Application and eligibility

We are a new department, established on 1 July 2022.

This website will be updated over the coming weeks to include all the functions delivered by the department. In the meantime, you may be redirected to other government sites for some material.

Applications for the 2023 Graduate Development Program are now closed. Applications for the 2024 program will open early 2023.

For job opportunities in the department please see our current vacancies.

We are seeking graduates that will help us achieve our goals and foster our positive workplace culture. We encourage you to apply if you:

  • like to tackle important issues
  • are open to doing things differently
  • anticipate and adapt to new situations
  • are mindful of the impact you have on others
  • make things happen to ensure success

Our graduates come from all university degree disciplines. This reflects the variety of career paths available.

Who can apply

You must:

  • be an Australian citizen or granted citizenship prior to 1 January 2023
  • have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification), before the start of the 2023 program

You can have completed your degree at any time before that date.

International degree

If you received your degree overseas, it must be recognised by the Office of International Education.

How to apply

Applications for the 2023 Graduate Development Program open 7 March 2022.

You will be required to submit a 500 word statement. It must outline:

  • your reason for applying
  • what personal qualities you will bring to the role
  • how you intend to apply those qualities in a professional capacity

You must also upload a copy of your CV and academic transcript.

ABARES program

Our ABARES Entry Level Professional Program for graduates has its own application process.

Check ABARES Careers for details on eligibility and how to apply.

Recruitment process

Our selection process for the Graduate Development Program will include:

  • a written application
  • video/text-based interview
  • panel interview and work sample assessment
  • reference and pre-employment integrity checks

Reasonable adjustments

If you need any equipment or assistance to participate in our selection process, please tell us in the application form.

If you have any questions please call 1800 242 560 or email us.

Affirmative Measures

Each year, a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a disability join our Graduate Development Program.

In our recruitment process, we apply:

  • Affirmative Measure – Indigenous
  • Affirmative Measure – Disability

Security clearance and medical examination

Before we offer you a position, you will need to undergo an Australian Federal Police (AFP) police records check.

If you are cleared, you must also undertake:

  • a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance, which involves a series of assessments and background checks conducted by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency
  • a medical examination by our external health provider, to determine if you are medically fit to undertake the position (this will include a Q fever vaccination)