Defence Family Advocate Of Australia

DFA is the Ministerially appointed non-statutory, non-corporate advisory body for Defence and Government on matters pertaining to Australian Defence Force (ADF) families. DFA provides a forum for families to raise matters and assists families in accessing the Defence information they need. DFA is governed by a Charter and Terms of Operations, and a set of subordinate Operating Guidelines.

DFA is seeking applications from candidates to be appointed as the Defence Family Advocate of Australia (the Advocate). The Advocate is the senior advocate for an estimated 84,000 ADF families of current serving ADF members. Defence as the employing authority relies on the Advocate for day-to-day coordination of DFA activities. DFA in turn advocates on issues affecting families. They do not manage individual cases but do share information with families on the available support services. The primary responsibilities are to:

• Advocate on issues impacting ADF families by providing the Defence family perspective on a range of working groups, committees and education forums as required.
• Provide central leadership and guidance to other Office Holders who are dispersed across Australia representing each state and territory as well other administrative appointments.
• Ensure DFA adhere to the DFA Charter, DFA Terms of Operation and DFA Operating Guidelines.
• Ensure DFA pursues available opportunities to provide the family perspective in the development of Defence and government policies, communicate to families the policies and the supports available.
• Ensure DFA delivers on the current DFA Strategic Plan 2022-2024 and lead the development of the next DFA Strategic Plan.
• Develop DFA’s advocacy strategy and implementation across DFA’s operations.
• Guide the DFA team to formulate and deliver on the DFA advocacy strategy and is responsible for overseeing its implementation across DFA’s operations.
• Communicate with influence with high-level stakeholders, including Senior Defence personnel and Government Ministers, their advisors, government, and non-government representatives to affect change.
• Fulfil DFA’s reporting requirements to Government.
• Representation for ADF families posted overseas and as a conduit for feedback and policy advocacy relating to overseas postings and relocations.
• Advocate on issues at a national level when local advocacy has been unsuccessful.
• Promote awareness of DFA advocacy objectives including engaging with media as required.
• Facilitate and work collaboratively with Defence on ongoing governance reform.

DFA Office Holders are ministerial appointees with the nature of the relationship being defined as an independent contractor paid and supported by Defence for the role they undertake. DFA Office Holders are subject to legislation that provides benefits, such as public office holder remuneration, superannuation guarantee, workers’ compensation and other matters that support the advisory role. Administrative oversight is provided by the First Assistant Secretary People Services, Defence People Group.

As the Advocate, you will be responsible for certifying proposed spending and daily fee claims. Defence has the authority to approve expenditure in accordance with the budget allocation and Section 23 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA).

Applications must be made using the form on our website. Please click APPLY to go to our website.

In addition to completing the form and submitting your resume, you will need to provide a pitch of 1000 words or less describing why you believe you are the best person for this position, taking into account the duties and desired skills. Please include how you meet the specific position requirements and eligibility.

Applications close: 11.30pm AEDT on 5 December 2023.

Interviews: Expected to take place during December 2023.

For full information about this position, please click on APPLY to go the Beaumont&Beaumont website.

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