Resume of President of Enligtenart

TMMAG editor in chief

James Travers-Murison LLB. BA. Dip Journ.

 

Selection Criteria

1. A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of societies and cultures and an understanding of the issues affecting contemporary Australian society and the diversity of circumstances of racial minorities.

2. A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, including the requirement for proper negotiation and consultation, with Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders on matters relevant to the delivery of the Government's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policies.

3. Demonstrated communication skills, including liaising and negotiating with individuals, community organisations, other elements of the Commission and external agencies.

4. A demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and present complex information.

5.a) A demonstrated awareness of community development processes as they apply to diverse indigenous communities.

b) Teaching and advocacy experience.

6.a) Knowledge of, and experience in, preparing, analysing and interpreting financial statements and reports, and statistical returns including a demonstrated ability to understand and analyse audit reports and accounting standards.

b) Ability to manage a project.

7. A sound knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire a sound knowledge of, relevant legislation and procedures together with a demonstrated ability to interpret, analyse and implement policy and a capacity to contribute to policy development.

  1. A demonstrated ability to lead a team and motivate staff, together with a sound knowledge of the principles and practices of individual performance management and an ability to implement ATSIC’s Performance Management Program.
  1. A knowledge and understanding of Participative Management, Workplace Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety principles and practices, together with a commitment to their application across ATSIC.

 

 

 

 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

 

Criteria 1:

1. A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of societies and cultures and an understanding of the issues affecting contemporary Australian society and the diversity of circumstances of racial minorities.

 

I have a very good appreciation of developing world social, economic, health and cultural issues, particularly in relation to government assisted projects and human rights. I lived on and around indigenous communities in TSI and Cape York for 6 months.

In Enligtenart I was entirely responsible for work output and I worked unbiased and independently to any organisation. My business prepared an Independent Human Rights study (75 pages) on alcohol abuse in Indigenous Communities which was sent to the Federal, Queensland and Northern Territory Ministers of Aboriginal & TSI Affairs or their equivalent involving international and constitutional legal issues, policy and reform under the Racial Discrimination Act and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. There was consultation with a QC, a Professor of Law, ATSIC’s human rights lawyer, a Senator and Ministerial advisors. Negligence in Tort by the government was analysed in depth. There was personal field research and in depth analysis of health statistics and proposals and analysis of substitute methodologies to collect data in order to assess programme successes. An article relating to this was published in CCH Equal Opportunity Law newsletter in 2000. Another article can be found on TMMAG.COM at http://cooperista.com/tmmag.com/lockhart.html .

It was particularly noted, the lack of consultation with indigenous peoples, in formulating, assessing and implementing the results of surveys (see Sherry Saggers and Dennis Gray Dealing with Alcohol, Camb. Uni. Press 1998).

 

All this has been invaluable in assessing and understanding general issues of international treaties and policy as relates to indigenous and other peoples. From a human rights perspective the implications for the public to understand government action in relation to issues of indigenous development assistance is absolutely fundamental to good policymaking. In particular to gain Australian and international Industries’ respect and therefore involvement in development projects (for instance the procurement of capital equipment), it will be essential to show, apart from financial credibility, beyond all reasonable doubt that development policies are ethically based on United Nations criteria for the protection of all citizen’s human rights.

 

Criteria 2.

A demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, including the requirement for proper negotiation and consultation, with Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders on matters relevant to the delivery of the Government's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policies.

 

I refer to criteria one and the sensitivity required in consulting and living with indigenous communities for several months in researching alcohol abuse and preparing a report for the Minister.

 

When managing my own business I had to consistently be concerned about the highest possible customer service especially when negotiating all business finances including private funding, bank loans, credit facilities and government grants and schemes. These included many indigenous groups:-

- negotiating contracts with indigenous peoples' Luxury Resort in Queensland for a charitable painting exhibition to help indigenous 'Special Children'.

- negotiating film/video documentary contracts with TSI media and grants with a TSI council and museums both here and overseas on saving Indigenous culture and re-enacting the voyage of pioneer anthropologist Alfred Cort Haddon.

- preparing contracts for government grants in relation to 1) a video business, and 2) journalism and photography, and advertising business.

- negotiating with a large petroleum multinational and their advertising agency for an environmental advertising campaign for Cape York.

- negotiating with Cast n'Crew film contract, which included the initial writing of the script and interviewing film crew and purchasing equipment for a film covering mining and indigenous health and cultural issues (see addenda).

- applying for Australia Film Council grant for a film written about an indigenous member of the stolen generation with a cultural and religious theme.

