Unlocking the Secrets of Defence Housing Australia (DHA): Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at Defence Housing Australia (DHA)?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to!
In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this agency, from their key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Defence Housing Australia (DHA)
Location: Head Office in Canberra, with offices in 17 locations nationally and on-base offices in multiple states 🏢
CEO (Managing Director): Barry Jackson
Total Property Sales Revenue (2023–24): AUD 459.2 million
Net Profit After Tax (2023–24): AUD 53.9 million
Total Number of Employees: 580 (as at 30 June 2024)
Note: Other key financial indicators for 2023–24 include total debt of AUD 170 million, a debt headroom of AUD 339.6 million, and a return on equity of 3.2%.
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DHA
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Business / Commerce
Why It’s Useful: Supports core functions like budgeting, reporting, and strategic asset management, all of which drive DHA’s service delivery.
Property / Real Estate Management
Why It’s Useful: Crucial for provisioning and maintaining DHA’s portfolio of over 17,000 properties to match Defence needs.
Accounting / Finance
Why It’s Useful: Contributes to financial sustainability, ensures strong audit and governance practices, and supports capital structuring.
Public Administration / Policy
Why It’s Useful: Informs and implements policy decisions around Defence housing entitlements and how they’re operationalised.
Project Management / Construction Management
Why It’s Useful: Critical for handling upgrades, new builds, and property development projects—often under tight timelines.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management Certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)
⚡️ Helps ensure on-time, within-budget execution of construction and IT projects.
Property Services Certificates (e.g., Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice)
⚡️ Key for compliance with real estate legislation, property inspections, and tenancy regulations.
Financial Planning / Accounting Certifications (e.g., CPA, CA)
⚡️ Essential for financial planning, cost analysis, and year-end reporting.
Leadership and Management (e.g., Diploma of Leadership & Management)
⚡️ Equips teams to handle operational and strategic challenges as a Commonwealth entity.
Work Health & Safety (e.g., Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety)
⚡️ Vital for ensuring safe work environments across DHA’s office network and property locations.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Electricians and Plumbers
Why It’s Useful: Direct involvement in maintenance, quick repairs, and ongoing improvements across a diverse housing portfolio.
Carpenters / Builders
Why It’s Useful: Central to on-base and off-base upgrades and new building projects.
Facilities / Asset Managers
Why It’s Useful: Oversee maintenance schedules and budgets, keeping properties at Defence-approved standards.
IT Professionals
Why It’s Useful: DHA is modernising digital services, from rent allowance processing to online accommodation bookings.
HR / Recruitment Specialists
Why It’s Useful: They attract and retain a high-performing workforce, enabling efficient service for over 53,000 ADF members and families.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Stakeholder Engagement
Why It’s Useful: Effective collaboration with Defence, landlords, and contractors is crucial for timely and high-quality service.
Financial Analysis
Why It’s Useful: From reporting net profit after tax (AUD 53.9M) to strategising major capital investments, sharp financial skills lead to better decisions.
Customer Service
Why It’s Useful: DHA supports thousands of ADF members and their families each year—positive interactions maintain trust and satisfaction.
Contract Negotiation
Why It’s Useful: Leasing arrangements, property acquisitions, and large-scale procurement all hinge on robust negotiation skills.
Digital Literacy
Why It’s Useful: As DHA moves toward more automated and tech-driven processes, proficiency in digital tools is a major asset.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Residential Property Management
Why It’s Useful: Familiarity with tenancy laws and property upkeep ensures smooth occupant experiences.
Government or Public Sector
Why It’s Useful: Understanding public accountability and governance helps in this Government Business Enterprise context.
Defence or Military Environment
Why It’s Useful: Insight into ADF culture fosters alignment between DHA’s housing solutions and occupant expectations.
Large-Scale Customer Service or Contact Centre Experience
Why It’s Useful: DHA’s call centres field a high volume of queries on property allocations, entitlements, and maintenance.
Construction and Development Projects
Why It’s Useful: Real-world site management and building coordination keep the portfolio modern and well-maintained.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Defence Housing Australia (DHA)
Name of CEO (Managing Director): Barry Jackson
Location: Australia-wide operations, with offices in major cities and on or near military bases.
