Cherie, director
Intergovernmental Relations

At the moment I work part time under a flexible work arrangement in the Intergovernmental Relations team here in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

While I come into the office one or two days a week, depending on current work and life demands I am able to work remotely, using tools such as a remote access Blackberry and teleconferencing. 

For me this means that despite living on the Sunshine Coast, a two hour commute north of Brisbane, I’m doing work that I love and can balance this with the needs of my family (I’m expecting my second child).

I appreciate the benefits that a flexible work arrangement has provided me and my family. I also recognise that this level of flexibility isn’t always operationally possible and that flexible work arrangements also require management commitment and adjustments from my work colleagues.

I first began working for the department in 2003, when I had the opportunity to work in Intergovernmental Relations on a policy response to the proposed US/Australia Free Trade Agreement.

At the time it was a challenging shift for me, as I had been involved in industry development and service delivery in the Trade Division of the then Department of State Development. I had come into government after completing a degree as a mature age student in International Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast, after a career change from management in finance and banking.
 
I soon realised, though, that being able to build and maintain rapport and networks, consult effectively, identify ideas and issues, and negotiate successfully were skills that transferred well into my new role in the department.

One of  the key highlights of this job for me is the opportunity to network with colleagues of the highest calibre, and to work at the heart of national public policy. An example is when I attend national meetings in support of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

There is a downside to working this way – my capacity as a part-time employee to respond to the dynamic environment of intergovernmental deliberations and to travel frequently has been limited. To a large extent, however, technology and the support of the Intergovernmental Relations team is addressing this, making it easier for people like me with flexible work arrangements to continue contributing to the important policy work of the department.

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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