- advertising my business in paper, internet, etc.

 

I was working on a documentary for Optus community TV cable on social problems for TSI women divorced from European men. This expanded my appreciation for minority groups. I have also travelled extensively in the developing world and in Europe. In my Bachelor of Arts I studied Psychology attaining a high distinction and Modern Vietnamese and Chinese History attaining good credits, which has reinforced my skills in dealing with a diverse background of people. This has been invaluable in assisting me in business dealings and finding common ground between indigenous and foreign groups.

 

 

Criteria 3.

 Demonstrated communication skills, including liaising and negotiating with individuals, community organisations, other elements of the Commission and external agencies.

-Excellent written and communication skills.

I have been extensively connected to non-governmental organisations. I assisted in charity work and with lobby groups, Joshua Tree Promotions, Special Kids, The Wilderness Society, Here for Life, Animal Liberation and Chose Cruelty Free, such as raising funds, and by giving tax and legal advice under the Equal Opportunities Act. I am experienced in dealing with difficult people and extremists through conciliation processes.

I have the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders, particularly in relation to local government projects. I discussed the Report on indigenous alcoholism referred to in Criteria One with community council clerk, ATSIC lawyers and Ministerial advisors as well as the ombudsman, liquor licensing authority, Professors of Law and a QC. As part of my business I negotiated community grants from local councils in relation to charitable photography exhibitions for schools, for instance one on rural indigenous village life in India that I had stayed at and was trying to assist through ‘Save the Children’ to help educate primary schoolchildren. This required me to liase extensively with government officials and attend council meetings, as well as complete and provide extensive documentation and forms.

I also made all contract and client negotiation in a small venture I made in the import/export business to help stimulate the local economy. Artefacts, paintings and handicrafts from Nepal, paper Mache and silk carpets from Kashmir, and silk and gems from India, which involved negotiating with antique merchants and artisans, attaining permission from the Nepal Bureau of Antiquities, handling air cargo in Nepal, customs in Australia, then Antique dealers and auctioneers. A contribution of profit went to missionary international aid. These plus numerous other projects required impeccable customer service and an ability to develop and maintain relations within and external to the business.

TMMAG.COM has made connections to the Cairns tourist industry which have developed my skills in relation to marketing an enterprise, seeking investment and negotiating projects with the private sector, including the Cairns Regional Economic Development Corporation, Cairns Connect.com, PDIS, and community art and writing groups such as Arts Nexus, Jute and others.

 While in KPMG London, working as a Corporate tax consultant (senior) I had to ensure good relations with my clients who were industry leaders such as EFCO (U.S.), IHG/Beeson group, Howmedica., Colonia/Baltica UK Insur. group, Assitalia Insur. UK, and Oriflame Group. Some of these corporations are major international investors, and I had to understand their industry goals and policies, and develop solid partnerships with their internal accountants and managers. I had to talk to and meet these clients and supervise and manage staff to enable the revision of their tax computations.

In KPMG dealing with international arrangements for US companies paying tax on operations in the UK I had to talk to executives in America, where the highest standard of customer etiquette was required and immediate unprepared answers had to be given to, for instance, complex issues relating to depreciation of steel pipelines.

I have volunteered for the ACTGreens and the Australian Democrats doing campaign support work and promoting their organisation at University Orientation weeks and at Polling Booths, as well as attending General Meetings and reviewing/suggesting new policy.

 

Criteria 4.

A demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and present complex information.

The report already completed on alcohol abuse demonstrates ( through an analysis of the legal implications of human rights breaches and special measures under the RDA being negligently implemented) that I have sufficient research skills to undertake a Masters by research in Law which I am currently applying to do at JCU.

I studied econometrics and accounting at Monash University. Apart from giving advice and researching law as a solicitor, while working at Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young) as a Corporate tax consultant my responsibilities included giving advice, on CGT, rollovers, interest, dividends, fringe benefits, S.25, deduction and depreciation expenses. This often resulted in discussion with the department head, senior managers and partners. This necessitated an understanding of complex and highly technical legislation, economic concepts and policy and communicating these concepts to stakeholders.

Main achievements:

•writing sections of primary production tax manual, re income averaging, land degradation, water storage, repairs, lease vs. buy,

•IPS White paper advice on US position on formula's to assess transfer pricing

•S100A and Crimes Tax Offences Act advice on professional liability in transferring losses in a group

•SUPER preservation funds taxability

•McDonnell Douglas Joint Venture tax structure

•CGT vs S.25 Paccor capital lease and sale arrangements whether deemed a business

In KPMG I was required at monthly meetings of the entire Department to present explanations together with latest updates in complex legislative changes.

