What We Offer

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (the department) is seeking motivated graduates to join our Graduate Development Program.

Safe, efficient and sustainable domestic and international transport systems are vital to Australia's continuing prosperity. We contribute to the wellbeing of all Australians by supporting and enhancing our transport systems. We provide strategic policy advice to help the government to shape the framework underpinning road, rail, maritime and aviation transport in Australia.

The program is designed to enhance the skills you acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service (APS). You will develop professional public sector skills through a combination of work rotations, internal training and formal learning and development. The program provides a unique 11 month accelerated career progression, with salary increases and advancement from the APS Level 3 to APS Level 5 on successful

Key elements of our Graduate Program include:

• 3 work rotations across our diverse range of portfolios with the ability to nominate preferred placements for each rotation

• Salary on commencement of$72,133 plus 15.4% superannuation (as an APS3 employee)

• upon successful completion of rotations one and 2, advancement to a salary starting at $79,922 plus 15.4% superannuation (as an APS4 employee)

• upon successful completion of the program, advancement to a salary starting at $89,225 plus 15.4% superannuation (as an ongoing APS5 employee)

• the ability to nominate preferred teams from the positions available for ongoing APS5 positions

• comprehensive relocation assistance for successful candidates to move to Canberra

• a structured learning and development program

• being assigned a senior executive mentor for the duration of the program

• access to our internal staff networks, including a network of former graduates of the department.

Listed salaries are as at 13 March 2026

What you’ll do

A role in the Infrastructure and Transport portfolio could see you:

• Administering Australia’s new Vehicle Efficiency Standards, helping ensure car manufacturers bring cleaner, cheaper‑to‑run, low‑ and zero‑emission vehicles into the market.
• Conducting research and policy analysis to support major transport reforms, such as reducing land transport emissions and modernising disability access standards.
• Delivering programs which support connectivity to regional and remote Australian communities, and enhance the safety and accessibility of airports and aerodromes
• Developing and implementing policy and programs for emerging aviation technologies, including drones and advanced air mobility.
• Exploring emerging transport technologies, contributing to policy development on cooperative intelligent transport systems and other innovation projects.
• Supporting the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects, helping ensure road, rail and intermodal upgrades are delivered on time, on budget and in partnership with states and territories.
• Contributing to the Australian Government’s $100‑billion Infrastructure Investment Program by analysing project proposals, assessing costs and benefits, and helping provide high‑quality advice to Ministers.
• Assisting with major reform initiatives such as improving Commonwealth investment governance, strengthening infrastructure assurance processes, and advancing First Nations employment and procurement outcomes across the portfolio.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for innovative, curious, future-focused graduates with a desire to learn and help shape Australia's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications, sport and creative industries.

Successful applicants will demonstrate they are motivated to explore opportunities and exemplify drive and adaptability. They are responsive and comfortable with change. As a graduate in our program, you will thrive on being challenged in a flexible and fast-paced environment. Above all else, you will have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

With opportunities to apply your skills across a uniquely diverse portfolio, you can find your purpose and discover rewarding opportunities that enrich and connect the lives of all Australians.

If you have a strong vision for Australia's future and are seeking a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of all Australians, we encourage you to apply to the program.

What else can we offer?

It's important to us that our graduates feel supported and welcome in our department and, if you've just moved to Canberra, that you settle into your new city with ease. Being part of our graduate cohort gives you an immediate social network and is one of the many benefits of the program.

As a graduate with the department, you will also have:

• A mentor—during the program, you will be matched with a senior executive who will provide advice, guidance, and support to enhance your career progression within the APS. Your mentor will help you to start building your network and be available through the entire program.
• Former Graduate Buddy Network – you will have access to a network of former graduates during the program. A number of networking events will be organised throughout the year to engage with former graduates.
• A dedicated Entry Level Programs (ELP) Team—the ELP team will guide and support you throughout the recruitment and relocation process. Once you commence, the ELP team will organise monthly meetings, training and development, and be your primary contact and support network throughout the year.
• Your work team—you’ll have three rotations throughout the year and that means three different teams to get to know and work with. Your team supervisor will also support you in your day-to-day work.
• Access to the department’s diversity networks - we value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported and able to contribute. You will have access to our six staff-led networks:
  • Disability, Neurodiversity and Allies Network
  • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network
  • First Nations Network
  • Gender Equality Network
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Network
  • Pride and Allies Network

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Development Program you must submit a completed application before the closing date and time, and: be an Australian citizen by October 2026

• have completed (at least) an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by January 2027
• have completed the most recent degree no more than 5 years from the date of the application being submitted
• have a credit rating average
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the program
• be willing to undergo police, character, health or other checks as required
• be willing to relocate to Canberra.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the assessment process please note this in your application and we will contact you to discuss any additional support that will assist you throughout the assessment process.

Assessment Timeline

• Step 1: Apply online by providing a written response to a motivational question
• Step 2: Work sample task involving a video response to questions and a written submission
• Step 3: Virtual assessment centres
• Step 4: Referee checks
• Step 5: Offers made