KLC as part of UNSW Law’s PLT program. You can find more information here: https://www.law.unsw.edu.au/study/ unsw-practical-legal-training

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Macarthur Legal Centre Sydney, NSW Children and Young People Macarthur Legal Centre runs the Children’s Court Assistance Scheme (‘CCAS’) at Campbelltown Local Court. A CCAS worker, and volunteers, provide information, referrals and non-legal assistance to children and young people appearing before the Children’s Court. MLC also offer mediation services to children and young people with current matters before the Children’s Court as an alternative to litigation.

ABOUT Macarthur Legal Centre (‘MLC’) was established in 1987 and is part of a network of community legal centres, which provides free legal advice, referrals and assistance to people living in the Macarthur region of NSW. The goal of MLC is to promote social justice and provide free and accessible legal services to people who experience social and economic disadvantage. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Areas of practice: • Family Law • Care and Protection • Child Support • Credit and Debt • Wills, Power of Attorney and Guardianship • Traffic Matters • Fines and SDRO Matters • Neighbourhood Disputes • Employment Law • Discrimination • Consumer Complaints • Centrelink Issues • Youth Law • Victims Support • Civil Law Matters • Tenancy (MLC run the South West Sydney Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service) • Domestic Violence Court Advocacy (MLC run the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service ) Types of work done by employees: • Legal advice and information • Legal referrals • Legal outreach

• • • •

Casework Community legal education Law reform and policy work Youth and family mediation

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES MLC offer a number of volunteering opportunities to students: • Daytime front desk volunteer: duties include taking calls, greeting clients face-toface, and various office administrative duties • Advice session intake volunteer: responsible for collecting client information, conducting conflict checks and obtaining client instructions. • Research positions: these are available from time to time for specific research projects. Research students are typically recruited from advice session volunteers. Volunteers must commit to at least one day per week. Advice session intake volunteers must also have completed at least one year of their degree. Due to COVID-19, MLC is not accepting volunteers at the moment, however you can find more information and updates here: http://maclegal.net.au/ about/volunteering/ GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES MLC also offer PLT placements, however these are limited. PLT students are usually recruited from advice session volunteers.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Marrickville Legal Centre Sydney, NSW Fun Fact MLC provides legal assistance and advice to the community of the inner-west, south-west, southern suburbs of Sydney, and beyond. There are 1.5 million people living in our key catchment: that’s 30 per cent of Sydney’s total population!

ABOUT Marrickville Legal Centre (MLC) is a not-for-profit community legal centre based in Sydney’s inner west and working across NSW. Established in 1979 by a group of law students who recognised a gap in accessible legal services in Sydney’s inner west, MLC is Sydney’s second community legal centre, after Redfern Legal Centre. Marrickville Legal Centre recognise that some members of the community experience greater barriers to access to justice than others. They prioritise service delivery to young people, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, people with a mental illness, people with a disability, people who have experienced family violence, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Areas of practice: • General legal inquiries • Domestic and family violence • Family law • Strata • Tenancy Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Legal referrals • Community outreach • Community legal education

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students can volunteer at Marrickville Legal Centre as a Client Support Officer or Admin Volunteer. Client Support Officers must have completed at least two years of a combined undergraduate law degree or one year of a graduate law degree. Students must commit to one day per week for six months. Client Support Officers work at front desk undertaking leagl work. Admin Volunteers assist with support services and may be involved in social media, data entry, research and fundraising work. Students must commit to at least eight hours per week. You can find more information here: https://www.mlc.org.au/getinvolved/

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Marrickville Legal Centre offer PLT placements. PLT students assist with client intake, give legal information and referral, assist with casework, and perform other administrative tasks in a community legal environment. Applicants must demonstrate and understanding of and committment to social justice causes and volunteering and legal ethical issues affecting community legal centres. You can find more information here: https://www.mlc.org.au/get74 involved

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Redfern Legal Centre Sydney, NSW Fun Fact UNSW law students have an outstanding, longstanding history with RLS. Many of the early volunteers were products of the new law curriculum at the University of New South Wales, which was perceived as being quite radical at the time.

ABOUT The Redfern Legal Centre was established in 1977 as a result of the scarcity of affordable legal services for disadvantaged and marginalised people. RLC is the first community legal centre in NSW and the second in Australia. The RLC aims to promote social justice by providing free legal advice, legal services and education to disadvantaged people in NSW; in particular to residents of inner Sydney and to the groups who advocate for them. Additionally, RLC participates in acttivities that reduce inequalities and defects in laws, the legal system, and administrative and social practices that impact on disadvantaged people. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Areas of practice: • Tenancy & Housing • Health Justice Partnership • Financial Abuse • Employment Law • International Students • Government complaints • Police complaints • Money problems • Discrimination & Human Rights

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students can volunteer at RLC as a Legal Assistant. Students must commit one day a week for 6 months, and must have completed at least two years of an undergraduate law degree or have been accepted into a graduate law degree, or have relevant experience. Legal Assistants are involved in legal invormation and referral, client intake and interviewing and administrative duties. You can find more information here: https://rlc.org.au/jobsvolunteers/volunteer-legalassistants GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES RLC provides PLT placements for graduates. Graduates must be able to commit to two to three days per week. PLT students are involved in client intake, file review, general administration, research, legal drafting, interviewing clients, and follow up on client matters. Applicants must have demonstrated understanding or and commitment to social justice, understanding of ethical practice issues affecting community legal centres, and experience in customer service or administration.

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Refugee Advice & Casework Service Sydney, NSW Fun Fact RACS has given advice to people from 97 countries.

Testimonial: Rhiannon Bell At RACS, I assisted people who had fled their home countries and were seeking protection visas in Australia. This involved advising individuals and families on the process, reviewing client files to assist in preparing applications, giving advice on attendance at interviews, and drafting pre- and post-interview submissions. I would strongly recommend volunteering at RACS. The work RACS does makes a real difference for the clients. I am grateful to have worked with people who are passionate about helping others and who were always incredibly patient with me whilst I was at an early stage of my career (and always had a million questions!).

ABOUT The Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) aims to support refugees by offering free legal services and advocacy. They assist marginalized groups seeking asylum in Australia, including women facing violence, LGBTIQA+ individuals, stateless people, unaccompanied children, and those seeking family reunion. RACS also works on advocating for fair treatment of refugees through legal reforms and complaints against human rights violations to Australian and UN bodies. WHAT KIND OF WORK? RACS specialises in human rights laws relevant to refugees and asylum seekers.

Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Legal referrals • Legal representation for people who have had refugee claims refused • Outreach services • Community legal education RACS also specialises in policy and law reform work, which can include: • Lobbying and making direct representation to Government, regulators, policitians and other organisations • Preparing submissions and responses to Government

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES RACS offers volunteer positions to law students who are in their second year or above. Students must commit one day per week for three months. Student volunteers are involved in research, form-filling, assisting with client enquiries, scheduling client appointments and various other administrative and legal tasks. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to human rights and social justice, an understanding of the issues that affect people seeking asylum, and a capacity to problem-solve. You can find more information here: https://www.racs.org.au/work-withus-volunteer GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES RACS offer unpaid PLT placements to graduate students. PLT students must commit three days per week for 60 days.

PLT students are involved in research, drafting statements, observing and assisting with client appointments, accompanying lawyers to client meetings and DOHA interviews and various other legal and administrative tasks. Applicants must have previous volunteer and administrative experience, a demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice, an understanding of the issues that affect people seeking asylum, and a capacity to problemsolve. You can find more information here: https://www.racs.org.au/work-withus-volunteer

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ABOUT

Welfare Rights Centre Sydney, NSW Community legal education Welfare Rights Centre run monthly community legal education sessions on different topics, from Robodebts and social security and young people to domestic violence and disability support pension. Sessions are targeted towards different audiences, including youth workers, social workers, migrant support workers, volunteers and lawyers. You can access their schedule and register here: https:// welfarerightscentre.org.au/ community-legal-education

Established in 1983, the Welfare Rights Centre provides legal advice on Centrelink and social security matters to people in NSW. The Welfare Rights Centre provide free legal information, advice and representation to thousands of NSW residents every year who are adversely affected by Centrelink decisions. The Centre also provides education to improve knowledge and understanding about social security law in the community. They use the knowledge and experience they gain through their casework to advocate for reforms to the law and policy that would make the Australian social security system fairer for everyone. The Centre also provides assistance to the community through community education and training, law reform and lobbying. The Welfare Rights Centre has remained the lead service agency in NSW for social security law and policy.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

The Welfare Rights Centre specialises in almost all aspects of social security and family assistance law. The centre can advise people about their social security rights, entitlements and obligations and assist people through the social security rights, entitlements and obligations and assist people through the social security review and appeals system, including Centrelink internal review and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. All initial advice is provided via phone.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Students can volunteer at Welfare Rights Centre as an Administrative Volunteer or a Casework/Advice Volunteer. Students must commit to half a day per week and have a dedication towards human rights and social justice. Volunteers are responsible for asnwering calls, providing information to the public, booking appointments, and assisting with legal tasks. The centre is not currently accepting volunteers but you can find more information here: https:// welfarerightscentre.org.au/jobs-andvolunteers

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Welfare Rights Centre offer PLT placements to graduates.

PLT students are involved in legal research, drafting advice, drafting correspondence to clients and medical practitioners and client interviewing. PLT students assist solicitors in delivering advice to clients and making sure clients get back on payment. The centre is not currently accepting applications but you can find more information here: https:// welfarerightscentre.org.au/jobs-andvolunteers

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre Sydney, NSW Did you know? The words Wirringa Baiya in traditional language mean “Women Speak”.

ABOUT The purpose of Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children in NSW with a genderspecific service sensitive to their culturally diverse needs; and to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women victimssurvivors of violence with access to appropriate legal representation, advocacy, advice, and referral. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women manage the notfor-profit service, paying special attention to the intersecting needs of economically and socially disadvantaged First Nations women and children. Wirringa Baiya was the first and only Aboriginal women’s legal centre managed by Aboriginal women in NSW, and the first within Australia. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Wirringa Baiya focuses on issues relating to violence.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Wirringa Baiya welcomes the interest of legal and non-legal volunteers, especially female volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at the Centre, call them on (02) 9569 3847. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Wirringa Baiya accepts students completing their PLT depending on the Centre’s capacity. PLT students work closely with solicitors on a range of civil, family and care and protection matters. Students are required to request, gather and review evidence, draft submissions, draft letters to clients and others and other supporting tasks as required. Students may also be asked to assist with community legal education. Applicants should note that some of the work can be quite confronting and possibly triggering.

Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Court support • Community legal education • Law reform and policy work • Cultural awareness training • Outreach services

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

ABOUT

Women’s Legal Service NSW Sydney, NSW First Nations Women’s Legal Program WLS run the First Nations Women’s Legal Program, which aims to to provide services that best meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. The program was developed in 1995, in consultation with Aboriginal women. The First Nations Women’s Legal Program is staffed by Aboriginal women and offers free services including: • • • • •

Free legal advice via the First Nations Women’s Legal Contact Line Assistance in finding a lawyer Training and community workshops across NSW Resources and information about the law Face-to-face advice from solicitors through FNWLP Outreach Clinics

The Women’s Legal Service NSW has been providing services for women to access the law for more than 30 years. As a non-profit organisation WLS NSW provides a voice for women, promoting access to justice for women who are disadvantaged by intersecting socio-economic circumstances. WLS NSW aims to foster legal and social change to redress inequalities that women experience through legal advice, casework, community legal education and law and policy reform.

WHAT KIND OF WORK?

Areas of law: • Domestic and family violence • Family law • Sexual assault • Victims support • Human rights • Care and protection • Discrimination, employment WLS NSW also provides legal advice and ongoing casework through their specialist programs: • Domestic Violence legal Service • First Nations Women’s Legal Program • Working Women’s Legal Service Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Outreach services • Casework and advocacy • Education and training • Community legal education

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

WLS provides volunteering opportunities for students who have completed at least two years of their law degree.

Applicants must have an understanding of social justice issues for women, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and those experiencing economic, social and cultural disadvantage and lack of access to legal services. Applicants must also have an understanding of areas of law relevant to the work of Women’s Legal Service NSW, including domestic violence, sexual assault, family law and discrimination. Applicants interested in public interest are encouraged to apply. Currently, the volunteer program is suspended due to COVID-19. However, you can stay up to date with opportunities here: https://www. wlsnsw.org.au/about-us/volunteerwith-wls-nsw/#students

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

WLS provides PLT placements to graduates. Applicants must be committed to working a minimum of two days per week for at least six months. PLT students are involved in assisting clients by obtaining and lodging recognition payments with Victims Services, obtaining Parenting Orders with the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, drafting and lodging breach of summary complaints, participating in conferences, and contributing to policy reform. You can find more information on the selection criteria here: https://www. wlsnsw.org.au/about-us/volunteerwith-wls-nsw/#students

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Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Youth Law Australia Sydney, NSW Child’s Rights Monitoring YLA monitors and advocate for the rights and best interests of young people in Australia. YLA is a member of the Child Rights Taskforce, which is Australia’s peak children’s rights body made up of over 100 organisations. Through their role on the Taskforce, YLA assist in drafting and reviewing reports made to the UN on the state of children’s rights observance in Australia. In 2017, YLA prepared the “Children’s Rights” section of the Shadow Report for the 6th periodic report of the ICCPR.

ABOUT Youth Law Australia (YLA) is a community legal service that is dedicated to helping children and young people in Australia and their supporters to find a legal solution to their problems. Previously named the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre and known as Lawstuff, YLA is Australia’s only national, technology-based community legal service. YLA works to help keep more children in school, out of trouble and free from bullying, harassment or child abuse. YLA works across 3 key areas: • Legal help: providing free and confidential legal advice, assistance and referals to young people and their advocates. • Child rights monitoring and advocacy: advocating for the rights and best interests of young people in Australia • Influential leadership: undertaking leading research, law reform, and school-based legal education to empower young people. WHAT KIND OF WORK? YLA provides specialist legal services to young people under the age of 25, including in the area of: • Harrasment, cyberbullying and stalking • Age of consent • Family and domestic violence • Sexting and image based abuse

• • • •

Drug matters Traffic offences Sexual assualt Education

Type of work done by employees: • Legal advice • Legal referrals • Child rights monitoring and advocacy • Research • Law reform and policy work • School-based legal education STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES YLA offers volunteer opportunities for UNSW law students only. Students must be in their penultimate or final year of their degree and commit to one day per week. Volunteers are involved in legal research for projects, submissions, and legal advice; drafting legal correspondence to clients; administrative tasks; submission writing; and updating legal factsheets. Applicants must demonstrate experience, or understanding and interest in child’s rights and law and technology. You can find more information here: https://yla.org.au/about-us/ our-people/ GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can volunteer at YLA as part of UNSW Law’s PLT program. You can find more information here: https://www.law.unsw.edu. au/study/unsw-practical-legaltraining

OTHER SOCIAL JUSTICE Communities & NGOs

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Amnesty International Australia Sydney, Perth Fun Fact In the field of human rights organisations, Amnesty is the third-oldest after the International Federation for Human Rights and the AntiSlavery Society.

ABOUT Amnesty International is an international NGO focused on human rights. Amnesty International Australia was established in 1985, as a subsidiary of the charity which was formally established in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson. Amnesty has other offices in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle-East. These offices give Amnesty International a presence in over 70 countries and ensures they can quickly respond to events, wherever they happen. WHAT KIND OF WORK? -Amnesty sends experts into conflicts or countries where human rights abuses are occurring to investigate and to produce accurate, reliable research. Lobbying governments and other powerful groups, ensuring they keep their promises and respect international law. Through communications, reports, and working with global media, Amnesty exposes human rights abuses and call the guilty to justice.

Amnesty has a range of key priorities, including: • Indigenous justice • Refugees • LGBTQIA+ rights • Women’s rights • Climate justice • Anti-racism STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Amnesty International Australia has a range of volunteer opportunities available. You can check for current openings at this link: https://www.amnesty.org.au/ work-with-us/positions/ Volunteer support may include: • Researching for campaigns • Data entry and admin support • Creating content and updates for Amnesty members and supporters • Coordinating and planning grassroots events • Community campaigning Students can also intern at Amnesty International Australia for course credit. For more information, visit: https://my.law. unsw.edu.au/current-students/ law-action/internships/externallyhosted-internships

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Australian Pro Bono Centre Sydney National Pro Bono Target APBC is repsonsible for overseeing the National Pro Bono Target, which is a voluntary and aspirational target of at least 35 hours of pro bono legal services per lawyer per year that can be signed up to by: • law firms; • incorporated legal practices; • individual law firm solicitors; • individual barristers; and • barristers’ chambers. The National Pro Bono Target for in-house corporate and government lawyers is a voluntary and aspirational target of at least 20 hours of pro bono legal services per lawyer per year that can be signed up to by: • in-house legal teams; and • individual in-house lawyers. APBC also run a Professional Indemnity Scheme which provides free professional indemnity insurance to lawyers and paralegals working on pro bono projects approved by the Centre. This removes one of the biggest barriers to in-house and private lawyers engaging in pro bono work.

ABOUT Established in 2002, the Australian Pro Bono Centre call themselves the centre of leadership for pro bono legal services. They aim to grow participation and excellence in pro bono, closing the justice gap and creating a more equitable and sustainable society. The Centre was established following the National Pro Bono Task Force’s report in 2001, which recommended the establishment of a centre that would “stimulate and encourage the development, expansion, and co-ordination of pro-bono services... facilitating pro bono practice and enabling the collection and exchange of information”. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Staff at APBC are involved in: • Administering the National Pro Bono Target • Conducting the National Law Firm Pro Bono Survey • Administering the National Pro Bono Professional Indemnity • Insurance Scheme • Policy reform and advocacy

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNSW students can intern at the APBC for course credit. Students must apply for an internship through the myLaw website. Interns are involved in the following: • A variety of research tasks • Writing research documents and other forms of correspondence and publications • Assisting to update the Centre’s websites • Preparing and editing our weekly newsletter, this will include learning how to create an EDM • Basic operational/ administrative tasks You can find more information here: https://my.law.unsw.edu. au/current-students/law-action/ internships/externally-hostedinternships GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES APBC administer the Social Justice Opportunities website, which posts opportunities about social justice jobs and volunteer positions for students and graduates. Most of the opportunities published are targeted at recent graduates, including PLT positions. You can view the SJOpps website here: https://www.sjopps.net.au

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Cancer Council NSW Sydney Fun Fact The daffodil is recognised internationally as the symbol of hope for all people affected by cancer. Cancer Council chose it as our emblem as it heralds the return of spring, pushing its way through frozen earth after winter, representing new life, vitality and growth.

ABOUT Cancer Council NSW is Australia’s leading cancer charity, working across every area of every cancer. Cancer Council works to unite the community, provide support, invest in research and save lies, in order to reduce cancer risk, increase cancer survival, improve the quality of life for people affected by cancer, and improve cancer outcomes for priority populations. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Cancer Council NSW works to: • Support families affected by cancer • Speak out on behalf of the community • Empower people to reduce their cancer risk • Find new and better ways to detect and treat cancer

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Cancer Council NSW offers a range of volunteer opportunities across Sydney. These can range from full-time placements (internships), 1-2 days per week, or one-off working days. Opportunties include: • Helping at events and fundraising activities • Planning and coodinating events • Office administration and support For more information, visit: https://www.cancercouncil.com. au/get-involved/volunteer-withus/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Intellectual Disability Rights Service Sydney Fun Fact JAS successfully secured NSW government funding for a statewide Justice Advocacy Service and a new court-based diversion program in six local courts.

ABOUT IDRS is a free service for people with cognitive impairment across NSW. IDRS works alongside people with cognitive impairment to promote and protect rights. WHAT KIND OF WORK? IDRS provide help with legal problems, support persons at police stations and courts, support to appeal decisions of the National Disability Agency, rights education for people with cognitive impaiment, peer support and assistance for parents with intellectual disability at risk of losing care of their children. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES IDRS accepts applications for legal student volunteers for people looking to complete their Practical Legal Training (PLT) placement with IDRS. IDRS takes on law students who are in the final 2 years of undergraduate legal studies and who demonstrate clear interest and likely aptitude for helping IDRS and their clients.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES IDRS accepts applications for Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) Volunteers. These people are individuals who want to give back to their community and provide help to the people around them. It provides opportunities to develop new skills, or build on existing experience and knowledge. JAS Volunteers support victims, witnesses, suspects, and defendants at police stations, court, and legal appointments. JAS is not currently accepting volunteer applications through their websites, but will be holding information sessions in regional areas. You can find more information here: https:// idrs.org.au/volunteers/volunteerapplication-forms/volunteeronline-application-form/

JAS is not currently accepting volunteer applications through their websites, but will be holding information sessions in regional areas. You can find more information here: https:// idrs.org.au/volunteers/volunteerapplication-forms/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Justice Action Sydney Fun Fact In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in NSW, Justice Action has called on the Commissioner to: • Use release powers to enable social distancing • Expedite vaccination and testing for prisoners • Mandate vaccination and testing for staff • Supply computer tablets to prisoners so that community interaction, rehabilitation programs and education can

ABOUT Founded in 1979, Justice Action is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Sydney, Australia. Justice Action focuses on abuses of authority in the criminal justice and mental health systems in Australia. Justice Action aims to improve the social and mental health of prisoners and involuntary patients by providing prisoner, mental health, and court support. It also engages in policy development, initiates campaigns and liases with stakeholders. Justice Action is run by a team of interns who are university students in law and other degrees.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? • JA empowers individuals in prisons and prison hospitals by ensuring access to the tools and information they need to defend and develop themselves. • JA builds networks among prisoners, victims, families and others, and exposes abuses of authority in the media and in JA publications, as well as fostering education for those behind bars. • JA provides prisoners and inpatients court support by investigating complaints and following focus cases. • JA promotes policy changes and alternatives to imprisonment • Works at local, national, and international levels with organisations such as the Community Justice Coalition and the International Conference on Penal Abolition among others to ensure that Austrralia’s human rights obligation are met in relation to those it imprisons. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in volunteering with Justice Action, fill out the form at this link: https://justiceaction. org.au/get-involved/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Justice Connect Sydney, Melbourne Maggie’s Story Maggie went to Justice Connect’s Women’s Homelessness Prevention project in 2016, seeking help after several episodes of homelessness. In 2010, Maggie left a violent relationship of 23 years. She had only enough money for her daughter and herself to fly to Melbourne and for a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Maggie and her daughter lived in transitional housing, hostels, and slept rough. Justice Connect provided Maggie and her daughter with court support and gave her connections to find permanent housing, work and educational opportunities for her daughter. Today, she is safely housed and studying. Her daughter is in year 12, after Maggie kept her in school the whole time.