As a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria I have conducted and performed letters of advice, negotiations, pre-trial conferences, callovers, chamber summons, adjournment hearings, research, instructing counsel, drafting answers to interrogatories, affidavits, defences, counter-claims for bankruptcy petitions, liquidations, property fraud, defamation, copyright, medical negligence, personal injuries, debts, unfair dismissal, and acting as an agent for other solicitors. Leo Cussens Short Courses in Tax, Company and Civil Procedure Law have enhanced my practical awareness of court room tactics. I have later used these methods in business operations.

I have a demonstrated capacity to conduct legal and policy research, give sound advice on questions of law, practice and policy and undertake administrative tasks. I also have the capacity to interpret legislation, draft simple guides to statutory instruments, write long or short articles whether publicity or research on diverse issues and give high level advice to senior people.

 

Sound research and computer skills.

Computer skills:

I am skilled in Microsoft Word, Works, Iphoto Express, Photoshop, Access, publisher, Printmaster Gold, Powerpoint and Excel spreadsheets achieving 87 to 95 % in skill tests on Mac and IBMs. I extensively used Internet in researching articles and doing reports in my business. I used e-mail to conduct business operations, to interview clients and research. I am proficient at Outlook and using their planning system in conjunction with a Palm III handheld organiser. I can use basic MYOB.

I can touchtype 27 words per minute with 100 % accuracy.

I am teaching myself html programming and webdesign using Eversoft's 1st Page 2000 Hardcore, but know Frontpage and Dreamweaver [view http://tmmag.com ].

Apart from this I was studying mathematics, physics, astrophysics and computer science at A.N.U., with a view to understanding mathematical modelling for universal constants to replace SI units and so solve GUT; I am interested in program development for demographics, economic, mathematical, physical and geographic databases and networks.

  

 

Criteria 5.

a) A demonstrated awareness of community development processes as they apply to diverse indigenous communities (see also Addenda 2.)

Experience in overseas development work and knowledge or experience of the non-government development sector in Australia

I lived in and close to Aboriginal and TSI Communities in Cape York and TS for 6 months, in particular Lockhart River and attempted to learn some of the language. I was also involved in discussions with the communities, council clerks, churches and government departments on alcoholism, native title, self-management and education. Issues such as women’s refuges, CDEP, health and diet awareness, medical facilities, interaction with the local white community, eco-tourism, enterprises, purchase of leaseholds, and bilingual teaching were assessed. I applied for a position as a solicitor at the indigenous office that dealt with Native Title claims in Melbourne, so further familiarised myself with this area.

Recently I have been involved with the Canberra-Dili city friendship
committee. This project involving the Chief Minister of the ACT and
Chaired by ACTGreen MLA Kerrie Tucker is endeavouring to provide
grassroots community support to East Timor. I was asked to be
involved with the sub-committee drafting a report to the ACT Government
on funding and implementing this project.

I studied French for five years and German and Latin for two years. I have spent several months in France. In India I learnt basic Hindustani and know some Sanskrit. I am very much at ease with the indigenous Asian culture and way of life.

All these skills have assisted me in developing an awareness of the community development processes as they apply to diverse indigenous communities, Government and Private Sector clients.

 

b) Adult education, training and advocacy experience.

I completed a Diploma in Journalism 1996-97, followed by part of a Holmesglen Professional Writing Diploma in 1998. In these courses I learned the art of writing and simple communication. In India I taught refugee indigenous Tibetan nuns english. I have assisted in writing and communication workshops and courses. I taught human rights policy to my staff and liaised with academics, government and business in relation to journalist articles and a magazine I attempted to set up covering human and social rights issues.

I educated groups of developing writers, school students, social
workers, public servants and lawyers in human rights issues in relation
to indigenous abuse and legal remedies both in domestic and
international law. This was conducted at an individual, seminar and
lecture level at Lake Ginnandarra College and elsewhere in 2001 when I started a Diploma in Education specialising in SOSE or social sciences. As a volunteer community lawyer I educated members of the public in consumer rights, equal opportunities, contract and employment law. I prepared curriculum resources for interactive lesson planning with the Internet on Ancient Greek Democracy also at Lake Ginnandarra College.

I have given Seminars at University of Canberra on web design and the
Internet as an educational resource.

