Your career starts here
Are you curious and inquisitive?
Do you have a passion to help and support the wellbeing of Australians?
Then, we want to hear from you!
We are a friendly, inclusive and diverse department with the important mission to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
We have a contemporary working environment that supports and fosters Collaboration and respectful Contesting of ideas and proposals. Our staff have the Courage to put forward ideas and advice as we are Curious to understand how we can improve outcomes for the Australian community.
We refer to this as the 4Cs.
Eligibility requirements
For the 2027 Graduate program, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- have completed an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a bachelor degree), or higher equivalent between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026
- provide evidence of your qualifications
- undergo identification, pre-employment screening and security checks
- obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency clearance(Opens external website).
Why choose us?
Our graduate program gives you the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
You will be provided with varied work experience, formal training, networking opportunities and diverse career opportunities across our department.
The program starts in February 2026 for 10 months. In this time, you will:
- start at APS Level 4 (plus 15.4% superannuation) salary equal to $81,795 per annum
- have 2 five-month work area placements (rotations) within our extensive portfolio
- experience a challenging and rewarding introduction to working in government
- participate in tailored learning and development activities and networking events
- have a Senior Executive Service mentor
- be based in Canberra with limited opportunities in our state offices
- have your relocation costs covered if you need to move
- have the chance to engage in short-term placements in not-for-profit organisations, Services Australia service centres and other portfolio agencies
- have 18 days of personal leave and up to 4 weeks annual leave per year.
When you successfully graduate from the program, you will gain a permanent APS Level 5 position.
For more insights into the Graduate Development Program, read what our former graduates have to say!
Who we are looking for
- Curious and inquisitive people who are passionate about improving the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.
- Eager learners who strive to make continuous improvements and generate new and innovative ideas and solutions.
- Resilient and courageous team players with good judgement and sound decision-making skills who communicate and collaborate respectfully.
- A diverse and inclusive workforce, particularly graduates with disability, and those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the LGBTQI+ community.