Robert Ritossa - Chief Customs Officer, Inspections

As a Chief Customs Officer I provide leadership and create a work environment where all staff have an opportunity to participate and contribute.  A large part of my role involves developing staff and creating opportunities for them to progress their careers, which gives them the skills to work at a high level and move to different areas within Customs. 

One of the highlights of my job is being satisfied that the officers I lead can move into different areas well equipped to meet any challenges.  From my own experience in Customs, I am well aware of the important role that good leadership can play in your career. 

When I joined Customs straight from school in 1980 I started off as an Assistant Customs officer.  My various team leaders identified my leadership abilities in performance review meetings and gave me opportunities to act in team leader positions. 

Over the past 27 years I have also worked in a wide range of different teams, which has allowed me to do everything from examining and clearing cargo and processing imports, through to investigating fraud and the importation of drugs.   

As a Chief Customs Officer, no two days are the same.  I might be assisting officers with inspections and the x-ray equipment if we have a particularly busy day, or checking the files of goods that have been detained by officers for seizure.  I'm also involved in the quality assurance aspect for file work, goods tracking, shipping documentation and other functions – I need to make sure that everything is accurate, the recommendations are appropriate, and that we are meeting legal obligations. 

For this role you need to have good judgment of people and work situations.  Ideally, you will be a people person and open to listening, but you also need the courage to address any issues with relevant staff.  Flexibility, quality decision-making, motivation, integrity and honesty are all important for leadership roles within Customs.