I also negotiated with the Department of Education, Distant Learning in North Queensland to provide educational aids to indigenous schoolchildren in the form of art and photography of the region to be used as tools for learning to read and comprehend questions. The publishing industry particularly in relation to education is a major growth industry. Australia’s high education profile (as a seller of this commodity) can only be expected to expand and therefore I structured my business so as to exploit correctly this potential market, and tried to combine this tendering with our hi-tech image. My connections to the Education Department could be useful in connection with training programmes on indigenous communities.

 

 

Criteria 6.

a) Knowledge of, and experience in, preparing, analysing and interpreting financial statements and reports, and statistical returns including a demonstrated ability to understand and analyse audit reports and accounting standards.

My knowledge of finance should prove invaluable in assessing the delivery of social, economic and corporate funding programs and projects. I was involved extensively in giving advice to large general insurance companies while in KPMG; in particular in regard to interpreting audit, accounting standards and formulas predicting future foreseeable losses on notional investment income, perpetual accounting periods, future prior year losses and negotiating interpretation of provisions with the IR on exchange losses on brought forward reserves and discounting on technical reserves. This involved extensive correspondence and discussions with the Tax Office and clients, where precise and excellent communication skills were essential and exceptionally complex legislation and accounting procedures had to be understood, applied and resolved. In KPMG and E&Y it was essential for me to ensure compliance and settling of any taxation disputes, checking corporate returns and notices of Objection to assessments.

Demonstrated adaptability, innovativeness, sound judgement and effectiveness under varying workload and time pressures

I was in a team in KPMG whose tasks involved transferring group losses within company structures including drafting formula agreements for ACT group relief and carryback claims, and DTR, for a major investment group. I supervised drafting these agreements and co-ordinating deadlines and prioritising arrangements with clients and the Tax office. This entailed strict timetabling to meet compliance deadlines. Priorities and budget targets had to be set to win and keep clients. Initiative was required when clients' demands conflicted with prior instructions and this often occurred when clients were planning structural changes to their groups. Preparing bills, justifying them to senior managers and recording in 6 minute blocks time spent on a client was required. I had to balance working full time with studying The Association of Taxation Income Institute exams (U.K.) and this required precise time management and maximum utilisation of exam preparation methods. I have given capital gains tax advice on share transfers, property transactions, rollover relief, rebasing, including intra-group transactions. Often I was under considerable pressure to complete many tasks and give complex advice. Some of my best work was produced at these times. I had to have a good grasp of tax legislation to understand the context of these transactions and the motivating force behind these corporations’ tax policies

 

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

b) Develop project strategies and manage consultancies

I completed a Small Business Management Certificate IV in 2000 at Qskills involving the development of this Internet Ezine through building a business plan. I have direct experience in managing consultancies and developing project strategies from concept to implementation. As part of my business, Enligtenart, I produced an 120 page business plan for a national current affairs magazine which was to incorporate environmental issues including accountability. This was of a highly confidential nature, therefore it was necessary that potential investors and service providers signed a confidentiality agreement. It involved negotiating with some of Australia’s best journalists, art directors and editors, obtaining quotations from service providers such as printers, distributors and graphic designers.

It was planned to also sell it on the Internet [which began in Oct 2001 as http://TMMAG.COM , the first edition can be viewed at this site]. There were intense and high level negotiations with potential investors, who represented large corporations. This involved making presentations, explaining financial issues, doing market research, advertising and preparing detailed financial forecasts, particularly cashflow. This exposure to the media and advertising world has given me an understanding of investment processes and methods, in particular assessing the viability of a high risk project based on market research and industry confidence. This included quantitative analysis of ABS statistics. I had to train my personal assistant in these tasks, which included mock meetings and brainstorming as well as all technical knowledge.

The magazines scope was as follows:

a. The ethics of the magazine were considered a vital part. There was to be no advertising of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, meat or diary products, animal tested products, or enterprises or corporations acting in an overtly unethical manner towards the environment.

b. The magazine was to support the direct election of an Australian President with limited executive powers in an Australian Republic, an amended Constitution containing a Bill of Rights and a Treaty with indigenous people.

c. Investors in this project were to have a reputation for ethically produced products, particularly in relation to prevention of animal testing.

d. To give you an idea of the scale and complexity of the operation (which was to employ directly approximately 20 staff) and in order to ensure the credibility and viability of this venture the Finance section of the business plan provided a 'lowest return on investment' scenario. This assumed sales of only 35% increasing to 45% of print-run by year-end. Below is the breakdown of return on investment as covered in those pages: -

If we expand into PAC-RIM: Return on maximum investment of $3.4M will be $2.7M per annum by the third year. Average amount to be borrowed for about 20 months is $2.5M. Therefore return on average investment is approximately 107% pa; plus all capital (including share capital) is repaid within 2 years and the investor will still keep ownership of all his shares and receive his 40% profit ad infinitum.

If we remain in Australia: Investors profit each year $0.44M to be earned by the third year. Average amount to be borrowed over the 44 months will be $1.4M (maximum amount borrowed $2.7M). Therefore return on average investment is approximately 31%pa; plus all capital is repaid within 4 years. Also based upon a 40% profit share.

This means I can manage contracts, including a commercial publishing contract. I can also investigate, analyse and report on, for example, financial expenditure; asset acquisition, maintenance and user support; and electronic and paper publishing initiatives. I have the hands on experience to provide advice to senior management. I can research and prepare a range of written materials, liaise extensively with senior members of the business community, deliver training and supervise staff.

I have always actively sought career development and training, even if it has taken a tangent, for instance doing the Swinburne Small Business Accounts Course and the Qskills Small Business Management Certificate IV has given me experience in handling accounts and finance, which has allowed me to provide better and more cost effective customer service.

 

 

Criteria 7.

A sound knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire a sound knowledge of, relevant legislation and procedures together with a demonstrated ability to interpret, analyse and implement policy and a capacity to contribute to policy development.

Sound ability in the analysis, formulation, implementation and review of policy, program and/or resource management matters, as appropriate.

I do have direct experience in production of a human rights report delivered to Commonwealth and State governments (the subject of this Masters), furthermore I can demonstrate a capacity to deal with complex areas of the law, economics and tax finance and interpret them. Much of my time was spent reducing complex legislation and accounting information to simple english comprehendible by a layman. I also, through my media experience have dealt with issues of policy and in business have dealt with resource management including co-ordinating projects. Transferring these skills to co-ordination of a Masters thesis on legal impact on indigenous economic and social policy should be quite straightforward and would follow on, in principle, from much of my research.

I studied Company and International Law, achieved good credits in Criminal, Property and Trust law, and a distinction in Tax at University and found them challenging subjects. So I would not foresee any difficulties in my comprehension of the issues involved with a masters thesis by research as I have consolidated a team in analysing legal resource information for the Human Rights report and in tmmag.com through extensive business planning including analysing outputs, funding capabilities and development programmes.

Financial research, maintaining compliance with statutory law and regulations and the impact of Government policy are areas where I have expertise. This would especially be the case where complex negotiations and legal documentation follows or is in tandem with a policy decision. For instance I did drafting of commercial leases and checking provisions according to client's instructions. I have prepared commercial loans including mortgages, guarantees, promissory notes and letters of credit, including assisting in Bond Corp Gold 300 million dollar loan. This required an understanding of the investment banking sector and corporate economic policy as well as legislation.

I have done research and given policy and legal advice on employment and industrial law. I was in charge of property conveyancing and settlements of executives and wealthy client's personal residences. I have also prepared and submitted trade mark applications and objections, and liquor licence applications. I handled, reporting directly to the head of property department a probate matter for an executor's commission. This involved extensive complex documentation covering a span of fifty years and preparation of Supreme Court affidavits and ancillary documentation.

I have worked as a journalist at the newsdesk at the Canberra Times. Recently in my own business I have performed policy research in relation to many freelance articles and for TMMAG. One that may become a book, looked at the implications of the RFA policy and ecological sustainability of logging areas of national significance in East Gippsland. An investigation involving researching and interviewing environment groups, Environmental Defenders Office, DNRE officials, scientists, University professors and the Minister. Contract law implications implying terms due to long usage on the government were considered. As a journalist I have worked on many areas of controversy, as I have outlined in answering the other criteria above. This broad spectrum of knowledge has given me an awareness of issues of National Significance and cultural heritage, particularly in the context of delicate issues that directly affect whether ethically and environmentally progressive countries will invest in Australia, such as European Union, Japan, Canada and the United States. My knowledge of the timber industry and the necessity to act with environmental decorum and self-respect to encourage international investors as well as my connections with the Victorian DNRE and Ministers has placed me in ideal situations to look at government policy and administration of this policy. The spin off of this may be attracting foreign investment in hardwoods through a new form of synthetic hybrid hardwood, which would save ‘old growth’ forest and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could have application in developing countries. I have connections with people in this operation, which involved forest sustainability issues including ‘hybrid Australis’ as a potential Kyoto forest – carbon sink. This project involved the United Nations.

I also investigated TSI health issues and quarantine talking to department heads and media representatives of CSIRO and Customs, as well as interviewing locals and small businesses on the islands. Quarantine policy and reform of quarantine practices with PNG were discussed to provide an immediate source of fresh fruit and vegetables safely to TSI.

