What you will do PM&C's 12-month Graduate Program offers hands on experience through multiple rotations across a range of business areas. Rotations may vary across policy areas, taskforces, corporate and governance teams. No one day is the same, the type of work you will do includes research, analysis, briefing, coordination, advice and support on policies and initiatives related to existing and emerging Government priorities. You will be supported to rapidly develop the foundational skills, knowledge and networks needed to understand and contribute to PM&C and in the broader APS. This includes continued formal learning and networking both in your graduate group and beyond. You will be part of experienced, collaborative and motivated teams. You will have a mentor and workplace buddy, and work with visionary and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to achieve your career ambitions. Many of whom were graduates themselves. The opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone, take on new challenges and launch (or relaunch) your career. No matter your academic and life background, we want your unique and fresh thinking to tackle meaningful and complex challenges so that we can deliver the best outcomes for all Australians. For information, visit PM&C Graduate Program pages of our website. The key duties of the position include: What you will bring PM&C employs graduates from a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people; Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people; and people with lived experience of disability. To succeed, you need to be curious and driven to make a difference to Australia’s future. You can work independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem solving, collaborating, offer innovative and creative thinking, approaches and insights, and are committed to learning. Resilience is key as priorities often shift and you must be willing to adjust and embrace a range of opportunities. You understand how to draw on your strengths to navigate difficult or busy times at work. For more information about the behaviours and characteristics required to succeed (hint- this will help you prepare if you progress to the assessment centre phase of recruitment), see the APS 3 PM&C Performance Model. In line with our dedication to an inclusive and safe workplace culture we are seeking candidates who are respectful of people’s unique differences, backgrounds and cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture) particularly when communicating and working together. Eligibility To be eligible to apply, you must: Have completed at least a 3-year undergraduate bachelor degree obtaining a credit average within the last 8 years. All degrees must be complete by 31 December 2026 and be recognised in Australia. Be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS. Be an Australian Citizen by 30 June 2026, unless exceptional circumstances apply, under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999. Be willing to relocate to Canberra to participate in the program. Notes Employment Type Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period up to 24 months) This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate. Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit. A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement. Flexible Work At PM&C we recognise the benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you. Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to graduates moving to Canberra. Getting to know the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) advances Australia’s national interests through high quality support to the Prime Minister and the operations of Cabinet. PM&C supports the Prime Minister as leader of the Government and of Cabinet and as leader of the country. This positions us both to provide visibility of Government priorities and influence outcomes across all Commonwealth portfolios, state jurisdictions, the Australian Public Service (APS) as an institution, and on the international stage. Our role is to provide fresh thinking and creative advice to government as stewards for the APS. We contribute ideas on the many and varied issues facing Australia, taking into consideration the views and opinions of a range of stakeholders across the private, public, not-for-profit and community sectors. The PM&C team provides pragmatic advice and finds solutions to problems so that Government policies can be effectively designed and implemented. We give particular weight to issues that are important to the Prime Minister. Our focus, put in its simplest terms, is to find new ways to improve the lives of all Australians.