ABOUT Justice Connect designs and delivers high impact interventions to increase access to legal support and progress social justice. Justice Connect has specialised legal services and works with priority groups and projects to respond to rising legal need and matters in the public interest.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Justice Connect accepts law students as volunteers. Many volunteers are later accepted to complete their PLT with Justice Connect.

Justice Connect has close connections with over 10,000 lawyers through their network of pro bono member firms so that people facing legal problems can get the help they need.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Justice Connect offers unpaid PLT placements to students who have completed their law degree. Applicants must be willing to undetake a minimum of 50 days of practical legal training at Justice Connect.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Justice Connect works in a range of specialisations, including: • Seniors Law • Homeless Law • Self-representation services • Workplace rights • Natural disaster community support • Disability rights • Refugee and migrant rights

Follow this link for infomation: https://justiceconnect.org.au/ work-with-us/volunteer/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderr people, POC, people from culturally and linguistically diverse and refugee backgrounds, people with divese religious beliefs, gender diverse people, LGBTIQ+ people and people living with a disability are strongly encouaged to apply. For more information, visit: https:// justiceconnect.org.au/work-withus/practical-legal-training/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

NSW Council for Civil Liberties Sydney Local NSW fishermen are being prosecuted under State law contrary to their Native Title Rights Members of the Aboriginal community who have a right to fish under the Native Title Act 1993 are being prosecuted under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW) (FMA) contrary to those rights. Mounting a native title defence is both time consuming and expensive, meaning that a number of Aboriginal men have been incarcerated as they have been unable to defend themselves.

ABOUT Founded in 1963, the NSW Council for Civil Liberties is one of Australia’s leading human rights and civil liberties organisations. They monitor and fight against infringement of rights and liberties and the abuse of power by government, its agencies, and others.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students interested in volunteering or interning with the NSWCCL are invited to attend Committee Meetings held fortnightly at Sydney Town Hall in the Council Chambers (COVID-19 permitting). It gives you the chance to network with some of the Executive and Committee members.

NSWCCL is non-sectarian and non-party political.

NSWCCL also invites university students to join NSWCCL campaigns or action groups. More information can be found here: https://www.nswccl.org.au/ support_signup

WHAT KIND OF WORK? • Influencing public debate • Securing amendments to laws or changes in policy to strengthen democratic rights and liberties • Prepaing submissions to government • Engaging regularly in public debates • Producing content • Holding events

A legislative amendment that would resolve this situation was passed 11 years ago, but hasn’t yet commenced. NSWCCL has written to the NSW Minister for Agriculture to urge him to immediately rectify this situation - rights that require a costly legal defence to enjoy are not worth the paper on which they’re written.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Oxfam Australia Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide

ABOUT Oxfam Australia is a not-for-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organisation. An affilate of Oxfam International, their work includes longterm developmental projects, responding to emergencies, and campaigning to improve the lives of disadvantaged people around the world. Last year, Oxfam Australia’s work reaches approximately 4.64 million people in 28 countries. WHAT KIND OF WORK? • Advocating for just and sustainable economies for people and planet. • Empowering women, girls, and non-binary people to shape the world they live in. • Backing communities leading the way out of the climate crisis to a fairer future. • Working in solidarity with Australia’s First Peoples towards justice, equality, and self-determination. • Working in partnership with communities and local organisations to drive the greatest possible impact in addressing poverty and inequality.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Oxfam invites students to volunteer. Volunteers work in a range of areas, including: • Customer service; • Research; • Editing; • Events; • Finance, and; • Human resources. Volunteers can work in the office, chatting to supporters, researching programs, or assisting the campaigns team. Volunteers can also join an Oxfam group and meet people with a common interest in social justice and sustainable development. University students can also gain unpaid internship placements at Oxfam. For more information: https://www.oxfam.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer-with-us/ internship-vacancies/ For volunteer and internship vacancies, visit: https:/ app.betterimpact.com/ PublicEnterprise/197d61ec-1ab2461c-8d54-9699092721b7

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Public Interest Advocacy Centre Sydney Same-sex Marriage Test Case In September 2017 PIAC challenged in the High Court the decision of the Commonwealth government to hold a postal survey on same sex marriage. PIAC brought the case (the Wilkie case) on behalf of Andrew Wilkie, the Independent member of Parliament for the Tasmanian electorate of Denison; Felicity Marlowe, a Melbourne mother in a same-sex relationship with three children, and advocate for Rainbow Families; and PFLAG Brisbane (‘Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’), with their national Spokesperson Shelley Argent. The case was ultimately lost by PIAC, but provides a useful demonstation of the kind pf public interest work they are involved in.

ABOUT PIAC is an independent, nonprofit organisation that works with people and communities who are marginalised and facing disadvantage. The organisation’s purpose is described as working to “build a fairer, stronger society by helping to change laws, policies and pratices that cause injustice and inequality”. The organisation’s curent priorities include: • Equality and nondiscrimination • First Nations Justice • Reducing Homelessness • Climate Change and Social Justice • A fairer NDIS • Government accountability • Fair-use of police powers • Equal access to health care for asylum seekers • Sustainable, affordable energy and water for households WHAT KIND OF WORK? Work at PIAC can involve: • Legal advice and representation, specialising in test cases and strategic casework; • Research, analysis, and policy development; and • Advocacy for systems change and public interest outcomes

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES PIAC offer unpaid PLT placements to students who have completed, or as close to finishing, their law degree. Students must commit to three days per week for 60 days. PLTs are supervised by a Senior Solicitor within the strategic litigation team, and have an opportunity to work with lawyers and policy officers across their organisation. The major projects currently being undertaken by PIAC with a strong legal component include the generalist strategic litigation practice and the Indigenous Justice Program. The Volunteer PLT Placement contributes to the provision of a successful, innovative, and responsive legal practice through assisting with PIAC’s telephone information and advice service and with PIAC’s litigation and associated policy and law reform, training and administrative work.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Unions NSW Sydney Fun Fact Unions NSW were part of the initial push to make sure the Eight Hour Day was extended to all workers, not just skilled tradespeople. They also were instrumental in establishing the first work-based childcare centre in Australia.

ABOUT Unions NSW is the peak body for the state’s trade unions, representing over 600,000 union members across the state. Unions NSW campaign in workplaces to ensure union members get a fair a go, with decent wages and conditions. They argue publicly for policies and laws that support the rights of working people. Unions NSW is funded by its members and not through government.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The Unions NSW job board sometimes posts jobs suitable for students. You can see the current positions here: https://www. unionsnsw.org.au/job-board/

Unions NSW was founded in 1871 as the Trades and Labour Council of Sydney in 1871. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Unions NSW negotiates with government and employers around decent wages and working conditions and better social services. They also campaign for policies and laws that give working people a “fair go” at work, in their retirement, and in their communities.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Voiceless National Fun Fact In December 2021, Voiceless published an exclusive interview with Dr Jane Goodall: https:// voiceless.org.au/a-conversationwith-dr-jane-goodall/

ABOUT Since 2004, Voiceless has been at the forefront of the animal protection movement. Voiceless is the home of animal law and animal protection education, working to educate and inspire the next generation of change makes to think critically and make positive changes for animals.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Due to the pandemic, Voiceless are not currently accepting applications for volunteering. However, they do provide a comprehensive guide to other volunteering opportunities at other animal law organisations. Find more information here: https:// voiceless.org.au/animal-law/ animal-law-services/

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Voiceless works to empower and mainstream the animal protection movement, shine a light on cruel industry practices, advance legal protection for animals, raise public awareness, and increase animal protection in science and technology. Voiceless is not a law practice and is unable to provide any type of legal advice.

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Youth Action Sydney

ABOUT Youth Action (formerly YAPA) is the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW. They respond to social and political agendas relating to young people and the youth services sector, and provides proactive leadership and advocacy, shaping the agenda on issues affecting young people and youth services.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Due to the pandemic, Youth Action are currently not accepting internship applications. More information can be found here: https://www.youthaction.org.au/ internships_student_placements

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Youth Action: • Monitors and responds to government policies and proposals affecting young people • Promotes and advocates on issues affecting young people and youth services • Brings young people and youth workers together to act on issues affecting them • Works to raise a positive profile of young people in the media and in the community • Provides training, forums, and conferences to young people and youth workers • Provides information and referral • Produces a range of resources, publications and newsletters

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Reconciliation NSW Sydney

ABOUT Reconciliation NSW is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. Established in 2001, Reconciliation NSW is the lead body for reconciliation in New South Wales, inspiring and enabling all Australians to build relationships, respect, and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and nonIndigenous Australians. WHAT KIND OF WORK? • Connecting individuals, schools, and organisations to resources and services relating to reconciliation • Supporting an independent network of Local Reconciliation Groups, hosting a range of events and activities to advance reconciliation in their communties. • Connecting schools with Aboriginal Elders, writers, and educators • Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to advocate and influence policy discussion to advance social justice, equity, and self-determination

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Reconciliation NSW accepts applications to volunteer. If interested, send a CV and a brief description of how you would like to be involved to info@reconciliationnsw.org.au Volunteers are required for at least one business day a week for a mininum of 2-3 months. Work as a volunteer can include: • Data entry/administration • IT skills • Strategic and business planning • Communication/social media and fundraising • Business development and management • Submission writing • Graphic design • Photography and video editing

