Department of the Treasury Graduate Programs

What we do:

The Treasury is Australian Government’s leading economic advisory. We are responsible for providing sound economic analysis and authoritative policy advice on issues such as:

• the domestic and global/international economy
• budget
• taxation
• banking and financial sectors
• foreign investment
• structural policy
• superannuation
• business and industry, including small business
• housing affordability

Staff stats:

Approximately 1,300 employees work within the Treasury across our offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

The Graduate Development Program is based in Canberra for its two-year duration. Candidates are provided with hands on learning and development opportunities as well as access to unique networking experiences and events. The highly supportive structure of this program does not currently support placement in our other offices or remote locations.

The good bits:

As a part of Treasury’s Graduate Development Program you will gain exposure to and experience making contributions to life changing policies that impact the Australian people and our economic landscape. You will be contributing to and providing well informed, innovative and sound advice around critical areas including fiscal policy, foreign investment, tax policy, financial services, social policy, and domestic and international economic conditions.

The not so good bits:

The Treasury is responsible for high priority economic policy issues, including the Federal Budget which can be high-pressure, fast-paced, challenging and sometimes demanding. Experience and exposure in these challenging periods can be a highly rewarding experience which will expose you to complex topics that will advance and build your confidence in analytical problem solving. These attributes will make you a highly valuable member of the Treasury workforce.

Hiring grads with degrees in:

We celebrate and embrace an inclusive and diverse workforce. Our program is open to exceptional graduates from wide-ranging disciplines and backgrounds which include, but are not limited to:

• economics
• law
• accounting
• data
• statistics
• mathematics
• political sciences.

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Treasury are also leading the Australian Government Graduate - Economist Stream. The stream will open for applications in early March. Candidates with relevant Economic qualifications may be considered for opportunities in participating agencies across the Australian Public Service , including the Treasury.

You can apply for both the Treasury Graduate Program and the Australian Government Graduate Program - Economist stream – just make sure to check the eligibility requirements.

Treasury’s Purpose Treasury’s purpose is to provide advice to the government and implement policies and programs to achieve strong and sustainable economic and fiscal outcomes for Australians.

Our Corporate Plan 2021-2022 provides a comprehensive break down of our key priorities and activities which can be found on our website.

Why join us:

• Our Graduates commence on a highly competitive APS 3 salary of $68,405 + 15.4% superannuation contributions. Throughout the two-year program and upon completion our graduates will be provided the opportunity for advancement in APS classification and higher salary.
• We offer our eligible ongoing employees an annual Lifestyle Contribution allowance to contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for example gym memberships, quit smoking programs or to purchase sporting equipment and apparel.
• We have five inclusion and diversity networks which include memberships with Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity (LGBTQI+)
• We are commitment to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the department through many initiatives which align with our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023.
• We are proudly accredited through Australian Breastfeeding Association as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
• We have onsite carers rooms, dedicated quiet room for reflection, prayer and meditation.
• We have childcare services located in close proximity

When you join our Graduate Development Program, you will access some of the most rewarding career opportunities in Australia and learn from others who have expertise in their field. You can help us to shape the future and work on policies that help make a difference for all Australians.

As one of our graduates, you will be able to work in crucial areas that cover fiscal policy, foreign investment, tax policies, financial services, social policy, and domestic and international economic conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t only employ economists — we offer opportunities to exceptional graduates from a range of disciplines, including law, accounting, data, statistics and mathematics, political science and many more.

About our two year Graduate Development Program

Our Graduate Development Program offers recent university graduates the opportunity to join the Australian Government’s leading economic policy adviser.

Our two (2) year program offers targeted training and development with two (12 month) work rotations across different areas of the Treasury to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence as an influential employee of the Australian Public Service. Our graduates are based in our Canberra office located within the Parliamentary Triangle precinct, in the suburb of Parkes.

We embrace an inclusive and flexible culture and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with our many employee networks. There are events scheduled throughout the program that will allow you to broaden your professional network and interact with graduates from other government departments. Placements are determined taking into account your skills, academic qualifications and Treasury's portfolio responsibilities.

Graduate pathways into Treasury include through the:

• Graduate Development Program
• Graduate Development Program – Indigenous Affirmative Measure (this is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people)
• Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) streams.

Graduate Development Program

For graduates with degrees across a range of disciplines, particularly economics, law, business, finance, public policy, political science and mathematics.

Indigenous Affirmative Measure

We are committed to making the program accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through the Indigenous Employment Affirmative Measure process. The process is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
While merit remains the basis for selection, engagement and promotion, the aim of this process is to increase the representation of Indigenous Australian in Treasury and the Australian Public Service.