 

 

Criteria 8.

 A demonstrated ability to lead a team and motivate staff, together with a sound knowledge of the principles and practices of individual performance management and an ability to implement ATSIC’s Performance Management Program.

 

Supportive and flexible team leader and worker.

At Enligtenart our small team, I constantly had to develop a thorough systematic practical plan in which output and cost-time factors were meticulously monitored to fit in with budget policy. Bonuses were paid for quality results which directly corresponded to increasing customers and the level of increase in client demand for return work. Alternative incentive schemes for team results were adopted, for instance a research journalist I employed was given an option over a book/film produced for her innovative way of interpreting my handwriting. My personal assistant was offered a 15% partnership share on condition of remaining in employment for 3 years and building up a successful PR image for the firm and magazine. Fringe benefits in the form of lunches, holidays and group meditation sessions were instituted after lengthy dialogue and intricate negotiations. In this way we created and lived our dream for a better world, not just for us, but for all future employees.

In KPMG and my own business I have developed and implemented conflict resolution procedures between staff based on self analysis and open dialogue with a supervisor present. External contract negotiation for casual, temporary staff and sub contracted service providers has been an essential skill that I have developed in my business.


I am a member of the Food Cooperative, Self Organisation Committee, a
group formed to implement and develop a management system based on co-
operation and consensus through non-confrontation and self-assessment
techniques to encourage group projects.

 

Ability to implement departmental policy and utilise information technology systems.

At KPMG I set up from scratch and ran the department's taxadmin computer system, which controlled deadlines for preparation of returns, notices, objections, appeals and assessments. This required extensive follow up of managers, where deadlines had expired and they had failed to record their actions on the computer or more importantly had failed to act. I developed team leadership skills at KPMG as outlined above and below. I trained up my successor to the taxadmin computer system and produced an increase in productivity of departmental tax computations and an increase in tax advice. The methodology of implementation developed by myself in conjunction with the Department Head, increased client satisfaction over the year of implementation. Our department led the 12 tax departments in efficiency in this area. All these administrative roles required developing congenial intercourse between within and external to the Departments. My experience in computer systems means I have the ability to analyse, interpret, consolidate and link legislation and policy in an information system. My computer literacy will mean I will understand computer software.

 

Criteria 9.

A knowledge and understanding of Participative Management, Workplace Diversity and Occupational Health and Safety principles and practices, together with a commitment to their application across ATSIC.

Appreciation of key public service management policies and reforms, such as Workplace Diversity, Employee Participation, financial management and OH&S.

Personal attributes of innovation and focus on delivery

In running Enligtenart Freelance Photojournalism and TMMAG.COM (affiliated to the Australian College of Journalism and Australian News Syndicate) my own private business, I started various workplace practices, which expanded my staff’s abilities and health. My appreciation of implementing these practices should pay dividends in any corporate department I join. Skills such as employing staff, all client contact, purchasing and furnishing office equipment and choosing premises, where ergonomics, economy and spinal health were considered of vital importance.

I have also taught stress relaxation therapies to individuals and
groups which I learned at the Osho Community in Puna, including
Colorpuncture and Breathing. I have taught Sivananda Yoga at Osho Samaya and been involved in organising and assisting in meditation retreats, as well as general administration and designing their website. I have been trained
in holistic massage by Rainbow Circle in The United Kingdom.

Alternative business health stress therapies including yoga, meditation and rawfood/veganism/macrobiotic diet were incorporated. I implemented a democratic procedure for consultation and participation in work procedures through regular staff meetings and a social agenda. Computerising the business (calendar, planning, accounts, tax, sales, advertising, files and file management), was done in a manner to ensure greatest efficiency and concern to improve and maintain good health through lessening stress generated in attempting to obtain and deal with information. In all these situations it was necessary to adapt to and implement change, as well as monitor and maintain my own standing and that of my staff. There was a large increase in productivity as a result of these innovations being implemented. Prior to this success I believe RMIT business and law studies adopted a meditation and yoga room partly as a result of my inspiration.

As a solicitor I entirely managed the case and represented the manager of legal services National Mutual in an unfair dismissal tribunal proceeding involving sexual harassment, which succeeded in increasing the client's package from nothing to a lump sum tax deductible two months salary. At university I achieved high credits in Constitutional law and credits in Moot Court and Trial Practice and Advocacy. I have been accepted for a Masters of Law and am currently applying for a Masters of Law at JCU in relation to RDA, negligence and indigenous issues. I personally prepared the brief and instructed the barrister in court in a medical negligence action involving Queens’ Counsels.  So I am aware of legal requirements of the workplace.

