Amanda Shipp

I moved to Mackay in 2012 and started working as an administrator for headspace. Over the next seven years, I got to be part of the community, have a child and create a home in Mackay. Once my child started school I decided I wanted to go back to University. I always enjoyed being in helping organisations but couldn't quite find what I wanted to study - then I started looking at Criminology and Law. I decided Law was the better fit and applied with CQU to do a Bachelor of Laws. I then commenced working at a Family Relationship Centre within Dispute Resolution and Family Law Pathways. This grew my interest in Law and aligned well with my studies.

When I graduated I was employed by the North Queensland Primary Health Network as a Senior Contracts Performance Officer. I realised this wasn't the role for me and started applying for other roles through Seek. I applied for so many, went for interviews and kept getting knocked back. Then I got a call from QBCC. This was an exciting day for me, because it was a roles that I was intrigued by when I read the ad. When I applied I was at a point where I believed no one would hire me and was down on myself. After the first interview they asked me back for a second interview. I ended up being the successful candidate and was offered the role as Operations Team Leader. I have been working at QBCC since Sept 2023.

As Operations Team Leader, I need to be across the Key Performance Indicators of my team members. The team works within licensing, disputes, claims and investigations. I support the team to make the most informed decisions for their cases. QBCC has an Act and Regulations that need to be followed and I regularly turn to the legislation to support my answers. Studying Law gave me the ability to research, interpret and apply legislation. 

My husband and I also own a boxing club, and the knowledge I gained from the law degree made me more aware of what is needed when starting a new business. I can understand contracts and know what legislation comes into play. It has been extremely helpful across my professional and personal life.