Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:31 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:31 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide public affairs advisory service
Provide public affairs advisory service
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPPA602A
PSPPA602A
State Code
C8226
C8226
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
080509 - Public Relations
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers the provision of a public affairs advisory service to management that provides a direct unfiltered link to trends, public opinion and perspectives. It includes advising on sensitive situations, advising on reactions to organisational action and advising on organisational materials.In practice, provision of a public affairs advisory service may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity, persuading and influencing opinion, using strategic networks.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Advise on sensitive situations
- 1.1 Close communication is maintained with national, regional and local media to identify and anticipate issues of significance to the organisation.
- 1.2 Trends, public opinion and perspectives are identified and assessed for their impact on the organisation.
- 1.3 Advice is provided on sensitive issues as they arise and on emerging issues that may be politically sensitive for the organisation.
- 1.4 Advice is based on well-researched background information, is objective and meets the organisation's needs.
- 1.5 Advice is structured to include strategies for dealing with sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, and handling consequences if confidentiality is breached.
2. Advise on reactions to organisational action
- 2.1 Proposed organisational policies, programs and actions are analysed for their impact on clients and/or the public.
- 2.2 Advice is provided on anticipated or actual public and media reaction to proposed organisational changes.
- 2.3 Strategies for ensuring full understanding of the benefits of change, minimising damage to the organisation's image and reputation, and recommendations to counter negative publicity are included in advice given.
- 2.4 Candid, objective and confidential advice is provided in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
3. Advise on organisational materials
- 3.1 Draft materials produced by the organisation are analysed for political, social or economic issues relevant to the government as a whole, the intended audience and/or the public.
- 3.2 Cultural context of the information is identified in terms of its relevance or otherwise to the target audience and the general population.
- 3.3 Stereotypes, bias, prejudice and motive are identified and highlighted for amendment.
- 3.4 Key issues are identified, fact is separated from opinion and underlying values and beliefs explored.
- 3.5 Information is synthesised and advice/feedback is prepared to ensure publications meet organisational standards and contribute to public affairs outcomes.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Media may include:
press
radio
television
film
magazines
print
graphic
electronic
computer
telecommunications
Sensitive situations may include:
complaints
incidents
poor client service
inappropriate actions
criminal activity
emergencies
industrial issues
safety issues
strict application of policy and procedures in circumstances that might warrant alternative action
release of confidential information
politically unpopular decisions
Legislation, policies and procedures may include:
State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards relating to public affairs, such as:
ethics and accountability guidelines/codes of practice
information security standards
principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity
confidentiality
freedom of information
privacy
intellectual property
copyright
risk management
fraud control
Media may include:
press
radio
television
film
magazines
graphic
electronic
computer
telecommunications
Sensitive situations may include:
complaints
incidents
poor client service
inappropriate actions
criminal activity
emergencies
industrial issues
safety issues
strict application of policy and procedures in circumstances that might warrant alternative action
release of confidential information
politically unpopular decisions
Legislation, policies and procedures may include:
State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards relating to public affairs, such as:
ethics and accountability guidelines/codes of practice
information security standards
principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity
confidentiality
freedom of information
privacy
intellectual property
copyright
risk management
fraud control
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials
PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity
PSPMNGT608B Manage risk
PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
provision of a public affairs advisory service in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to public affairs
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of a public affairs advisory service in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials
PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity
PSPMNGT608B Manage risk
PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
provision of a public affairs advisory service in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to public affairs
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of a public affairs advisory service in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWV18 | PSPGEN084 | Provide public affairs advisory service | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J323 | PSP60112 | Advanced Diploma of Government | Qualification |
| C770 | PSP60104 | Advanced Diploma of Government | Qualification |