Cracking the Code: The Office of the Special Investigator—Your 60-Second Guide to a Top-Tier Government Career 🕵️♂️
Ever pictured yourself at the cutting edge of government investigations in Australia, collaborating with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to uphold national standards of justice? The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) may be your perfect match. We’ve dissected their annual report so you don’t have to! Read on to uncover the OSI’s core mission, financials, career opportunities, and how you can get a foothold in one of the most uniquely positioned agencies in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Office of the Special Investigator (OSI)
Location: Canberra (Head Office), plus Sydney and Melbourne
CEO: Director-General, Chris Moraitis PSM
Total Revenue: Approximately $56.2 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: ~127 staff (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Criminology – Sharpens your investigative mindset.
Law / Legal Studies – Critical for interpreting legislation and ensuring legal compliance.
Intelligence / Security Studies – Prepares you for handling and safeguarding sensitive data.
Business / Public Administration – Supports policy development and operational efficiency.
Information Technology / Cybersecurity – Essential for secure data handling and digital investigations.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Certificate IV in Government Investigations – Tailored to public-sector investigation basics.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Demonstrates you can lead complex projects effectively.
Certificate III or IV in Information Technology – In-demand for digital forensics and evidence handling.
Diploma of Justice – Provides foundational knowledge of legal systems and processes.
PRINCE2 Foundation / Practitioner – A widely recognized standard for managing large-scale projects.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Police or Military Personnel – Translating disciplined skills directly into investigations.
Legal Professionals / Paralegals – Vital for managing complex legal frameworks.
Policy Officers – Crucial in shaping guidelines and operational policies.
Forensic Accountants / Auditors – Ideal for uncovering and interpreting financial evidence.
Data Analysts – Indispensable for managing and interpreting digital records at scale.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Critical Thinking – A must for solving complex investigative puzzles.
Written Communication – Clarity is key when compiling detailed evidence.
Stakeholder Engagement – The OSI frequently coordinates with the AFP, Defence, and state agencies.
Analytical Research – Essential for sifting through and validating vast amounts of information.
Adaptability – Priorities can shift rapidly within high-stakes investigations.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Law Enforcement – Direct background in investigative procedure.
Military Service – Familiarity with defence language and protocols.
Government Policy or Program Management – Demonstrates ability to work within public-sector frameworks.
Legal / Judicial Administration – Skilled in court processes and maintaining case integrity.
Intelligence Analysis – Highly sought-after for processing sensitive and confidential data.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Office of the Special Investigator
Name of CEO: Director-General, Chris Moraitis PSM
Location: Australia-wide scope (offices in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne)
Year Founded: 2021
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
Uphold Australian law and principles of justice by investigating (in partnership with the AFP) serious allegations involving ADF personnel.Real-world example: When inquiries—like the Inspector-General of the ADF Afghanistan Inquiry—flag possible breaches of law, the OSI reviews, investigates, and if warranted, prepares materials for prosecution.
Main Duties of the Department:
Review information from key inquiries (e.g., IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry).
Investigate allegations of breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict.
Refer substantiated cases to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Real-world example: They coordinate with federal and state agencies to gather evidence in cases that might involve multiple jurisdictions.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Operation “Emerald” – Jointly managed investigations with the AFP.
Swift & Thorough Investigation Focus – Timely review to protect national security while ensuring accountability.
Partnership Expansion – Collaborating closely with state and territory police services for a unified, robust investigative approach.
Did You Know?
The OSI’s workforce includes investigators, intelligence analysts, legal experts, and corporate professionals from various Australian law enforcement agencies—ensuring a deep well of skills and perspectives.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~127 staff (as at 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Not publicly specified in the annual report. Roles include senior executives, investigators, intelligence analysts, and corporate support staff.Salary Bands:
Vary by home agency for seconded personnel. Direct hires follow APS senior and non-senior executive scales.Average Salary in the Department:
Dependent on classification and secondment arrangements—no single figure available.Total Revenue: ~$56.2 million
Average Revenue per Employee: About $442,900 (calculated by dividing $56.2 million by 127)
GETTING A JOB AT THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
(Searching terms like “Government Jobs Australia,” “Australian Public Service Careers”)
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level: Government Investigations, Security Operations, Crime & Justice Studies
Bachelor / Master Level: Law, Criminology, Intelligence or National Security, Business Administration, IT / Cybersecurity
PhDs: Advanced Research in International Law, National Security, or Forensic Science—especially where niche expertise is valued.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Investigators, Police Officers, Lawyers, Intelligence Analysts, Project Managers
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Law Enforcement and/or Military
Legal Services (Govt. or private sector)
Policy or Program Leadership
Management Consulting in investigative contexts
Tech Roles (cybersecurity, digital forensics, data analytics)
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Negotiation, conflict resolution, confidentiality, strategic communication
Technical Skills: Digital forensics, intelligence analysis, legal drafting, project management
General Skills: Team collaboration, time management, problem-solving, adherence to strict protocols
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Following Criminal Case Studies – Helps understand investigative techniques.
Community Volunteer Work – Demonstrates empathy and stakeholder awareness.
Puzzles or Strategy Games – Polishes logical thinking skills.
Military History / Security Studies – Provides contextual background.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: GPO Box 812, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: +61 2 6141 6666 (Main Switch)
Email: contact@osi.gov.au
Website: www.osi.gov.au
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