Research Officer Katherine takes you behind the scenes

Published 30 June 2021

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have worked as a Research Officer in the Governance and Advice team at ADNSW since August 2019.

Before starting at ADNSW I worked in the federal public service for over a decade as a researcher, lawyer and decision maker on applications for refugee status in Australia. It was interesting but challenging work!

Why did you join ADNSW?

During my law degree I did some volunteer work at a community legal centre which does strategic litigation on systemic discrimination issues. It was interesting to learn about how discrimination law could be used and reformed to improve people’s lives. 

I was keen to work for ADNSW because I’m interested in research, policy and human rights and was excited by the prospect of working for an organisation that seeks to protect people from discrimination.

Can you describe your role?

My role as a Research Officer is really varied, which keeps things interesting! The Anti-Discrimination Act covers many different people and areas of life. The Governance and Advice team does ADNSW’s internal legal and policy work as well as responding to parliamentary and law reform processes. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects and submissions relating to accessible housing, improving the complaints process for people with a disability, and strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace.

What do you like most about your job?

There are a lot of aspects to the Research Officer role that I enjoy. Most of our work has lots of complexity and I enjoy that I’m constantly being challenged and learning new things. I also like that I get lots of opportunities to collaborate across teams at ADNSW and with external stakeholders doing some great work. 

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I have two lovely daughters – one is 18 months and the other is three and a half – and they keep me really busy. The Department of Communities and Justice recently launched an initiative to support carers and parents at work and I have personally felt so supported seeing senior people at the Department talking about the juggle between work and raising children. I don’t think you can underestimate the profound impact that having children has on your work life!

When I’m not cuddling my kids I like to run to keep fit. I’m currently training for a running festival that takes place around Sydney Harbour. I’ve done it in the past and it’s a special feeling running around the cleared streets of Sydney Harbour in the wee hours.