David Gower

OFFICE of the PRINCIPAL REGULATOR, LIVE ANIMAL EXPORTS DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES
• • I developed a project plan for the review and rationalisation of all reports to and by the Division.
• Prepared guidelines for new policy statements for live animal export stakeholders.
• Managed the Divisions privacy holdings for the Privacy Commissioner.
• I researched and designed a training framework for regulatory officers involved in the live animal export trade and expandable to a department wide regulatory officer training framework.
• I managed the delegations for authorised officers under the Acts and Animals Order in the Division.

• • Coordinated and managed strategic roundtables for the introduction of new benefits for Australian Trusted Trader Programme.
• Managed the development of case studies for the promotion of benefits for business to enter the Australian Trusted Trader Programme.
• Developed an information pack for Australian embassies and high commissions to promote the Australian Trusted Trader Programme internationally.
• Prepared documentation for legislative and regulation changes including Cabinet Submission, Ministerial policy approval and parliamentary counsel drafting instructions.

• Developed the Policy Statement for the import and export of restricted and prohibited goods.
• Developed a discussion paper on offences and penalties for unlawful importation of asbestos.
• Review of import data sharing arrangements and provide a report providing clear recommendations and outcomes including drafting a data sharing Framework.

CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGIC POLICY AND PLANNING - DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND BORDER PROTECTION
A newly established branch established to identify capability gaps in the organisations capacity to achieve its strategic objectives and develop the annual Capability Plan.
• Developed comprehensive lessons learnt assessment from the Departments Capital Investment Program.
• Delivered a paper on capability development internationally and in the broader Australian Public Sector with recommendations to implement an improved capability development program in the Department.

A small unit developing national policy for the training of general practitioners under the Governments, Australian General Practitioner Training (AGPT) Programme
• Designed a model for GP training co-funded by medical practices to complement existing training programs.
• Identified risks and prepared a full risk matrix, identified financial implications (Budget) and barriers to project delivery.
• Prepared tender documents for an approach to market

• Provided high level advice on foreign investment policy issues specifically on foreign government investments and sensitive sector investments such as rural land issues and food security.
• I designed and delivered a series of seminars targeting law societies, real estate institutes, and state and territory governments on foreign investment policy. I further engaged with these stakeholders to assist them in progressing targeted investment programs.
• Developed training materials and delivered training to foreign government representatives and international organisation representatives on Australia’s foreign investment policy.
• Recruited and trained new staff for foreign investment screening team.
• I managed the business continuity plan for foreign investment, requiring regular consultation with stakeholders within foreign investment, the department and ICT. This involved identifying activities and processes that could be impacted by system failure.
• Managed Treasury’s amendments to the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to incorporate same sex relationships into Legislation owned by the Treasury. Managed amendments to the foreign investment Act, regulations and policy over a 3-year period.
• Liaised with external agencies on foreign government and sensitive property acquisitions that may have a national security issue.
• Safe-hands officer for sensitive foreign investment proposals. Maintained contact with security and intelligence agencies for foreign investment, including attending off-site meetings.

• Successfully designed and implemented new national policies requiring submission of key documents within specific timeframes. Documents included Annual Plans, funding packages and business reports on services being delivered.
• Developed new on-line templates for all stakeholders replacing the previous ad hoc reporting process.

• Managed the AYAD program in 6 Asian countries (Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand and regional organisations) with up to 150 volunteers per annum.
• I drafted country strategies for each country in Asia following meetings with relevant national government departments, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and UN representative in each country.
• I developed the mobilisation plan and risk matrix for implementation of the program in Asia and the Pacific.
• I developed the Avian Flu emergency protocols for Asia in consultation with medical specialist and ensured supplies of vaccine were strategically located within each country.

• Managed the contracting and provision of call centre facility to handle offers of services resulting from the Asian Tsunami (December 2004). Represented AusAID on Inter Departmental Committees (IDC’s) handling issues of insurance and professional indemnity of immediate emergency response volunteers.
• Developed and drafted the Performance Framework and reporting requirements for the new volunteer program.
• Prepared and delivered training programs to the NGO community on government requirements for accountability, transparency and reporting.
• Developed and drafted submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into charities.
• I managed the tender, negotiation and contracting of major contracts in the Asia Pacific region in addition to managing major projects in the Asia Pacific region for the Australian Government.
• I developed the scope of services for the implementation of projects in the Pacific, including Tonga Civil Service Rationalization, Pension Scheme Review, and regional Civil Aviation Study.
• Managed the contracts and implementation of projects in PNG including the: Women and Children’s Health Project; and the Medical Officer and Nurse Training Project.
• Managed Australia’s support of and represented Australia at the South Pacific Forum Energy Ministers Meeting (Majuro), the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), and South Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP).