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About the Department

Graduate 2005 - Greta Cunningham

Greta Cunningham Photo‘I graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Indonesian and Asian Studies.

My first rotation was in the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Unit of the Migration and Temporary Entry Division. I analysed the immigration policies of other countries in the region, liaised with Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s overseas posts and learnt about Australia's "global working" approach to visa processing through initiates such as the e-visa.

In my second rotation I was placed in the Unauthorised Arrivals and Detention Division. I investigated grievances from immigration detainees and produced reports on these for public scrutiny bodies, such as the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. It was particularly interesting to be in this area during a period of intense external scrutiny arising from the detention of an Australia citizen and the subsequent major changes to policy, procedures and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship structure and culture.

My final rotation was in the Citizenship Policy Section where I was fortunate to observe the legislative change process by working on legislation to replace the Australian Citizenship Act 1948. I built up my knowledge of factors influencing Australia's citizenship policy and the importance of citizenship for creating a sense of national unity.

At the conclusion of the Graduate Program I moved to Multicultural Affairs where I worked on the National Action Plan to build on social cohesion, harmony and security which was established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to consider ways to promote social cohesion in response to global events like the 2005 London Bombings.  I was involved in community consultations to develop appropriate strategies and projects, particularly through supporting the work of the Prime Minister’s Muslim Community Reference Group. 

Since late 2007 I have been working in the International Cooperation Branch on international protection issues, including Australia’s relationship with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

My four years working for Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Canberra have been incredibly rewarding.  The work has been stimulating, satisfying and challenging and there has been plenty of opportunity to develop new skills.  I feel privileged to have worked on such a broad range of issues across this portfolio and contribute to Department of Immigration and Citiszenship’s primary role in nation building that is shaping the fabric of Australian society.