Opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our Pathways

Entry level pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples include:

• Indigenous Apprenticeship Program
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway

If you have been curious about working for the APS but unsure, we encourage you to consider our pathways and learn more about our department, the work we do and how you could make a valuable contribution.

‘I have been lucky to join the public service through the Indigenous Graduate Program.

The culture at the department, values difference and culture and always strives to be all-inclusive. As such, we are looking for people that are dynamic, agile, inclusive and be willing to share their unique life experience.

The department has several support mechanisms in place for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees such as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee network, Indigenous Champions, a Yarning Room and an Indigenous Liaison Officer.

I would encourage anyone to apply for a position in the Department that is looking to create a fulfilling career that also gives back to the community.’ – Taylah Wilson of the Wiradjuri Community, Entry Level Programs Manager

Culture and Support

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are welcome to join First Nations Network. The Network provides an important mechanism for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to support each other, share information and experiences.

By embracing strengths, we help create culturally responsive environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are empowered to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

The department hosts NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week events each year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and achievements. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees may also access Ceremonial and NAIDOC Leave.

DEWR’s Executive Diversity and Inclusion Champions play a key role in fostering an inclusive, respectful and positive workplace culture. They support Diversity and Inclusion Networks by advocating for cultural safety, competency, and change.

Our First Nations Champion supports the department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network by promoting initiatives which help to build a culturally supportive workplace that values the contributions and perspectives of the department’s Indigenous employees.

Our Reconciliation Champion oversees the department’s work to develop and implement our RAP and chairs our RAP Working Group.

The Reconciliation Champion and First Nations Champion are complimentary roles, filled by members of the SES who work together to support First Nations initiatives throughout the department. They are dedicated to ensuring DEWR moves forward holistically in fostering a culturally safe and responsive workplace.

The department promotes a culture where Indigenous business is everyone’s business ― across its work practices, values, and business. Employees are also supported through the provision of several learning opportunities to build their cultural capability.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for motivated people who want to launch a career and join the Australian Public Service (APS) to make a difference and contribute to the lives of all Australians. The APS offers a unique career pathway where you can contribute and make a positive impact in people’s lives. At DEWR, you will be encouraged to learn, ask questions, apply your skills in different ways and share your perspective to make a difference to the lives of all Australians.

Here at DEWR we value and aspire to a culture of collaboration and curiosity, where listening and openness are central to our work.

We strive to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community and recognises the important knowledge and skills Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to the work we do.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature age people, and people with disability, regardless of sex, sexuality, or gender identity.

Indigenous Graduate Pathway

DEWR participates in the AGGP Indigenous Graduate Pathway which is part of the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP).

The program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have completed an undergraduate degree or higher.

Through the AGGP Indigenous Graduate Pathway, successful applicants will be placed in a merit pool that will be considered by the APS and Commonwealth entities and you will have the opportunity to preference DEWR as your agency of choice.

We welcome graduates from all degree disciplines including public policy, politics, arts, sciences, humanities, law, international relations, communications and business to name a few!

If you are successful through the AGGP process and join our department, you will participate in our Graduate Program and be part of a broader graduate cohort.

What our Indigenous graduates do

As an Indigenous graduate, you will find yourself working in various roles that may include policy development and advice, project and contract management, program implementation, governance, and communications.

Essentially, you will have the opportunity to gain exposure and work on a wide variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department. Additionally, all graduates in our Graduate Program will undertake a formal learning and development program.

Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate, you’ll do meaningful work from day one with the support of a team committed to seeing you thrive. You will be asked to contribute, share your perspectives, and make a difference to the Australian community we serve.

Eligibility – AGGP Indigenous Graduate Pathway

To be eligible for Indigenous Graduate Pathway you must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and time. Other criteria includes:

• have completed (or will complete) at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2024
• have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
• be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.

Please note that agencies and departments will offer different employment conditions and graduate program features.

Indigenous Apprenticeship Program (IAP)

IAP is a 12-month entry-level employment and development program open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in working in the Australian Public Service (APS). The program is administered by Services Australia and DEWR is a participating agency in this program.

‘After the completion of my Year 12 studies, I was undecided on what I wanted to do for a career. The IAP had just launched across Government and I was offered a place in the program to start my career as an Australian Public Servant.

The Indigenous Apprenticeship program allowed me to give back and benefit community across Australia in multiple agencies and roles. The IAP gave me exposure to the many functions of Government which assisted me to make informed decisions for my career and what I wanted my career to be. Through the IAP, I was fortunate enough to travel across the country to experience how my work, impacted Australians firsthand.

DEWR has multiple support networks for First Nations peoples and through multiple bodies of work, displays an on-going commitment to enhancing the capabilities, opportunities and recognition of First Nations employees’, Connor Crouch, Program Officer

What our Apprentices Do

Our apprentices can work across many different areas. This may include policy development and advice, project and contract management, program implementation, governance, and communications.

Participants can complete a Diploma of Government qualification while working full time.

Eligibility - IAP

No qualifications are required; anyone can apply for this program!

These positions are only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To be successful you must confirm your heritage. This means confirming that you:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• are accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian.

For more details on the confirmation of heritage process, read about confirming your Indigenous heritage for our jobs on the Services Australia website. Other requirements

To be eligible for the IAP, you must be an Australian citizen and engage in a pre-employment screening process. This process may include:

• a requirement to undergo and satisfy a national police history check
• referee checks
• an employment history integrity check
• a health clearance
• a Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check.

Applications for the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program are now open!

Apply Now

Other opportunities

Other entry level pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may consider applying for include:

• Australian Government School Leaver Program

Jointly run by the Department of Finance and the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Government School Leaver Program is for students who have recently completed Year 12.

The program offers a 12-month career development program. It’s a full-time job with a competitive salary, paid holidays and superannuation.

Participants can either study a Certificate IV qualification in Government or Certificate IV in Human Resources.

For further information regarding opportunities to join the Australian Public Service you may wish to visit the Indigenous Careers website or the Career Pathways website.

If you have any questions, email entrylevel@dewr.gov.au