Fresh from managing the media during the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) involvement in the recent Iraq War, ADF Director-General, Military Public Affairs, Brigadier Mike Hannan will address Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) bi-annual postgraduate residential school this afternoon. 

Course coordinator Peter Simmons said Brigadier Hannan’s insights into managing ADF public affairs will be of benefit to both University students and School of Communication staff, with whom he will meet during his visit. 

‘The ADF is a complex organisation that has multiple audiences and, at times, faces very strong pressures to respond with information to world-wide audiences”, he said.

“As Australia’s leading communication school we’re pleased to be working closely with such an important national organisation.”

Since 2000 CSU has provided industry benchmarked communication training to the ADF for its Public Affairs Officers. Over 60 qualifications have been awarded to the officers as they have moved up a ladder of training programs. 

“CSU provides three levels of training to support the professional development of officers working in tactical, operational and strategic roles.”

Communication training for ADF public affairs officers recognises the important need for sensitive and effective communication with the ADF’s range of audiences - government and non-government, citizens, media, and the communities of Australia’s neighbours in Asia. 

The services provided by the officers include crisis and issues management, media relations and strategic communication advice for commanding officers all seen in play in the recent war in Iraq. 

Public affairs officers initially undertake an introduction to Public Affairs Communication, they can then advance to a Graduate Certificate in Defence Communication, and Masters in Organisational Communication.