Creating connections: Supporting pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into Australian Public Service careers.
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The Murra Program is a pilot initiative designed to create meaningful pathways into the Australian Public Service (APS) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Launched in December 2024, the program reflects the department’s commitment to reconciliation and aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly Priority Reforms 1 (Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making) and 3 (Transforming Government Organisations).
The program is currently delivered in partnership with the Tjabal Centre at the Australian National University (ANU) and the Ngunnawal Centre at the University of Canberra. Personal outreach is led by department staff at informal social events held in collaboration with the student centres. This format helps to introduce students to the program in familiar and welcoming environments.
The program’s person-centred approach is the product of feedback from participating students and involves recruitment tailored to individual interests and abilities, streamlined onboarding, and creating opportunities for students to build connections across the department. Students are offered a choice of flexible, non-ongoing roles selected to complement their study commitments, with candidates meeting potential host teams upfront to discuss placements. Additional supports include mentorship from the department’s First Nations Employee Network, monthly yarning circles for students to connect in a culturally safe environment, manager toolkits developed with student feedback, and sessions designed to build APS career skills.
Two ANU students commenced placements in December 2024, providing valuable feedback about their experiences of the program that informed future recruitment and support strategies. In March 2025, department staff met with students at the Tjabal Centre for an informal barbeque, further strengthening engagement and interest in the program, after which a further eight students joined the program. Amy, a current student in the program, commented that “When the team visited our university I was drawn to how enthusiastic and authentic the team was. Though I was sceptical the attitude would change after onboarding, the program team has only ever been supportive of my journey as a student and appreciate my input in all aspects of the program. My experience has been life changing for my personal confidence Creating connections: Supporting pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into Australian Public Service careers 22 Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and career considerations. The program is a tangible and genuine measure and a true demonstration of commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap”.
In August 2025 the program held a second engagement event at the Tjabal Centre and formed a second University partnership with the Ngunnawal Centre, hosting a barbeque to meet with their students
Twenty-eight business areas across DEWR have nominated to participate in the program, demonstrating the potential for it to expand. The initiative not only contributes to the department’s Closing the Gap Strategy by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, but also provides opportunities for DEWR staff to develop long-term relationships and increase their cultural knowledge and literacy. Riley, a former student’s supervisor, reflected that “The learning and development flowed both ways. My understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the challenges that need to be addressed, grew from my conversations with our student intern. I’m so grateful for her openness in sharing her experiences”
By embedding lived experience and diverse perspectives into policy and program design, the program contributes to more effective government and a stronger democracy. It exemplifies DEWR’s commitment to reconciliation and building an inclusive public service that reflects the communities it serves. Lilli, another student in the program, found that “The Murra program quashed my worries about access to job opportunities. This program has not only provided me with employment and a source of income, but also valuable work experience and skills. Everyone in my team and across the department has been so welcoming and is always willing to chat or offer advice. Anything I want to try or gain more experience in, the program has helped facilitate for me to get the most out of it”.