Alumni Profile: Anna Cheung
 |
Degrees: Bachelor Arts 2003 and Bachelor Public Policy and Management (Hons) 2005 Current Position: Policy Advisor, Broadcasting and Film Section, Federal Department of Finance and Administration Anna Cheung has a significant role in media policy in Australia. The University alumna with degrees in Arts and Public Policy develops policies for the ABC, SBS and the newly formed ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). While the cold Canberra mornings can sometimes be a bit of a turn-off, Anna values the significant contribution she makes to government policy. |
What does your current work at the Department of Finance and Administration involve
As a policy advisor in the Broadcasting and Film Agency Advice Unit in Budget Group at the Department of Finance and Administration, I’m responsible for the policies and financial oversight of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation.
What does a standard day at the office entail for you?
There isn’t a “standard” day in Budget Group at Finance. From about late October to mid May, it’s incredibly busy for me. This is when we do all the preparation for the Federal Budget. This period of the year is characterised by late nights, competing deadlines and a lot of stress. The work that I’d be involved in includes assessing and negotiating with Government departments and agencies on the merits of new policy proposals; providing briefing to the Minister and senior management on the proposals; assisting agencies to provide timely and accurate estimates updates; and preparing Budget documentation.
For the remainder of the year, it’s generally less busy. My work tends to be providing briefing for the Minister on a range of policy issues; ensuring agencies comply with their reporting requirements; participating in programme reviews; and resolving over‑hanging issues in our team.
What’s the most difficult decision you have had to make in your career?
Thankfully, I have yet to make that decision! But deciding to come up (and stay) in Canberra was a difficult decision… people who have moved to Canberra know what I mean.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
The most enjoyable aspect of my job is working in a great team, which is absolutely essential when you’re still at work at 3am trying to finalise Budget briefing for the Secretary and the Minister, and there are still far too many deadlines to meet!
Also, working on a wide range of policy issues from a whole-of-government perspective and also learning skills for a range of different tasks has been an interesting and useful way to start my career.
What inspires you about your job and life in general?
It’s a cliché, but wanting to contribute to society and make it a better place.
What is the most stressful or difficult aspect of your job?
Aside from the long hours during the Budget period, being away from family and friends is the most difficult aspect of working in Canberra.
How do you rate the value of the internships you completed after studying and did they help you in attaining full time work?
I participated in Victorian Parliamentary and Women’s Health Victoria (through the Public Affairs internship programme) internships while completing my degrees. I think internships are an excellent way to get some work experience and to highlight to employers of your potential. It’s also an excellent networking opportunity. I personally believe that learning through participation in internships, doing case studies or role playing is far more valuable for public policy students since it provides a more realistic learning and work experience for students.
After graduating from BPPM (Hons), and prior to starting work at the Department of Finance, I was an intern with the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC). Of all the three internships, I consider the internship with DPC was probably the most helpful in terms of helping me attain full time work. The internship provided me with the opportunity to work within a central agency, which was useful to highlight to Departments when I applied for graduate positions.
What are your strongest memories of life at uni while you were studying at University of Melbourne?
My strongest memory of life at university was the relatively stress-free lifestyle! Just wandering in to a lecture, spending time with friends, and going to the Red Capsicum Café for food!
What were your favourite classes/lectures while you were doing your degree at Melbourne?
My favourite subject was Special Projects Taskforce, which was a compulsory subject of the BPPM degree. Working in a team, we had to research on a policy issue and write a report, recommending a set of actions for the Minister. It was a great way to gain some ‘real life’ experience of policy making. Also, since the subject didn’t have any regular lectures, we had the freedom to plan our progress, and essentially determine what we wanted from the subject. I have some great memories of meeting with policy stakeholders, the time spent with my team thrashing out policy recommendations and trying not to procrastinate when we actually had to write the report!
What do you like to do in your spare time – hobbies etc?
I love to cook and trying out new recipes, and doing something cultural, e.g., the opera.
Do you have any advice about life/career after study to pass on to current students?
Don’t be scared to do things your own way as long as you have a realistic plan and expectations.
