Arja’s career with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship spanned more than 30 years. Most recently, she was First Assistant Secretary of the Refugee, Humanitarian and International Division from 2007 – 2010, where her responsibilities included high level policy and reform of all aspects of Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program. This encompassed asylum and protection issues in Australia, Australia’s offshore humanitarian resettlement programs and engagement with international organisations, UN agencies, NGOs and governments on matters relating to protection and humanitarian assistance to displaced people. Arja has played a key role in the development of Australia’s settlement and integration policies for humanitarian entrants as well as being involved in direct delivery of services to refugees and migrants. From 1987 – 1993 she worked in Senior Adviser positions to immigration ministers in the Hawke and Keating Governments, including to Mick Young and Gerry Hand. In 2010 Arja received the Public Service Medal for her work delivering Australia’s Humanitarian Program.

more by Arja Keski-Nummi