The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

PUADEFPR301B Identify material suitable for publication within Defence

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Draft the story

1.1 Key story points and reader specific angles are identified

1.2 Appropriate style is determined and maintained throughout the copy

1.3 Draft story is correctly structured and quotes are correctly attributed

1.4 Draft story is written according to the style manual and the needs of target audiences

2. Identify relevant public affairs objectives

2.1 Public affairs objectives and constraints are identified and factored into planning

2.2 Client needs are identified and factored into planning

3. File the story for publication

3.1 Story is cleared with the subject as appropriate

3.2 Story is submitted for proofreading and clearance by the senior reporter

3.3 Story is amended and resubmitted for approval, if necessary

3.4 Story is filed after being assessed as publication quality

3.5 Deadlines are recognised and met

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

interpret complex information in documents and interviews and make it readable and understandable to a wide variety of readers

consistently produce accurate material

meet publication deadlines

use appropriate information technology and software

sources, reads and critically evaluates background information

transcribes material accurately from oral to written text

revises own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness

Required Knowledge

various types and styles of stories used in Defence publications

content of the style manual that is relevant to Defence publications

proofreading and clearance procedures

standard newspaper proofing symbols

implications of security, privacy and libel provisions

Defence public information and security policies

types of stories

constraints on using information (eg security requirements, conditions on reporting sensitive issues)

Defence issues

current affairs issues

a variety of writing genres

standard operating procedures of relevant public affairs organisations which influence parent organisation

ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of Defence public affairs organisations

relevant legislation

Defence News Editorial Board guidelines

Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics

when to check, verify and attribute information

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to produce stories that are fit for publication within a Defence publication. Stories must be accurate, with minimal possibility of misinterpretation and conform to government and Defence policies.

It is essential that the reporter demonstrates an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues and applies communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by providing a range of news features or other journalistic material that are newsworthy and suitable for a Defence publication.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an office and under operational conditions, or in a simulated environment. Simulation should re-create realistic office and operational scenarios in a wide range of situations that may be encountered by the Defence reporter and should cover all of the critical aspects of evidence.

Evidence should be gathered through questioning relating to underpinning knowledge and the submission of a variety of news features or other journalistic material.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no special resource requirements for this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Stories may include

Stories on any topic, including major policy and operational activities with internal, political or international sensitivities

Hard news stories

Sports stories

Magazine features

Background stories

General news stories

Personality profiles

Technical explanations

Historical articles

Sidebars

Book, video game and film reviews

Style manual may include

Documented procedures on use of grammar, titles, spelling, layout, fonts, headlines, formats

APS style manual

Newspaper style book

Macquarie Dictionary

Public affairs objectives may include

Defence and ADF internal communications objectives

Clearance include

Sub editor or editor clearing stories for publication

This unit contains employability skills.