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

Required Skills

compose factual information into a story

respond to readers letters

prioritise information for relevance and accuracy

relate effectively with contributors

use appropriate information technology and software

Required Knowledge

readers and organisational interests

what constitutes news and the types of stories used in Defence publications

publishing deadlines

when to check information

security requirements conditions on reporting sensitive issues Defence issues current affairs issues etc

basic knowledge of desktop publishing packages

standard production processes

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

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

Defence News Editorial Board guidelines

Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics

relevant legislation

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to assess and make a fair and impartial judgement of the materials newsworthiness with full consideration of ADF public affairs objectives and communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated environments with particular emphasis placed on the assessment of a variety of incoming material and recommendations

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 recreate 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 documented reports relating to the newsworthiness of incoming 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 PUA Public Safety Training Package

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

Incoming material may include

Newsworthiness may include

Letters to the editor may include

Production tasks may include