Sandra Lygoe

• As part of multi team unit (Nauru Engagement) I contributed to the relations between the Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government) and the Nauru Government. This included matters relating to offshore immigration, living arrangements and protection visa applications for non citizens residing on Nauru.
• Facilitated communication between team and management to address operational challenges and pre-empt issues arising in an ad hoc manner.
• Undertook research on identified issues to assist with future planning and operational needs.
• Liaised with Nauru Government in regard to quality assurance for written records in regard to administrative decisions.

• Led team involved with approval of travel requests for non citizens residing in Australia who held visas with travel restrictions attached. This included monitoring for efficient processing and service delivery, especially during periods of high demand.
• Guided staff in professional development and skills improvement initiatives.
• Analysed existing workflows and instituted improvements to optimise processes and decrease turnaround durations.
• Coordinated cross-departmental collaborations to achieve strategic departmental objectives.
• Coordinated operational readiness of national team of officers, enabling swift response and deployment to remote areas under critical circumstances.

Considered the claims of the asylum seekers in order to make a
legally sound decision as to whether they engage Australia’s protection obligations.

Achieved thorough understanding of applicant claims through in-depth interviews with applicants and migration agents. Delivered informed assessments by aligning claims with relevant legislation and integrating supporting evidence and country information into evaluations.

Provided detailed written notifications to applicants regarding adverse decisions, including information on the appeal process.