PLAINTIFF/PRIVATE PUBLIC INTEREST FIRMS Communities & NGOs

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Sydney CBD, Paramatta

ABOUT The 12 month Graduate Program Founded in 1919, Maurice provides a broad range of training Blackburn Lawyers was founded designed to give you insight by Maurice Blackburn. The firm is into all aspects of plaintiff law. an Australian plaintiff law firm and The program encourages active has represented clients in a number participation and contribution of high-profile cases since its which enables you to be establishment. rewarded with excellent training opportunities, tangible professional Today, Maurice Blackburn is a development and an insight into national firm with over 30 offices life at Maurice Blackburn. The throughout Australia and more than Program has been specifically 1,000 staff. designed to combine formal training with invaluable hands-on WHAT KIND OF WORK? experience. If required, Maurice Specialisations include: Blackburn will also support you to • Injury law complete Practical Legal Training • Class actions (PLT), a necessary requirement for • Superannuation claims admission. • Insurance claims • Financial services disputes The Program is a national • Wills and estates program with Graduates placed • Employment law across various practice areas and locations nationally. The program will be a 12-month STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES placement with a practice area, Maurice Blackburn has a wide giving the ability to create inrange of student opportunities, depth knowledge and experience from Law Clerks, to legal assistants in that area of law. You will work to paralgeals. To check regular closely with senior lawyers and vacacies, go to https://www. partners, and other internal and mauriceblackburn.com.au/careers/ external experts, and be able to careers-with-us/legal-support/ build lasting relationships through legal networking events. As a GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Law Graduate we encourage you Graduate program is available to shadow experienced lawyers, in Melbourne. The requirements attend court and client meetings, regularly change. Gaining entrance and even brief counsel. to the Graduate Program at Maurice Blackburn means an exciting More information can be start to your legal career in one of found here: https://www. Australia’s leading social justice law mauriceblackburn.com.au/careers/ firms. graduates/

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Shine Lawyers Darwin, Perth, Across Greater Sydney, Various in QLD, Various in VIC

ABOUT Shine Lawyers is an Australian law firm specialising in personal injury compensation law, operating on a no win no fee basis. Shine has operated for over 40 years and is an ASX listed firm, with branches across the East Coast of Australia, with locations in Darwin and Perth.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Shine Lawyers have a wide variety of positions available, from legal work to administration and more. To view current availability or to enquire, go to https://www.shine. com.au/careers/current-jobs

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Personal Injury Law, Negligence Law, Workers Compensation Law, Car Accident Claims, Compensation Law, Class Actions, Aviation Law, Environmental Claims, Abuse Law, Workplace Claims

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter II: Communities & NGOs

Slater and Gordon Lawyers Across NSW and Victoria, Various in the UK

ABOUT Slater and Gordon are a leading Australian consumer law firm. Their mission is to give people easier access to world class legal services. The firm provides specialist legal and complementary services in a broad range of areas, focusing on servicing the needs of unions and working people. Slater and Gordon was founded in Australia in 1935. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Personal Injury, Superannuation and Insurance, Class Actions, Commercial Litigation, and Employment Law.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Slater and Gordon Lawyers offers positions to students to complement the graduate program. Find out more here https://www. slatergordon.com.au/careers/lawstudents GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The Slater and Gordon Graduate Program commences with an 18-month contract working within a specific practice area of law and can lead to the offer of a permanent position within their firm. More information can be found here: https://www.slatergordon. com.au/careers/law-students

CHAPTER III:

UNSW Law Internships

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter III: UNSW Law Internships

The Australian Human Rights Institute Sydney Fun Fact “Interning at the Australian Human Rights Institute was a fantastic experience. The passion and drive of the staff was inspiring and I was given so many opportunities to participate directly in the work of the Institute, both supporting larger Institute projects, and engaging in individual projects, such as writing articles for the website.” - Annabelle Spence (Australian Human Rights Institute intern, Semester 1 2018)

ABOUT In 2018, the Australian Human Rights Institute was created as part of UNSW’s Strategy 2025 to enhance the university’s ability to create a world-class research institute focused on human rights to further the strategic goals of pursuing academic excellence and enhancing social impact. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The Institute aims to develop applied solutions to address human rights issues. They deliver multidisciplinary research that empowers communities and educates the next generation of human rights leaders.

Through their research projects, advocacy, events, and publications, they work collaboratively to build new partnerships with universities, national and international human rights organisations, government, corporations, and nongovernment organisations to advance knowledge exchange and breaks silos between academic research and real-world problems to progress human rights.

Working with more than 100 Associates (researchers from across UNSW faculties), the Institute’s research projects seek to understand the barriers to, and realisation of, rights across the three strategic pillars of business, health and gender, with an increasing focus on climate change and sports and human rights among other pressing issues.

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The Australian Human Rights Institute Sydney

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Each year the Institute offers several internship positions through the Australian Human Rights Institute internship program. Opportunities include: • Modern slavery research project • Health and Human Rights program • UN Committee for the Rights of People with Disabilities internship • Migrant Justice Worker Initiative

The Global Student Fellowship Program enables students to undertake a six week fellowship with a leading international development or human rightsbased organisation. Students receive $6,500 upon program completion. Multiple fellowship opportunities are available every year.

The Institute also offers an editorial internship through the Australian Journal of Human Rights. These internships are counted towards course credit.

The Institute welcome student volunteers on a rolling basis to work with them on research projects and our events and Human Rights Conference Series.

More info on how to apply and eligibility requirements here: humanrights.unsw.edu.au/ students/global-student-fellowship

For application dates, deadlines and eligibility requirements please visit myLaw at: https://my.law. unsw.edu.au/current-students/ lawinaction or contact Law Student Services for more information.

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The Bar and Judiciary/The Courts

CHAPTER IV:

The Bar and Judiciary/The Courts

Public Interest Careers Guide 2023

Chapter IV: The Bar and Judiciary/The Courts

Associate and Tipstaff Positions NSW Tips for Aspiring Tipstaves and Associates Writer and solicitor Stella Kim published an article about her experience working in the judicial branch of government. She writes, “Do your research. Find a judge whose interests/ legal speciality align with yours. Beyond a judge’s swearing in speech, you could also consider their daily court lists (found online), previous judgments and any other extracurricular lectures/ speeches. You can read the article here: https://www.unsw. edu.au/news/2018/03/tipsfor-aspiring-tipstaves-andassociates

ABOUT Being an associate or tipstaff, allows students to gain valuable experience working alongside judges, barristers and solicitors. The District Court of NSW, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia offer roles as a judge’s associate or as a legal researcher. The Supreme Court of NSW offers tipstaff and legal researcher roles. These roles may also be available in other courts and tribunals. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Tipstaves are employed as part of the personal chambers staff of a particular judge. They provide legal research, in-court duties and other support for the judge. Tipstaves are expected to possess highly developed communicaiton and interpersonal skills and proficiency in the use of IT. They must also be able to professional display tact, confidentiality and confidence in their interactions with court users, practitioners, the judiciary and other court staff. On the other hand, associates closely accompany judges, and are expected to deal with adminstrative issues in an effective and timely manner.

STUDENT/GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Positions as tipstaves or researchers are extremely popular and are therefore highly competitive. Candidates applying for positions are expected to display the following skills and abilities: • Highly developed legal research, conceptual and analytical skills • Excellent organisational skills • High level computer and keyboard skills Law graduates applying for tipstaff or researcher positions are expected to have a strong academic record in their law studeis. Highly developed legal research skills and involvement in extracurricular activities or voluntary work in legal areas are also highly desirable. Tipstaff positions are generally not advertised and the selection of tipstaves is conducted directly by the judge(s). For opportunities in the Supreme Court of NSW, see this link: https://www. supremecourt.justice.nsw.gov. au/Pages/sco2_aboutus/sco2_ careers.aspx

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CHAPTER V:

Public International Law/ International Public Interest

POLITICAL BODIES

Public International Law/ International Public Interest

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ABOUT The United Nations (UN) is The United Nations (UN) an international organization comprising 193 member states, established in 1945 with a mission United States guided by its founding Charter. The UN addresses critical global issues such as human rights, climate change, disarmament, terrorism, health emergencies, justice, peace, and security. It provides a platform for member states to express their views and engage in dialogue through various bodies like the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council. The UN offers internships and opportunities through diverse bodies like UN, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, and others, fostering collaboration and problem-solving at an international level.

Working at the UN requires both passion and perservereance. You will be exposed to the most pressing issues, and an opportunity to engage in the most prominent diplomatic dialogues and meetings.. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES https://legal.un.org/ola/website/ employ.aspx GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES https://legal.un.org/ola/website/ employ.aspx

WHAT KIND OF WORK? The work of the United Nations otuches every corner of the globe and focuses on a broad range of fundamental issues, like sustainable development, protection of the environment and refugees, disaster relief and mitigation, counter terrorism, as well as disarment and non-proliferation.

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World Trade Organisation (WTO) Switzerland Commitment to Ease of Trade The WTO’s commitment to greater ease of trade is significant, as approximately two-thirds of WTO members are developing countries. Moreover, WTO membership provides these countries a greater degree of access to markets at lower tariff rates without succumbin to competitive pressure. The WTO’s global influence is further solidified through the fact that the organisation plays a major role in influencing the way in whcih international trade agreements are written, as many trade agreements explicitly mention the WTO as an intermediate dispute-settling body among signatories.

ABOUT The World Trade Organisation (‘WTO’) was formed in 1995 and is concerned with the rules of trade between nations. It is the only global international organisation that deal with multilateral agreements, negotiated and signed by majority of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. With the primary goal of helping exporters, importers, producers and suppliers of goods and services conduct their business, and suppliers of goods and services conduct their business, WTO is a place to settle trade disputes between governments. It also promotes mechanismsfor the elimination of trade discrimination, tariffs and other barriers to international trade.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES There are 3 main streams of internships offered at the WTO. However, since Australia is neither classified as a developing country nor least developed country, only 1 stream is open. That is, the WTO Internship Programme which is open to post-graduate students from all WTO members and countries engaged in accession negotiations. Assignments are given to interns with the intention to enhance their understanding of the WTO and trade policy more generally. Interns work in the following areas: • Trade law • Economics • Statistics • Trade policy • Languages

WHAT KIND OF WORK? More info: https://www.wto.org/ The WTO Secretariat in Geneva, english/thewto_e/vacan_e/iypp_e. Switzerland, employs 600+ staff htm#WTO_Internship from 80+ member countries. Roles encompass lawyers for dispute settlement, analysts for foreigntrade policy, economists, and statisticians. Core functions include trade negotiations (covering goods, services, and IP agreements), dispute settlement support, and building trade capacity/policy through research and technical assistance.

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World Trade Organisation (WTO) Switzerland

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The WTO Young Professional Programme was launched in 2016 to attract young professionals from developing and least-developed couintries that are members of the WTO. The programme aims to enhance their knowledge of WTO and international trade issues, whilst providing a pathway of being recruited by WTO and/ or other regional and international organisations in the future. Successful applicants are allocated to specific devisions based on needs and priorities of WTO. Areas of work may include: accessions, intellectual property rights, government procurement, competition policy, market access and trade and environment. Duration is 1 year. More info: https://www.wto.org/ english/thewto_e/vacan_e/ypp_e. htm

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World Bank United States Human Capital Project Human Capital Project is a global effort to acclerate more and better investments in people for greater equity and economic growth. As of July 2021, HCP has 82 countries participating, and have reached out to the human capital across South Asia and Europe as well as to some of the most disadvantaged ophans in the world.