Year Founded: Established in 1988 under the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987.
Main Mission and Purpose: Provide suitable housing and related services to Australian Defence Force members and families, supporting Defence capability.
Real-World Example: When an ADF member gets a new posting, DHA simplifies relocation by offering well-located, fully managed housing options.
Main Duties of the Department:
Provision and management of 17,104 properties for ADF families 🏠
Administration of Rent Allowance for those who choose private rentals
Project management of upgrades and new-build construction
Booking services for Living in Accommodation (LIA) on Defence bases
Policy advice on housing entitlements
Real-World Example: Handling everything from initial inspections to final vacates ensures homes meet Defence-approved standards, removing the headache for ADF families.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Refresh of IT systems for faster, more transparent LIA bookings and entitlement processing
Large-scale partnerships to build or lease additional homes in high-demand areas
Strong focus on environmental best practices and responsible asset management
Did You Know?
DHA manages Commonwealth Heritage Listed (CHL) properties, protecting their historical value for future generations.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 580 (a majority of whom are located in regional offices)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
DHA1–3: 223
DHA4: 183
DHA5: 109
DHA6: 110
EL1: 92
EL2: 37
SES and MD: 9
Salary Bands:
Ranging from entry-level administrative roles to Senior Executive Service (SES) roles, with pay aligned to Australian Public Service benchmarks.
Net Profit After Tax (2023–24): AUD 53.9 million
Total Debt: AUD 170 million
Debt Headroom: AUD 339.6 million
Return on Equity: 3.2%
(Note: The AUD 459.2 million in property sales revenue forms part of DHA’s revenue streams. Additional income is derived from sources like occupant fees and management fees.)
GETTING A JOB AT DHA
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
📊 Supports professional property inspections, tenancy negotiations, and compliance.
Diploma of Project Management
📊 Ideal for construction and upgrade initiatives.
Certificate III/IV in Business Administration
📊 Perfect for supporting day-to-day office operations and customer-facing tasks.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Commerce / Accounting
📊 Strengthens financial analysis for managing capital and operational budgets.
Bachelor of Property Management / Real Estate
📊 Ties directly to DHA’s core mandate of provisioning and maintaining housing.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
📊 Great for leadership roles, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making.
PhDs:
PhD in Public Policy / Economics / Finance
💡 Offers advanced research and analytical skills to navigate complex government frameworks.
Which Trades and Professions?
Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Building/Construction, Facilities Management
Why It’s Useful: Keeps the portfolio in high-quality condition and supports large-scale building projects.
Which Work Experiences?
Property Management / Leasing
Why It’s Useful: Ensures efficient housing operations and consistent occupant satisfaction.
Program / Project Management
Why It’s Useful: Smooth delivery of new builds and refurbishments—keeping them on time and on budget.
APS or Government Experience
Why It’s Useful: Understanding public sector processes accelerates onboarding and execution.
Defence or Military Understanding
Why It’s Useful: Familiarity with ADF culture and needs helps tailor housing solutions more effectively.
Large Contact Centre Operations
Why It’s Useful: Vital for the high volume of inbound requests about allocations, entitlements, and maintenance.
Which Skills?
Soft Skills:
Teamwork, Communication, Empathy—critical in balancing stakeholder expectations and occupant satisfaction.
Technical Skills:
Data Analysis & Cyber Awareness—integral to improving digital platforms and safeguarding sensitive data.
General Skills:
Customer Service, Problem-Solving, Time Management—needed to meet the dynamic challenges of housing over 53,000 ADF members and families.
Which Hobbies and Interests?
Community Volunteering:
Showcases alignment with DHA’s broader community spirit and charitable initiatives.
DIY or Home Improvement:
Reflects a practical mindset that fits well with property management or maintenance tasks.
Sustainability / Green Living:
Matches DHA’s emphasis on responsible asset management and eco-conscious builds.
Tech & Innovation Enthusiasm:
Complements ongoing digital transformation projects for better occupant services.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact Defence Housing Australia:
Address: 26 Brisbane Avenue, Barton, ACT 2600 (Head Office: 6 Chan Street, Gungahlin, ACT)
Telephone: 139 342
Email: enquiries@dha.gov.au
Website: www.dha.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.