The Australian Government Graduate Program

The AGGP streams are government lead initiatives that help recent graduates find a job in the public service. The Treasury participates in the following streams:

• Economist Stream – led by the Treasury
• Human Resources Stream
• Data Stream, Digital Stream
• Stem Stream
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway.

Australian Government Graduate Program - Economist Stream

In addition to the Treasury’s Graduate Development Program, we are also leading the graduate recruitment for Economist Stream with the assistance of an outsourced provider and involvement from participating agencies who are seeking Economist Graduates.

You will have the opportunity to apply for economist graduate roles throughout the public service.

Candidates with the following qualifications are eligible to apply:

• Bachelor degree or Master of Economics
• Minor or Major in Economics as part of your degree

Step 1: Application

Applications must be submitted through the Treasury’s online careers portal before the application’s closing date.

Your application must include your:

• resume;
• academic transcripts; and
• response to the application question.

Step 2: Shortlisting

All applications will be assessed by Treasury in May 2022.

Step 3: Assessment Task and Virtual Interview 

You will be required to complete an online assessment task. Following this you will be invited to participate in an online interview. Interviews are expected be held throughout June 2022 and are expected to be conducted through a virtual/online interview platform.

Step 4: Referee Check 

Candidates that are in strong contention for a graduate position following interview will be progressed to the reference check phase. Where possible please ensure that your referee is able to comment on your work or team member capabilities.

Step 5: Outcomes advised 

It is anticipated the successful candidates will be offered positions in late-July 2022. Placements will be determined closer to the commencement of the 2023 Graduate Development Program.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified in July and will have the opportunity to request feedback on their application.

Naomi
University of Queensland
Law & Arts Graduate

"I helped to inform legislation that will  protect Australian's super packages."

Jake
University of Queensland
Economics & Finance Graduate

"I helped build a model that fights for Australians struggling with debt."

Christine
University of Western Australia
International Relations & Economics Graduate

"I've flown to the other side of the world to represent Australia's interests."

Tyler
University of Wollongong
Psychology & Finance Graduate

"I advised on the welfare system and Indigenous policy."

Matthew
Melbourne University and Monash University
Arts & Law Graduate

"I helped to make sure the retirement income policy system is sustainable."

Andrea
Sydney University
Economics Graduate

"I helped inform Australia's stance on Digital Tax for the G20."

Freya
University of Queensland
Law & Arts Graduate

"I helped with tax reforms to support the people coming up with new technology and ideas."

Bill
University of New South Wales
Economics Graduate

"I was excited to see part of the work I've done on the Budget making the news."

As part of the program, you will have two 1-year rotations. Ahead of your final placement, you will have the opportunity to experience different areas of the department and contribute to the breadth of work that Treasury leads.

Our commitment is to prepare you for a successful career. You will have access to a comprehensive graduate development program that includes an orientation week, regular formal training sessions, seminars, small group coaching and activities.

As a Treasury graduate you will have access to the following benefits:

• Commencement on a competitive salary at the APS3 level ($64,524 base salary per annum plus 15.4 per cent superannuation) with the opportunity to move to the next classification level subject to performance.
• A two-year graduate development program including orientation week, regular formal training session, seminars, small group coaching, experiential activities and two work rotations.
• Support throughout the program from the graduate team and a Treasury buddy.
• Relocation allowance to assist graduates in relocating to Canberra to take up a position with the Treasury’s Graduate Program.
• Annual Lifestyle Contribution ($600) to assist in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flextime for APS employees.
• 20 days annual leave plus a closedown period from Christmas Day to the first working day after New Year’s Day.
• Performance based pay-point advancement and broadband progression.
• Onsite childcare centre, carer rooms and a dedicated quiet room for reflection, prayer and meditation.

Our employees come from all walks of life, and all corners of the Australian community. They bring their perspectives, experiences and skills from many professions and backgrounds, representing diversity is all its forms.

Treasury is committed to growing and maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming work environment for all staff, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, linguistic background, age, sexuality, or disability.

We recognise that teams with diverse members are more able to contribute to our organisation’s goals and what we do through enhanced creativity, innovation and improved problem solving. Treasury can serve Australia and its people best when our workforce represents the community which we serve.

Our inclusion and diversity champions drive our inclusion agenda. There are several self managed employee networks that provide support to employees through their networking events, activities and advice. They also act as a key consultation point and contribute to work that increases diversity awareness and capability across the department.

The networks include:

• Reconciliation Action Plan Committee
• [email protected] Network
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network
• Progressing Women initiative
• Access and Inclusion Network

Treasury also partners with external agencies to support our inclusion agenda, and has memberships with the Australian Network on Disability, Diversity Council of Australia, Reconciliation Australia and Pride in Diversity.

Please also set up an expression of interest campaign that closes and reopens monthly starting from 26 April. This will target business & commerce, banking & finance, Accounting & economics, AU citizens only.