ABOUT The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital-intensive projects and iniatives. The World Bank’s official goal is the reduction of poverty. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The World Bank works in every major area of development. They provide a wide array of financial products and technical assistance. They assist developing and leastdeveloped countries to share and apply innovative knwoledge and solutions to the challenges they face. This could range from advice, to risk insurance and low-interest loans/grants.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The World Bank’s Internship Program offers exposure to its mission and work, welcoming individuals to contribute innovative ideas and research experience. Successful candidates are typically in their first year of graduate studies or pursuing a PhD. The program focuses on various fields such as Economics, Finance, Law, Human Development, Social Science, Agriculture, Environment, and more. Additionally, the Legal Vice Presidency offers a dedicated Legal Internship Program in Washington, D.C., and selected country offices, available in Summer, Fall, and Spring. General requirements include citizenship from any IBRD member state, enrollment in relevant programs, and proficient English language skills. More info: https://www.worldbank. org/en/about/careers/programsand-internships/internship

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International Court of Arbitration Fun Fact As of January 2020, the court has registered 25,000 cases since its creation and sees continual expansion in recent years with record number of cases registered in 2019.

ABOUT The ICC, founded in 1923, resolves international commercial disputes under the International Chamber of Commerce. With 100+ arbitrators from 90+ countries, it offers “judicial supervision of arbitration proceedings” in English and French (any language for cases). Its mission is to ensure proper ICC Rules application, assist with procedures, enhance efficiency, control time and costs, aid enforcement, and maintain confidentiality through innovative arbitration tools and procedures. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The responsibilities of the ICC include: • Confirming, appointing and replacing arbitrators, as well as deciding on challenges made against them • Monitoring the arbitral process to make certain that is is properly performed • Scrutinising and approving all arbitral awards • Setting, managing and adjusting fees and advances • Overseeing emergency proceedings before the start of the arbitration

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Multiple internship opportunities exist across various countries. Interships are offered in the following departments*: • Dispute Resolution Services • Global Partnerships and Developent • International Chamber of Commerce • Business Analyst/Secretariat General of ICC • Arbitration Case Management Team *These may change as new opportunities arise. More info: https://iccwbo.org/ careers/internship-opportunities/

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International Court of Justice (ICJ) Netherlands Fun Fact All 15 judges hail from 15 different countries. Currently these include: USA, Russian Federation, Slovakia, France, Morocco, Brazil, Somalia, China, Uganda, India, Jamaica, Lebanon, Japan and Germany.

ABOUT The international Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). The Court comprises of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Its official langages are English and French.

This internship is an opportunity to put your knowledge and experience into practice, under the supervision of Registry officials. More info: https://www.icj-cij.org/ en/internships

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The ICJ offers a Judicial Followship Programme. The programme was established in 1999 to enable recent law graudates to gain experience working at the ICJ. It aims to improve participants’ understanding WHAT KIND OF WORK? of international law and the Court’s The Court’s role is to settlement, in procedures by actively involving accordance with international law, them in the work of the Court and legal disputes submitted to it by build their experience under the States and to give advisory opinions supervision of a Judge. on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs More info: https://www.icj-cij.org/ and specialised agencies. en/judicial-fellows-program STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Internship at The Registry. Since the ICF is both a court of justice and an international organ, the Registry’s tasks are not only those of a service helping in the administration of justice - with sovereign States as litigants - but also those of a secretariat of an international commission. Its activities are judicial, diplomatic and administative in nature.

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ABOUT Recently, they have worked on big Human Rights Watch (HRW) crises, including: Covid-19, Syrian Human Rights Watch is a prominent international civil war, policing in the US and on non-governmental organisation the Rohingya crisis. Headquartered in New York headquartered in New York City, with regional offices in across that conducts research resarch STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES the world (including Sydney and advocacy on human rights. HRW’s Development and Outreach and Melbourne). Built upon a strong tradition for Interns will primarily contribute to defending and pressuring human outreach and development iniatives rights around the world through using databases, monitoring press Petitions governments, armed groups and coverage, planning events, posting businesses, the group is composed on social medias and conducting HRW initiates public petitions of 450 people from 70+ nationalities background desk research. Other for social change, focusing who are experts, lawyers, journalists projects may be assigned as on transparency in the textile in their own right. HRW works they arise and match the intern’s industry to combat worker to protect the most at risk, from interests. abuse. Sweatshop workers lack vulnerable minorities and civilians information about brands they work for, hindering accountability in wartime, to refugees and children Internships typically last for three in need. months with the possibility to and enabling abuse. extend. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Transparency benefits both At HRW, their work can be split Vacancies will appear on the HRW workers and brands, aiding in Career Seach function as they reporting and prevention of labor into roughly 3 pillars: investigate, expose and change. As a globally become available: https://careers. abuses. 40+ companies have influential think tank, researchers hrw.org/jobs/ committed to the Transparency have uncovered countless records Pledge, but many still conceal of human rights abusess, which GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES their clothing production is then widely reported in media Vacancies will appear on the HRW locations. furthering their reach. Their Career Seach function as they advocacy efforts are directed become available: https://careers. towards governments, groups hrw.org/jobs/ and corporations with the desire to change or enforce their laws, policies and practice, making them fairer and more just.

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Centre for International and Environmental Law Offices in Washington, DC, and Geneva, Switzerland Fun Fact Every year CIEL’s International Environmental Law Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the effort to achieve solutions to environmental problems through international law and institutions.

ABOUT The Centre for International and Environmental Law (CIEL) is a public interest, not-for-profit organisation that utilises the power of the law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. They aim to strengthen international environmental law and policy around the world in areas of biodiversity, climate change, human rights and the einvironment as well as trade and sustainable development. WHAT KIND OF WORK? “CIEL’s mission is pursued through legal research, advocacy, education, and community partnerships. Their work focuses on: 1. Promoting environmental democracy by empowering people and protecting environmental human rights defenders. 2. Counterbalancing corporate power to incentivize environmentally friendly behavior and hold corporations accountable. 3. Redirecting financial flows away from harmful investments to serve people and the planet. 4. Strengthening International Environmental and Human Rights Law to address current needs in a changing geopolitical landscape.

STUDENT & GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES CIEL offers internships and fellowships for law students and recent graduates interested in public interest law, international environmental law, and human rights law. Interns in Washington commit to 10 weeks (15+ hours/ week), while Geneva interns commit 12 to 24 weeks (24+ hours/week), and must be enrolled in a relevant course of study. Strong research and writing skills are essential, along with some prior experience or coursework in the respective fields.

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Greenpeace Amsterdam Fun Fact After a launch of their ‘Cool IT’ campaign in South Korea, Naver committed to powering its data centres with 100% renewable energy. Not only did the corporation change their views on renewable energy, the Korean ministry of science is looking to revise its laws to make it more accessible for other companies to switch to renewables.

ABOUT Greenpeace is a leading international campaigning organisation using peaceful protest, direct action, lobbying and research to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions to a more sustainable future. Greenpeace’s various goals include creating a coal free future, an economic recovery with a focus on people and the planet, preserviong the Great Barrier Reef, protecting the Antarctic, a call for Australia’s largest electricity-using companies to switch to 100% renewable energy as well as protecting our oceans and forests.

STUDENT & GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Student vacancies will appear on the Career Seach function as they become available: https://workfor. international.greenpeace.org/ (https://www.greenpeace.org. au/jobs/ for Australia)internshipprogramme/ This internship opportunity available for students as well as recent graduates and young professionals.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? Greenpeace tackles environmental crime through three pillars: investigate, connect, and act. They investigate global corporations, aligning with their values and exposing those hindering progress. Greenpeace collaborates with various groups and communities to find effective solutions. Taking action follows investigation and engagement, from urging sustainable sourcing to participating in rallies and advocacy efforts

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International Environmental Law Research Centre Offices in Switzerland (Geneva), the UK (London) and Kenya (Nairobi), and India (New Delhi)

ABOUT The International Environmental Law Research Centre (IELRC) is an independent research organisation focusing on international and comparative environmental law issues. IELRC aims to contribute to the establishment, modifying and implementation of legal and institutional frameworks that foster the sustainable conservation and use of the environment and its natural resources.

STUDENT & GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Vacancies will appear on the IELRC Career Seach function as they become available: https:// www.ielrc.org/about_careers.htm This internship opportunity is also available to recent graduates and young professionals.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? IELRC conducts policy-specific academic research to foster equitable and sustainable environmental management at the local, national and international level. The IELRC specialises in research areas such as biosafety, biodiversity, climate change, intellectual property, justice and human rights as well as water and sanitation law. The IELRC has a particular emphasis on the environmental issues and conditions existing in India and East Africa.

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International Tribunal for Law of the Sea Germany Fun Fact While the COVID-19 pandemic clearly poses a challenge to the Tribunal’s work, steps were taken to ensure that the administrative session of the Tribunal at the end of September, the swearing-in of the newly-elected Judges and the hearing in the Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius/ Maldives) in October took place as planned. These events and public sittings were held in a hybrid format, in which some participants took part in person, and others remotely. To ensure public access to the hearing, a livestream was provided on the Tribunal’s website. The Tribunal is determined to meet the challenge presented by the pandemic and to adapt in order to fulfil its mandate, dealing expeditiously with the cases currently pending before it as well as any new cases that may be submitted.

ABOUT The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) was established in 1982 by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has over 160 signatories. The ITLOS is an international judicial organ designed to deal with matters relating to all ocean space, its uses and resources, and disputes over the interpretation and application of the UNCLOS. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Interns for the ITLOS work in a variety of departments, namely: • The Legal Office: Carrying out research on a variety of legal issues, preparing legal documents and reports. Interns may conduct research on specific topics and give an oral presentation to the Legal Office. • The Library: Navigating and maintaining online databases, ensuring ease of access to documents. • Linguistic Services: Assisting with the translation of legal materials in one of the working languages of the ITLOS, i.e. English and French. • Press Office: Engaging in public relations to encompany the Tribunal’s vision for a global reach with interesting and meaningful publicity

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The Tribunal offers about twenty annual internships to government officials and students in various fields such as law, international relations, and more. This program provides participants with insights into the Tribunal’s work and allows the Tribunal to benefit from their expertise. Interns contribute to various areas of the Tribunal’s activities, including law of the sea, international law, public information, publications, and translation. More details can be found at: https://www.itlos.org/en/ the-registry/training/internshipprogramme/ GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The aforementioned internship opportunity for students is also available to recent graduates and young professionals.

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Asian Development Bank Philippines Fun Fact Regional: Integrated and innovative solutions for more livable cities. The knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) will support the efforts of the developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to build livable cities that are green, competitive, inclusive, and resilient by applying innovative and integrated solutions in project development, design, and execution.

