What we offer

Training

Throughout the graduate year, we will provide you with opportunities to expand and develop your skills, equipping you for a career within the department and the wider Australian Public Service (APS).

Our comprehensive training courses include topics such as:

policy and program management
financial and legal awareness
ministerial writing
legislative processes.

This training will assist you in achieving your professional goals and objectives.

Support programs

You will participate in both a mentoring and buddy program to support personal and career development. Some of the things a mentor can help with include:

improving interpersonal communication skills
improving self-confidence and realisation of personal goals
building negotiation and problem-solving skills
accessing resources and networks.

Each graduate is provided with a buddy selected from an earlier graduate program.

Informal support networks

As part of the graduate experience, graduates are encouraged to network with counterparts from other departments, as well as those in the private sector. The Social Network of Graduates (SNOG) connects APS graduates through various activities and events.

A number of industry and professional associations with head offices in Canberra hold events and offer means of networking for graduates.

The kinds of people we are looking for

The department recruits graduates from all disciplines. We look for people with:

strong conceptual and analytical abilities
effective communication skills
sound research and team work skills
strong initiative
an interest in information technology and communications issues.

Features of our program

A starting salary from $51 899 with an additional 15.4 per cent superannuation.
Four weeks annual leave.
Flexible working arrangements.
Financial assistance for candidates relocating to Canberra.
An orientation program.
Placements of 15 weeks in each of three operational areas.

Relocating to the national capital

Canberra is a modern and vibrant city with a population of more than 345 000 people.

The department is located at 38 and 44 Sydney Avenue, Forrest. Our offices are close by Parliament House and are within walking distance of Lake Burley Griffin and the restaurant and cafe precincts of Manuka and Kingston.

The department supports candidates who locate to Canberra with reasonable reimbursement for relocation costs, including: