Eligibility for employment

Citizenship

Employment with the Australian Public Service (APS) is restricted to Australian citizens. However, in some exceptional circumstances and pending the granting of citizenship, the Department may offer employment to applicants who have permanent resident status.

Disclosure of disability

The Department is committed to supporting and encouraging people with disability to participate in the workforce and to access our programs and services.

For those participating in employment, disclosure of disability presents a number of challenges and questions, such as:

Do I need to disclose my disability?
When do I disclose my disability?
How do I disclose my disability?
What are my rights?
Do I have responsibilities when I disclose my disability?

The Department recognises that choosing to disclose a disability is a personal decision. To assist in making the decision, candidates are encouraged to access information such as the ‘Choosing your path’ website provided by the University of Western Sydney. It provides substantial information about options and pathways that people with disabilities can use in disclosing their disability in post-secondary education and employment environments.

Choosing your path. Disclosure: It's a personal decision

The Department encourages and supports individuals who choose to disclose their disability. The Department also provides assistance with the transition into the workplace. Details of any disability disclosed are kept confidential.

If you would like to contact a staff member with a disability to talk about what it is like to work in this Department, please email disabilitycontact@dbcde.gov.au.

Redundancy

Former staff of any APS agency, the Australian Parliamentary Service or the Murray Darling Basin Commission who have received a redundancy payout from that employer are excluded from employment with the Department until the redundancy benefit period has expired.

The exclusion period that applies is linked to the level of redundancy benefit received by the former employee. The Australian Public Service Commission provides further information regarding exclusion periods.

Security clearance

If you are engaged to fill a 'security assessed position' you will need to hold a valid security clearance applicable to the position (‘protected’ is the minimum level of security clearance for employment in the Department). If you do not hold a valid security clearance, the Department will issue a security clearance package that you must complete. The Department will assess what, if any, risk is associated with granting you access to classified information.

Loss of a security clearance at any time may lead to termination of employment.

Probation

Your employment is subject to a six month probationary period. During this time, assessment of your conduct and work performance will determine your suitability for ongoing employment. If your conduct or work performance is considered unsatisfactory during this period, your employment may be terminated on the ground of failure to meet a condition of your engagement.

Health assessment

Your engagement is subject to an assessment that you are fit to perform the duties of your position. You must attend an examination prior to your commencement date if appointments are available or otherwise within four weeks of your commencement date.