As a volunteer solicitor at a community legal centre in Cairns, East Bentleigh, and then Fitzroy, I had direct client contact, dealing with problem clients and coordinating with reception in a small team environment where EEO and OH&S were highly regarded in a multicultural racially unprejudiced work place.

 

James Travers-Murison

Address:

Telephone: 0402 028122 (mobile)

Date of birth: 24-6-64

Place of Birth: UK

Citizenship: Australian

Marital status: single

 

 

Objective

APS 6 ATSIC

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Enligtenart and TMMAG.COM

Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra

President and owner

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

MEDIA

  • Creation of TMMAG.COM ezine for freelance investigative journalism and photo-journalism on environmental, consumer, international human rights and social issues; Internet interviews, research and transmission of articles
  • Marketing, Finance, Design and Business plan for socially and environmentally ethical current affairs magazine for professionals.
  • Negotiating government grants for Educational photographic social/cultural exhibitions and video documentary
  • Telesales for photographic work, external telesales and customer service contracts for the Siddha Foundation, Salmat enviro-friendly electricity, Joshua Tree Promotion para-Olympians charity and Gold Express Vouchers
  • Enviro photo advertising campaign for large petroleum conglomerate
  • Script writing for Film/Mini-series (Cultural/Religious/Uranium issue)
  • Video enviro-social documentary production for Optus Cable Community TV / Program reviewing Channel 31.

ART/ENVIRO

  • Negotiating contracts for social/cultural exhibitions with luxury resort and hotels
  • Negotiating charity for disabled TSI children
  • Landscape environmental photography and painting; selling to major corporates and law firms

LEGAL

  • Legal advice to charities and enviro, community and social groups
  • Independent Report to Federal Minister on Indigenous human rights alcohol abuse

ADMIN

  • Training in alternative stress therapies - yoga, meditation, and colorpuncture
  • Attaining finance, managing accounts and tax, secretarial support and PA
  • Employing staff, including personal assistant and typists

World Travels Europe, Middle East, Asia

Education

1982 - 1987 Monash Melbourne

Arts/Law Degree

Tax – distinction

Psychology – high distinction

1996 – 1997 Australian College of Journalism Sydney

Diploma of Journalism

2000 Qskills Canberra

Cert. IV Small Business Management

Professional experience

1988 - 1989 Sly & Weigal Melbourne

Articled Clerk

1989 Ernst & Young Melbourne

Corporate Tax Consultant

1990 - 1991 KPMG London

Corporate Tax Consultant

1992 - 1995 Europe, Middle East, India and Australia

Freelance writer, artist and photographer

1996 - 2003 Enligtenart (freelance/sole proprietor) Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne

Journalist, editor and web designing / financial manager of

tmmag.com ezine

Professional memberships

27 Feb. 1989 Admitted as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria

Oct 1997 Admitted as Member of Australian Media Syndicate

Community activities

Australian Democrats, Rostrum

Volunteer experience

Community legal aid worker in Cairns and Melbourne

Interests and activities

Cycling, photography, painting and writing

References

Robert Lombardi, solicitor, Perth, Western Australia

rmjl@bigpond.com

Patrick Lennon, partner, Lennon Settle, Level 9 179 Queen St., Melbourne, 3000.

03- 9670 5999

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDA

 

1. Good appreciation of relevant historical, social, economic and cultural issues affecting indigenous and other minorities including -

 

My extensive travels in developing countries include Africa, the Middle East and 2 years in India. I worked on aid projects, for instance teaching english to refugee Tibetan nuns, horticulture and building projects for ashrams. So I have practical field experience of aid projects. I have written many satirical short stories, poems, two books and a film. The books are being serialised in TMMAG.COM ezine and the film script is with the AFC. One of the books stemmed from the research of the author of The Holy Blood the Holy Grail who I developed a relationship with in Qumran, Israel on a kibbutz where I was a volunteer working on a date plantation, whilst his archaeological team was searching for more dead sea scrolls. Issues of Christian cultural conditioning and social impact of modern historical methodologies of interpretation of past real and mythological events were analysed as was the impact of this, neo-fascism and the Order of Sion on Islam and destabilisation resulting in the developing world’s nuclear arms race. Another book is an autobiography examining my own experiences with that of current events in society, technology and politics from the 60s to the 90s.

