Government graduate programs have a number of advantages, and the training and opportunities provided are usually of a high class. Also, since the government hires more employees than any other entity in Australia, government graduate jobs will see you well placed for ongoing employment.
In Australia, there are 3 levels of government: federal, state and local. The Australian Government offers graduate employment programs, sometimes called an 'entry level professional program'. These are advertised in February/March and June each year with closing dates in around April and August. Click the link above to check out the various federal government graduate jobs available. It is very important to read the process and requirements carefully.
Each state or territory government will have their own graduate employment program. Follow the links in the section below to find the relevant page for each state or territory:
Local government in capital cities usually have annual (or twice yearly) graduate employment programs but regional and rural local governments are less likely to have regular opportunities. To see if there is a local government graduate program, search for the council of the city you wish to consider.
Competition for graduate roles is fairly high but it is important to note that grades are not the only factor considered.
Graduate positions are mostly found within capital cities but as more general government jobs are available throughout Australia, opportunities to transfer once the graduate program is completed are high. Canberra has many opportunities to consider too for the Federal departments.
The starting salary will depend on the program and occupation. Salaries typically range from approximately $48 to $60k.
Data Analyst, Consumer Price Index at ABS at Australian Bureau Of Statistics (ABS)
Graduate at ANSTO at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science at University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Mechanical Project Engineer at ANSTO at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Performance Analyst at Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) at Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
Performance Analyst at Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) at Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)
Master of Anthropology at Australian National University (ANU)
Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD) at Attorney-General's Department (AGD)
Bachelor of Science at Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Lawyer at Attorney-General's Department (AGD) at Attorney-General's Department (AGD)
Juris Doctor at University of Melbourne
Options Strategy Development Lead at IMC Trading at Google
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (Honours) at Monash University
Policy Officer at Attorney-General's Department at Attorney-General's Department (AGD)
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)