ABOUT ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to a large share of the world’s poor: 263 million living on less than $1.90 a day and 1.1 billion on less than $3.20 a day.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The ADB Internship Program offers project-based learning for graduate students, providing experience in alignment with ADB’s operational needs. Open for applications twice a year, it allows students to work collaboratively with professionals from diverse countries and deepen their understanding of development finance. Interns must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program related to ADB’s work, with strong English proficiency and relevant professional experience. Applications are submitted online through ACES.

WHAT KIND OF WORK? ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. ADB maximizes the development impact of its assistance by facilitating policy dialogues, providing advisory services, and mobilizing financial resources through cofinancing operations that tap official, commercial, and export credit sources.

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ABOUT The IMF was established in International Monetary 1944 in the aftermath of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Fund 44 founding member countries sought to build a framework Washington DC, United States for international economic of America cooperation. Today, its membership embraces 190 countries, with staff drawn from 150 nations. The IMF is governed by and accountable to those 190 countries that make up its near-global membership. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 190 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The IMF offers recruitment programs for entry-level roles: •

•

Economist Program (EP): Requires a recent PhD graduate or nearing completion, nationality from an IMF member country, and age under 34. Research Assistant Program (RAP): Requires a recent bachelor’s degree with a 3.5 GPA, with some exceptions for locally-based master’s degree candidates. Fund Internship Program (FIP): For Economic internships, suitable for PhD students under 32 or master’s students under 28. Legal Department Internships require completion of an advanced law degree within one to two years and age under 32.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The aforementioned internship opportunity for students is also available to recent graduates and young professionals.

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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Paris, France Fun Fact In particular, the coalition is looking at advancing local policy innovations in education, labour markets and skills, housing and the urban environment, and infrastructure and public services to ensure that none of their urban residents are left behind. Mayors are comparing challenges and solutions, and learning from one another.

ABOUT The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. Their goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. We draw on 60 years of experience and insights to better prepare the world of tomorrow.

Additionally, the organization sets international standards and codes, ranging from legally binding instruments to recommendations, guiding policymakers and promoting best practices on various aspects, from consumer protection to environmental preservation.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The OECD Internship Programme is open to students enrolled in a Together with governments, policy fully accredited degree programme makers and citizens, we work (Bachelor, Master, PhD) during the on establishing evidence-based entire duration of their internship. The international standards and finding programme aims to provide successful solutions to a range of social, economic candidates with the opportunity to and environmental challenges. From improve their analytical and technical improving economic performance skills in an international environment. and creating jobs to fostering strong Applications are accepted throughout education and fighting international tax the year via the online application evasion, we provide a unique forum and platform. Selected interns are expected knowledge hub for data and analysis, to work remotely until further notice exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES and international standard-setting. The Young Associates Programme (YAP) is a two-year programme WHAT KIND OF WORK? for recent undergraduates to gain The organization, in collaboration professional experience in multilateral with governments and stakeholders, policymaking, research and analysis. strives to establish evidence-based To be eligible, you must hold a international standards and address Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in a spectrum of global challenges. the academic field related to the They offer a knowledge hub with position(s) of interest, have a minimum comprehensive reports, surveys, data GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and be fluent points, policy briefs, and articles, in one of the two OECD official serving as a trusted source for informed languages (English and French). You decision-making in policy arenas must also demonstrate evidence of worldwide. being able to work constructively in a team, show how you will be able They act as a global forum facilitating to contribute as a YA in your area of discussions, policy exploration, and work, as well as your motivation to knowledge sharing among nations pursue a graduate degree in a relevant and partners to enhance policy field after completing the Programme. effectiveness, addressing critical issues such as inequality, youth In addition, it would be an asset if you unemployment, gender disparity, and have undertaken research, written more. reports or thesis related to the work.

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Asian Human Rights Commission Fun Fact While the COVID-19 pandemic clearly poses a challenge to the Tribunal’s work, steps were taken to ensure that the administrative session of the Tribunal at the end of September, the swearing-in of the newly-elected Judges and the hearing in the Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius/ Maldives) in October took place as planned. These events and public sittings were held in a hybrid format, in which some participants took part in person, and others remotely. To ensure public access to the hearing, a livestream was provided on the Tribunal’s website. The Tribunal is determined to meet the challenge presented by the pandemic and to adapt in order to fulfil its mandate, dealing expeditiously with the cases currently pending before it as well as any new cases.

ABOUT The Asian Human Rights Charter (AHRC) is an independent, nongovernmental institution that promotes human rights education and awareness across Asia. It was founded in 1984 by jurists and human rights activists. As an influential body in the region, the AHRC is committed to garnering attention from citizens within the region and rallying support to ensure relief for victims of human rights violations. The AHRC gives a high regard to each Asian country’s agreement to uphold civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Work opportunities for the AHRC are in Hong Kong. Roles range from administrative to publications. Moreover, the AHRC produces ‘think tank papers’ as comprehensive guides to the state of human rights in the Asian region. The AHRC’s research also expands to the exploration of issues in Australia, particularly with regards to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as Indigenous Australians in custody.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The AHRC and ALRC offer limited internship placements for case documentation, research, and communication assistance. Priority is given to individuals from partner organizations, who receive accommodation and support in Hong Kong. Others can apply if they meet certain conditions: stay for at least six months, have a strong legal background, country experience, and a keen interest in human rights. Applications are judged based on merit and AHRC’s needs. Interns must be willing to work in countries with challenging human rights conditions. Selfsupported internships are very limited. To apply for a self-supported internship, provide personal details, explain your interest in human rights and Asia, share your educational and professional background, specify the desired internship period, mention flexibility with dates, describe how you will financially support the internship, and submit the application at least four months before the intended start date. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates are also welcome to apply to the internship program.

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International Bar Association London UK, Washington DC US, The Hague Fun Fact The First International Conference on Agricultural Law was hosted by the IBA’s Agricultural Law Section, Project Pravo-Justice, and the Ukrainian Bar Association in September 2021. The conference covered various legal topics in agriculture, including land reform, climate change, technology, trade, infrastructure, and taxation. The event featured experts from Europe and Ukraine sharing their insights and best practices. A recording of the conference is available for streaming, and it is shared by Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., with Lynn L. Bergeson serving as the Senior Vice Chair of the IBA’s Agricultural Law Section.

ABOUT The IBA is the leading organization for international legal practitioners, bar associations, and law societies. Established in 1947, it aims to promote global stability and peace through the administration of justice. With a membership exceeding 80,000 individuals from over 170 countries, the IBA has evolved to include international lawyers and law firms. It provides assistance to the global legal community and influences the development of international law reform. Through its expertise and global membership, the IBA shapes the future of the legal profession worldwide. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Grouped into two divisions – the Legal Practice Division and the Public and Professional Interest Division – the IBA covers all practice areas and professional interests, providing members with access to leading experts and upto-date information.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Intern positions are available at the International Bar Association (IBA) in London, Washington DC, and The Hague. Selected interns will assist the IBA in developing academic papers and research on key legal topics of local and international relevance. They will support various aspects of the association, including the IBA’s Human Rights Institute in London, the Legal Policy & Research Unit in London, the ICC and ICL Programme in The Hague, and the North America office in Washington DC. Interns will have the opportunity to draft policy papers, prepare background research for grant proposals, and assist in implementing technical assistance programs in developing countries. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Internships are also open to graduates and young professionals.

Through the various committees of the divisions, the IBA enables an interchange of information and views among its members as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities relating to the practice of business law around the globe.

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International Commission of Jurists Switzerland (Headquarters), Branch Offices in Thailand, Guatemala, South Africa, Nepal, Belgium and Tunisia Fun Fact On September 24, 2021, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) and the Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish,” launched a new project in Uzbekistan. The project, titled “Enhancing the Quality of Uzbekistan’s Application of International Law” (EQUAL), is a threeyear initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the ICJ. It aims to enhance the implementation and protection of economic, social, and cultural rights in Uzbekistan. This project follows the successful completion of the EU-funded project “Advancing Civil Society in Promoting ESC Rights Standards (ACCESS)” from 2017 to 2021 in Uzbekistan. During the launch event, the partners will present the objectives and plans of the EQUAL project to advance the implementation of international law in the country.

ABOUT The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is an international human rights NGO. It is a standing group of 60 renowned jurists, and is committed to work towards the improvement of international human rights conditions for the world’s diverse legal systems. The ICJ provides advocacy and policy work to support lawyers and judges when it comes to upholding human rights and the rule of law. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Staff of the ICJ work to connect with regional programs and national initiatives. They utilise the research output of the Commission to contribute to policy-making. Legal advisers of the ICJ address a broad range of questions across international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Other roles in the Commission comprise areas such as finance and administration.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The International Court of Justice (ICJ) offers an immersive internship program for postgraduate students, providing practical experience in human rights legal and advocacy work at the international level. Interns gain a better understanding of the ICJ’s goals and objectives, the organization of a Human Rights NGO, and the functioning of United Nations human rights bodies in Geneva. They also work in a professional office environment, participate in staff meetings and discussions, conduct research, draft papers and reports, maintain databases, and support other ICJ activities. Interns have the opportunity to attend lectures and events related to human rights in Geneva. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Recent graduates are encouraged to apply to the ICJ internship program, as the program is designed especially for their ease of entry into the diplomatic and international law space. Other vacancies can be found here: https://www.icj.org/about/jobs/

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International Committee of the Red Cross Switzerland Fun Fact While the COVID-19 pandemic clearly poses a challenge to the Tribunal’s work, steps were taken to ensure that the administrative session of the Tribunal at the end of September, the swearing-in of the newly-elected Judges and the hearing in the Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius/ Maldives) in October took place as planned. These events and public sittings were held in a hybrid format, in which some participants took part in person, and others remotely. To ensure public access to the hearing, a livestream was provided on the Tribunal’s website. The Tribunal is determined to meet the challenge presented by the pandemic and to adapt in order to fulfil its mandate, dealing expeditiously with the cases currently pending before it as well as any new cases that may be submitted.

ABOUT The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ensures humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and other situations of violence. The ICRC seeks to assist various groups, including civilians in war-torn areas (or areas in which armed conflict is at risk of placing civilians in grave danger), women, children, detainees, internally displaced people, refugees, asylum seekers, people with disabilities and missing people. Notably, their role in the international humanitarian law space is significant, as it is the leading endorser of the rules of conflict embedded in the Geneva Conventions WHAT KIND OF WORK? With 18,000 staff working across over 90 countries, the ICRC actively engages its employees with work that directly impacts people affected by armed conflict and violence. Working at the ICRC is therefore an engaging and rewarding experience, as employees experience the conducting of world-class research at the headquarters, with the possibility of gaining field experience working in areas with vulnerable groups and significant numbers of civilians in need.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The ICRC offers annual apprenticeships for students at its Geneva headquarters. Apprenticeships are available in fields such as business, administration, information, documentation, and logistics. As an apprentice, you will gain handson experience, receive coaching from experienced supervisors, and develop your skills. The apprenticeships last from one to three years and lead to a Swiss Federal Certificate of Proficiency (CFC). Recruitment takes place in March, and apprenticeships start in September. To apply, visit the ICRC career opportunities page and look for “apprenticeships.” GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Every year, over 80 “associate” positions are available for recent graduates at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in Geneva. These positions serve as a first professional opportunity for graduates to develop their expertise and gain valuable experience in the leading humanitarian organization. Associates join various departments, including International Law and Policy, Communication and Information Management, Operations, Financial Resources and Logistics, and Human Resources, where they contribute to research, evaluation, analysis, and writing. The ICRC values its associates and provides them with the chance to grow their skills, potential, and employability while making a meaningful impact. 124

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International Criminal Police Organisation France (Headquarters), Singapore Fun Fact The 8th INTERPOLEuropol Cybercrime Conference, held online for the first time on October 6, 2020, brought together over 400 cyber experts from various sectors to discuss emerging cyber threats, trends, and strategies. The conference highlighted the opportunistic nature of cybercriminals during the global COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the need for closer collaboration between law enforcement, private industry, international organizations, CERTs, and academia to address the evolving landscape of cybercrime. The conference also recognized the accelerated digital transformation and increased reliance on connectivity and digital tools, calling for enhanced cooperation to combat cyber threats.

ABOUT The International Criminal Police Organization is an intergovernmental organization. It has 194 member countries, and we help police in all of them to work together to make the world a safer place. To do this, INTERPOL enables police in different countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals, and they offer a range of technical and operational support. WHAT KIND OF WORK? You may work in one of three anticrime departments: • Cybercrime • Organised and Emerging Crime • Counter-terrorism You will have the opportunity to get involved in formulating policy in various countries to continually improve law enforcement.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES INTERPOL offers internships in both policing and support services, providing work experience in an international organization and an understanding of international police cooperation. Internships are available in various areas, including security, crime matters, communications, strategic planning, and human resources. Most internship opportunities are based in INTERPOL’s Lyon headquarters in France, but there are also opportunities in other duty stations. The length of an internship varies from six to 11 months, depending on the needs of the hiring service. More information about INTERPOL internships can be found on their website. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates can also apply to the INTERPOL internship program. Other vacancies can be found here as they arise: https://www.interpol. int/en/What-you-can-do/Careers/ Vacancies More information on careers at INTERPOL can be found here: https://www.interpol.int/en/Whatyou-can-do/Careers

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United Nations New York (Headquarters), various regional and liaison offices around the world Fun Fact The delayed 2020 Dubai Expo, the first to be held in the Middle East, officially opened today. The United Nations will hold events and exhibits at a dedicated “UN Hub”, explaining the Organization’s central role in addressing the world’s problems. Here are some things to look out for during this six-month-long “megaevent”.

ABOUT The United Nations, founded in 1945, comprises 193 Member States and operates based on its founding Charter. It addresses global challenges like peace, climate change, human rights, and more. The UN’s unique international status empowers it to take action on various issues, including disarmament, terrorism, and gender equality. It serves as a platform for member nations to express their opinions in the General Assembly, Security Council, and other bodies. Through facilitating dialogue and negotiations, the UN acts as a mechanism for governments to collaborate, find common ground, and solve problems collectively. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The work of the United Nations touches every corner of the globe and focuses on a broad range of fundamental issues, like sustainable development, protection of the environment and refugees, disaster relief and mitigation, counter terrorism, as well as disarmament and nonproliferation. Working at United Nations requires both passion and perseverance. You will be exposed to the most pressing issues, and an opportunity to engage in the most prominent diplomatic dialogues and meetings.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students can become interns for the United Nations. The objective of the internship is to give you a first-hand impression of the day-to-day working environment of the United Nations. The internship programme lasts for at least two months and can be as long as six months. Once selected, you must begin your internship either prior to or within one year of graduation. More info: https://careers.un.org/lbw/ home.aspx?viewtype=ip GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The following departments fall under the United Nations’ scope of employment: • Management and Administration • Economic, Social and Development • Political, Peace and Humanitarian • Information and Telecommunication Technology Legal • Public Information and Conference Management - Internal Security and Safety • Logistics, Transportation and Supply Chain • Science The diversity of occupations and multidisciplinary mandates means that you may not only change functions, departments but even organizations or fields of work. While such shifts require learning, time and effort, they also provide valuable experience, broader perspectives and challenging work. More info: https://careers.un.org/lbw/ Home.aspx

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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation France (Headquarters). Field Offices in the Asia-Pacific region include Samoa, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Nepal. There are also Field Offices in the United States, Switzerland, Brazil and Peru, among others. Memory of the World UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme in 1992. The impetus came originally from a growing awareness of the parlous state of preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage in various parts of the World Wars and social upheaval, as well as a severe lack of resources, have worsened problems which have existed for centuries. Significant collections worldwide have suffered a variety of fates. Looting and dispersal, illegal trading, destruction, inadequate housing and funding have all played a part. Much is vanished forever; much is endangered. Happily, missing documentary heritage is sometimes rediscovered.

ABOUT UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. WHAT KIND OF WORK? UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as global citizens free of hate and intolerance. UNESCO works so that each child and citizen has access to quality education. By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens bonds among nations. UNESCO fosters scientific programmes and policies as platforms for development and cooperation. UNESCO stands up for freedom of expression, as a fundamental right and a key condition for democracy and development. Serving as a laboratory of ideas, UNESCO helps countries adopt international standards and manages programmes that foster the free flow of ideas and knowledge sharing.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The UNESCO Internship Programme offers you pratical work in a multicultural environment. Aside from helping you understand the Organization’s mandate, programmes and main thrusts, it also enhances your academic knowledge with relevant work assignments that can help you prepare for your future career. More info: https://careers.unesco.org/content/ InternshipProgramme/?locale=en_GB The UNESCO Volunteer Programme offers opportunities to contribute to a wide range of UNESCO programmes. Volunteers may also provide online volunteering services where assignments are completed, in whole or in part, via Internet and a home computer. More info: https:// careers.unesco.org/content/ UNESCOVolunteers/?locale=en_ GB GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Recent graduates can also apply to UNESCO’s internship and volunteering programs. Other job opportunities can be found here: https://careers.unesco.org/go/Alljobsopenings/782502/

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United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) New York (Headquarters), with Branch Offices around the world including Australia Fun Fact ‘Learn With Me’ Video Series COVID-19 has impacted the lives of millions. However, despite school closures and other lockdown measures, the young people in UNICEF’s video series called ‘Learn With Me’ are finding new and interesting ways to stay engaged whilst coping with home-schooling and staying indoors. From dance to sport, from cooking to art, they are turning to their passions and interests to stay positive and learn new skills.

ABOUT UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. WHAT KIND OF WORK? UNICEF’s New York headquarters offers a wide range of opportunities in different functional areas, including fixed-term and temporary staff positions, internships, volunteer opportunities, and consultancies. These opportunities cover various divisions and teams, such as communication, data, research and policy, emergencies, ethics, evaluation, field results, financial and administrative management, human resources, information and communication technology, internal audit and investigations, innovation, the Executive Director’s activities, the Executive Board, programs, and public partnerships. The workforce at UNICEF includes international professionals, national officers, general service staff, and consultants/individual contractors.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The UNICEF Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience with UNICEF’s work worldwide. Internship opportunities are published by UNICEF offices when they identify the need for an intern to support their team. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the UNICEF website. The duration of the internship is typically between 6 and 26 weeks, and the type of work depends on the needs of the assigned office and the qualifications and interests of the intern. Most interns work on projects that involve research, database management, and communications, among other areas.

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United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Switzerland

ABOUT STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNCTAD, established in 1964 by The UNCTAD internship is the UN General Assembly, supports unpaid and full-time, with interns fair and effective access to the expected to work five days per benefits of a globalized economy. week. Interns will work from They help countries address the home, as the current modalities challenges of economic integration of work at the United Nations by providing analysis, consensusOffices are online. Applicants building, and technical assistance. from developing countries with a UNCTAD’s efforts at the national, maximum 6 hours time difference regional, and global levels enable with New York are encouraged to countries to achieve inclusive apply. Interns are required to have and sustainable development the necessary IT equipment and through trade, investment, finance, connection for online meetings. The and technology. Their work responsibilities of the intern include includes addressing macro-level monitoring and summarizing development challenges, promoting relevant UN meetings, assisting beneficial integration into the in the preparation of briefings and international trading system, meetings, and performing research diversifying economies, managing and information cataloguing financial volatility and debt, related to the work of UNCTAD. attracting investment, increasing Opportunities for internships can be access to digital technologies, found on the UN careers website. promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, facilitating value chain GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Recent graduates are also development, streamlining crossborder trade, protecting consumers, encouraged to apply to the aforementioned UNCTAD internship promoting competition, and program. adapting to climate change and sustainable resource use. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Employees work on ad hoc projects relating to investment, international trade, technology, economics and various others.

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Fun Fact 2030 Agenda The 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. It recognizes that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, are implementing this Agenda.

ABOUT UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. They help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. WHAT KIND OF WORK? UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas: • Sustainable development • Democratic governance and peacebuilding • Climate and disaster resilience

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Internships at UNDP are a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work. Internships can take place in UNDP Country Offices, at Regional Hubs or at Headquarters in New York. The duration of an internship assignment varies in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available on a part time and full-time basis throughout the year. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The UNDP uses various personnel categories, including Professional (P) and Director (D) staff, as well as General Service (G) staff. P and D positions require strong analytical and communication skills, substantial experience, and often leadership ability. General Service roles include administrative, secretarial, and clerical support, as well as specialized positions such as building maintenance. The higher the level of the job, the more complex the functions become. Opportunities for internships at UNDP can be found on their website.

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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Kenya (Headquarters) Fun Fact Financing Circularity for a Greener Economy UNEP FI’s report, Financing Circularity: Demystifying Finance for the Circular Economy, presented at the Global Roundtable 2020, proposes ways for financial institutions to drive the transition to circular economies. The shift to circular economies can result in USD 4.5 trillion in annual economic output by 2030, support Sustainable Development Goals, safeguard ecosystems, and enable sustainable recovery after COVID-19. Financial institutions can provide businesses with financial products that contribute to the circular economy, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste. However, financial institutions lack awareness, expertise, and services to realize these business opportunities.

ABOUT The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Their mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The UNEP categorizes its work into seven broad thematic areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental Sgovernance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. In all of their work, they maintain our overarching commitment to sustainability. They work closely with Member States as well as representatives from civil society, businesses, and other Major Groups and Stakeholders. They are always looking for new ways to leverage partnerships to drive sustainable development.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The following internship programs are offered: • Environment Affairs Intern • Programme Support Intern • Enterprise Risk Management Intern These internships can last several months, may require a full-time committment and may be unpaid. More info: https://www. unenvironment.org/work-with-us GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates are also offered the opportunity to apply for the aforementioned internship programs.