I also drafted semi-fictional films. One of my film scripts had as one of its central focuses the environmental problems relating to Uranium mining, especially in relation to spillage from tailings retention system dams and high grade ore containment sumps and the possible effects of groundwater contamination on the indigenous population. This required research of Uranium mining operations in Australia and internationally, as well as liaising with environmental bodies, and investigating documentation relating to Olympic Dam, Ranger, Roxby Downs, Beverley and the Magela Creek. Another film script involved script editing and preparing treatments for international film and TV directors and producers. This experience has given me an extremely broad vision of life and society, as well as teaching me invaluable skills in planning, research, writing and organising a major project and analysing controversial issues of mining policy and its impact on indigenous culture / theology. The media and film industry is an area that I am now familiar with.

In a freelance article I researched, in depth, a human rights atrocity, analysing enquiry and court martial records and evidence in relation to My Lai in Vietnam. At issue was military command control implications and duty to educate soldiers on the internationally agreed Laws of War. This stemmed from a research project I had done at University in which I noticed Seymour Hersh’s correlation between the phoenix operatives blacklist and members of the village. This is of current relevance due to questions as to culpability in East Timor. I contacted the division by Internet and interviewed members of the U.S. Army. The article has publicised funding for the ‘My Lai Peace Park’ and school. I have written freelance articles on human rights abuses in Kashmir and the legitimacy of Indian occupation there, including interviewing the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front’s Secretary-General and militants in Kashmir and at considerable risk to my own safety. Another article on the merits of prohibiting military ordinance (land mines); the U.S. President's position was analysed from an historical perspective comparing Clinton to Julian the Apostate. These articles have been published on TMMAG.COM. International human rights as it effects minority indigenous groups is of great concern to me and I have significant experience with.

 

2. Further research skills –

Knowledge of international community environmental reduction strategies in transport, land use, industry by stakeholder groups which may have application to INDIGENOUS community development projects involving finance and design of ecological sustainability and environmental care.


I had an external telesales and customer service contract with Salmat, who were selling enviro-friendly electricity. I had to educate myself in the reasons for and methods of producing Green electricity. This also involved an understanding of Greenhouse emissions restrictions as formulated by the Kyoto protocol and adopted under the National Greenhouse Response Strategy. This involved persuading members of a large electricity company to pay an increased levy to subsidise for
instance a methane generating pig farm, or a land filled garbage dump with side-winding vents to collect hydrocarbons, or research into Germanium based solar cells.


I have debated in Rostrum the pro argument for greenhouse gas emission reduction. I have done research, fund raising, letter drops, demonstrating, attending the 1997 World Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Rally with a Canadian counterpart and a Melbourne University Constitutional Law lecturer.

I lived on an alternative energy communities where I assisted operating the solar cell power system at Pasco River and helped fit a device at Bundagen. I was second in charge of the environmental coconut plantation programmes at the Rainforest River Retreat. I worked in horticulture and permiculture on organic farms and ashrams.

I am still looking at an investment project for a rotastretch freeform machine, which will enable low cost, lightweight, high strength molded parts for vehicles, which can be produced with considerably less energy and will reduce vehicle weight, fuel and
carbon emissions. I also have had a close relationship with the inventor of another project to produce an artificial intelligently driven mining vehicle, which will improve safety and may indirectly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I connected to a German engineering Consultancy. The owner produced a close to zero pollution emission
chemical plant for a major multinational. This experience could be relevant to ATSIC’s Indigenous Business Australia and their attempts to gain partnerships or joint ventures with the mining industry as they have done in Queensland Bulk Haulage and McKenzie River contracts.

Recently I have acted as Secretary for The Ecological Sustainability Sub-Commitee of the ACT ROCKS development building community project located in Civic, Canberra. A project that intends to be a world leader in sustainable environmental buildings for the community. This committee memorandum covered areas we were assessing -
"1. site plan - assess after consult with community groups
follow sun path in angling buildings max solar heating winter, minimise
summer
1a. building - underground considered, issues of water table, cost -
benefits thermal mass and insulation, aesthetics - blend in with
nature, innovative prototype cutting edge futuristic technology of
sustainability world first;
1c. structure shape - dome shape
2. construct with thermal mass ie. rammed earth
roof earth covering with plant mass reduce storm water, allow veg
garden, act as thermal mass/insulation
3. energy - solar not wind. Dual energy systems co-variant ie. aircon
and heating recycling. Thermal mass in construction.
4. water - recycle heating-cooling system, underground tanks, sewerage
recycled and used for energy source or purified for roof garden, storm
water rain catchment on roof garden."


At all times in my business I was independently responsible for this high level of output and accountable for the quality, timeliness, confidentiality and customer satisfaction.