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United Nations General Assembly New York 75th Session of the General Assembly The General Assembly, led by its President, has been carrying out its work via novel means to guarantee business continuity and mitigate the spread of the disease. Year in year out, every September, Member States have met in the General Assembly Hall at Headquarters in New York for the annual session and its highly visible general debate. The modalities of the 75th session differ this year in light of the global health crisis. The pandemic is not the only issue the world faces. Racism, intolerance, inequality, climate change, poverty, hunger, armed conflict and other ills remain global challenges. These challenges call for global action, and the 75th session of the General Assembly is a critical opportunity for all to come together and chart a course for the future.

ABOUT The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Member States of the UN, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues including peace and security. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Diplomatic meetings and deliberative sessions are the primary element of the work at the UN General Assembly.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The Australian Mission to the United Nations offers internship positions during the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from mid-September to mid-December. The internship program is intense and diverse, requiring flexibility, analytical thinking, and a firm understanding of diplomatic principles. Interns will work under experienced officers and assist with policy work on the main UNGA Committees, attend meetings and negotiations, and assist with events and high-level visits. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program. The Australian Mission represents Australia at UN meetings and conferences and participates in the ongoing work of other UN bodies. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates are also offered the opportunity to apply for the aforementioned internship programs.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Switzerland (Headquarters) Youth with Refugees Art Contest The UNHCR’s Youth with Refugees Art Contest encourages young people across the world to use their creativity to support people forced to flee. The specific theme of the 2020 edition was “everyone counts in the fight against COVID-19, including refugees”. UNHCR received 2,000 drawings from 100 countries.

ABOUT The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. Today, over 69 years later, the organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world. WHAT KIND OF WORK? UNHCR works in 135 countries, with personnel based in a mixture of regional and branch offices and sub and field offices. Their teams work hard to help the displaced, specializing in a wide range of disciplines, including: • Legal protection • Administration • Community services • Public affairs • Health

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UNHCR’s Internship Programme offers eligible students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain experience in the humanitarian sector in an international environment, in line with their academic programme or future work in a field related to UNHCR’s mission. Internships are offered at various locations depending on the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns and provide them with meaningful assignments. An internship can begin at any time during the year and it normally lasts two to six months. More info: https://www. unhcr.org/en-au/internships.html GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Recent graduates can also apply to UNHCR’s Internship Programme.

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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Austria (Headquarters), Branch offices around the world International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking UNODC launches campaigns to raise awareness of drugs and crime problems. On 26 June every year, UNODC marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In 2016, the campaign theme is ”Listen First” The aims is to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

ABOUT The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs, transnational organized crime, terrorism and corruption. WHAT KIND OF WORK? The UNODC serves various purposes, including: Running campaigns; Holding commissions to investigate crime as well as the distribution, spread and usage of illicit drugs around the world.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The UNODC accepts unpaid interns on an ad hoc basis, with a focus on candidates from developing countries. The internship program aims to provide enrolled university students with the opportunity to work at UNODC, gain practical experience, and contribute to the organization’s work. Interested students should contact the Regional Office in Bangkok or the Country Offices directly, as the internship programs are administered by each respective office. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES UNODC is seeking qualified, energetic professionals in a wide range of fields to join in the effort to combat the threats posed by drugs, crime and terrorism. UNODC offers challenging assignments - monitoring drug abuse and trafficking trends, helping States achieve substantial reductions in drug supply and demand and assisting countries in forging new partnerships for tackling important issues such as money-laundering, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings. Around 1,500 people work at UNODC headquarters in Vienna and in field offices around the world.

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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) New York (Headquarters), various regional and liaison offices around the world Fun Fact Family Planning Family planning is central to women’s empowerment and sustainable development. Today, more than 300 million women in developing countries are using contraception, but more than 214 million women who want to plan their births do not have access to modern family planning. UNFPA works with governments and partners to promote universal access to quality, integrated sexual and reproductive health services. UNFPA also promotes comprehensive sexuality education and youth leadership, which empower young people to exercise autonomy, choice and participation with regard to their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

ABOUT UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Their mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. WHAT KIND OF WORK? A specialized agency such as UNFPA focuses on achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health, realizing productive rights, and reducing maternal mortality, and to accelerate progress on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICDP) agenda.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The UNFPA Internship Programme offers students the chance to gain practical experience in various aspects of UNFPA work. Applicants should have an interest in development, adaptability, and the ability to work with diverse cultures. Interns are supervised by UNFPA staff and selected based on qualifications. Requirements include enrollment in an advanced degree program or recent graduation, proficiency in English, and knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is a plus. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES UNFPA organizes its personnel into three main staff categories: Professional (P) and Director (D) staff, General Service (G) staff, and National Professional Officers (NO). These categories are used across the United Nations system and have different levels that correspond to increasing responsibilities and requirements. The organization offers various employment and internship opportunities to support its work around the world. For more information on local positions, it is recommended to contact the UNFPA office in your area.

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United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Jordan (Field Office), Various locations in the Middle East Fun Fact Help for Refugees from Palestine The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has provided assistance to four generations of Palestine refugees. These refugees are defined as individuals who lost their homes and livelihoods during the 1948 conflict in Palestine. UNRWA’s services are available to all registered Palestine refugees and their descendants, totaling around 5.6 million individuals. The agency offers various services, including basic education, primary healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to those in need. UNRWA plays a crucial role in supporting the welfare and development of Palestine refugees in its areas of operation.

ABOUT The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950. In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the General Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2023. WHAT KIND OF WORK? Employees work in the Middle East, in countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. There are five fields of operation, namely: • People • Education • Health • Relief and Social Services • Microfinance

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The United Nations offers unpaid internships for a duration of at least two months and up to six months. Interns are responsible for arranging and financing their own travel and medical insurance, as well as covering their own living expenses during the internship. The internships are available in various locations, including Amman, Beirut, Jerusalem, New York, and Brussels. Interns contribute to the UN’s work by supporting inter-agency tasks, non-governmental and donor liaison tasks, public information work, and other necessary tasks. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Graduates may also apply to the aforementioned internship opportunities.

Employees work in one of these five teams in order to effectively carry out the organisation’s operations.

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United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) United States (Headquarters), Thailand (Asia-Pacific Regional Office), Liaison Offices in the Asia-Pacific Region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vietnam Fun Fact Gender inequality is a major challenge to sustainable development, as identified by UNEP’s Global Gender and Environment Outlook 2016. It negatively affects access to natural resources and the right to a clean environment. The report calls for genderresponsive approaches to address barriers to sustainable development. UN Women emphasizes the need for increased financing for gender equality, technology utilization, and inclusive development. Women, including activists like Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate, and Maria Alejandra Rodriguez Acha, are demanding action to reduce carbon emissions and involve diverse voices in climate decision-making.

ABOUT The United Nations Equity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women. It formed in early 2011 in response to the need to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. WHAT KIND OF WORK? UN Women works on campaigns for global gender equality. They work closely with NGOs and members of civil society to further their advocacy. Work is vastly varied and is rewarding for those who are passionate about finding innovative ways to promote gender equality.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES UN Women offers volunteering and internship opportunities focused on International Women’s Day events. To express interest, use the online form for upcoming opportunities. The internship program runs from November to March and is open to students who can receive course credit. Interns provide administrative and event support, gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector. Internship positions are advertised around September each year. For more information, visit the website. UN Women Australia has announced the theme for International Women’s Day 2024 as ‘Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment’. Young women in Uganda are leading climate activism through Girls for Climate Action. GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES UN Women is one of the UN organizations that participates in the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme. The JPO programme allows young professionals to acquire hands-on experience in the development field under the sponsorship of their respective governments. This opportunity and others (including full-time paid opportunities) an be found here: https://www.unwomen.org/en/ about-us/employment

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World Food Programme (WFP) Fun Fact VIENTIANE – The Government of the Republic of Korea announced its support to the Ministry of Health and the World Food Programme (WFP) to continue providing food to returning migrants in mandatory COVID-19 quarantine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea has released USD 200,000 in humanitarian assistance dedicated to Lao PDR’s response to COVID-19. This donation will enable WFP to continue its food assistance to migrant workers in 18 quarantine centres across 7 provinces of Lao PDR. WFP and its implementing partners - the Swiss Red Cross, the Lao Red Cross and World Vision International will provide three daily nutritious meals to over 5,600 returning migrant workers.

ABOUT The World Food Programme (WFP) is the designated food-assistance body of the United Nations. It is the largest international organ that addresses food security and world hunger. The WFP is based in Rome and has offices in over 80 countries, and this global reach enables the WFP to assist an average of over 90 million people every year. WHAT KIND OF WORK? WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations. Two-thirds of their work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES The World Food Programme is always looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic students from around the world. An internship at WFP is a great opportunity to acquire practical work experience while contributing to the goal of reaching the WFP’s aim of Zero Hunger. The World Food Programme has been awarded with a Gold Standard Internship Host Badge by The University of Oxford for the support and the quality of the internship experience it has provided to their students over the last few years. Internships appear based on the WFP’s need during certain times of the year. More info: https://www.wfp.org/careers/ internships GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES The WFP offers Legal Officer positions with various responsibilities, including contributing to the determination of legal strategy, developing the organization’s regulatory framework, providing legal advice on various issues, participating in negotiations and settlement of claims, and undertaking legal research and analysis. These positions provide long-term opportunities for a fulfilling career in fields such as food security, diplomacy, or public service. For more information, visit the WFP website.

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Chapter VI: Testimonials

Beatriz Linsao Slater and Gordon Lawyers

I am a lawyer in the Class Actions team at Slater and Gordon Lawyers. Class actions is a dynamic and constantly evolving area of law and the matters we work on are varied, ranging from consumer, shareholder, medical to human rights class actions. Being on the plaintiff side, the best part is that we represent ordinary Australians and hold big corporations to account for their misconduct. We work on extremely complex and high-profile matters and we currently have cases running against groups like the CBA, Optus, Bayer and even the state of NSW. In addition to litigation work, our graduates and junior lawyers also have the opportunity to identify and investigate corporate and goevrnmental wrongdoing, which can potentially lead to new class actions.

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Michael Simmons Administrative Appeals Tribunal

After practising in refugee and migration law firms as an early career lawyer, I joined the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) as a Legal Officer in the Migration and Refugee Division. In this role I advised Tribunal Members on how to conduct lawful and procedural fair reviews of migration decisions. I then moved into a decision making role within the AAT, reviewing negative protection visa decision for certain applicants who entered Australia by sea. Around two years ago I became a Conference Registrar role within the AAT’s General Division, conducting dispute resolution proceedings in matters including disability, workers compensatoin and social security reviews. More recently I have been appointed as an AAT Member. Despite being a smaller sized agency, the AAT has offered me various different and interesting opportunities. Although while at law school I did not intent to work for government, now that I have a broader awareness of the varied opportunities within the public sector it is something I would encourage law students to be open to.

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