Department of the Treasury Graduate Programs

What we do: As the Australian Government’s leading economic policy adviser, Treasury’s work covers a broad range of issues, such as how the Federal Government spends, taxes and regulates markets including the financial system.

Staff stats: Around 900, primarily in Canberra but with staff in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. (Note: graduate positions are only available in Canberra).

The good bits: Supporting the government with sound economic analysis and advice, driving policy development and making a positive contribution for the good of all Australians.

The not so good bits: Working on priority economic policy issues, including the Federal Budget, can be high-pressure, fast-paced and sometimes demanding.

Hiring grads with degrees in: Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies.

Treasury’s Purpose

The Treasury’s purpose is to support and implement informed decisions on policies for the good of the Australian people, consistent with achieving strong, sustainable economic growth and fiscal settings. 

We achieve this by providing advice, analysis and legislation to the Government that aims to support the effective management of the Australian economy by:

• Promoting a sound macroeconomic environment. 
• Promoting effective government spending arrangements that contribute to overall fiscal outcomes and influence strong, sustainable economic growth. 
• Developing effective taxation and retirement income arrangements consistent with the Government’s reform priorities. 
• Developing well-functioning markets that encourage consumer and investor confidence. 
• Supporting effective and sustainable structural reform.

Treasury has four broad objectives: 

• Promoting fiscal sustainability. 
• Increasing productivity. 
• Securing the benefits of global economic integration. 
• Efficient administration of Treasury portfolio functions.

Applications for the Treasury Graduate Development Program open on 4 March 2019

Treasury’s Graduate Development Program

Our graduate program offers recent university graduates the opportunity to join Australia’s leading economic policy adviser.

Treasury graduates work on policy issues that matter — we provide advice and analysis that influences almost every sector of the economy, affecting all Australians.

As a Treasury graduate, you will make a difference.

We are looking for capable and professional graduates to contribute to policy development in crucial areas such as financial services, fiscal policy, foreign investment, tax policy and structural reform to support growth in living standards.

Treasury offers a challenging and rewarding career for graduates. You will develop a diverse range of approaches to policy-making and experience Australia’s fast-paced policy and political environment.

Our two-year graduate development program offers targeted training and development, along with two work rotations, to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence as a capable employee of the Australian Public Service.

We embrace an inclusive and flexible culture and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with our many social networks. There are also events scheduled throughout the program that will allow you to broaden your social network and interact with graduates from across the Australian Public Service. 

Eligibility

To apply for the Treasury graduate program you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be an Australian citizen by the end of the calendar year in which you apply.
• You need to complete an Australian-recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree by the end of the calendar year in which you apply (the minimum requirement is a bachelor degree). Your most recent qualifying degree must be no more than five years old on the date you lodge your application.
• You must be willing and able to move to Canberra for the duration of the program.

If your only qualifying degree is from an overseas university, you will need to provide us with a statement verifying the recognition of your qualifications from an Australian state or territory government overseas qualifications unit. We will not consider your application without this supporting documentation.

If you are applying for a role in the Indigenous affirmative measures pathway, you will need to provide confirmation of heritage prior to being offered a role.

If you are offered a role, you will need to obtain a valid Australian Government security clearance prior to your commencement.

The recruitment process

Our recruitment process involves five steps:

• Step 1: Application 
• Step 2: Shortlisting
• Step 3: Interview 
• Step 4: Selection and referee checks
• Step 5: Outcomes advised

Interviews take place in all major Australian cities around June each year. Reasonable adjustments are made for all interviews on request

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, and/or disability.

Treasury’s staff are drawn from many professions and backgrounds, representing diversity in perspectives, experience and skills. We seek passionate staff who will work collaboratively to deliver the ideas and advice that will help Australia meet the challenges of the coming years.

We recognise that teams with diverse members are more able to contribute to our organisation's goals and outcomes through enhanced creativity, innovation and improved problem solving. Furthermore, the services and products we offer are effectively provided if our workforce is representative of the community we serve.

Our diversity and inclusion champions drive our inclusion agenda. There are also a number of self-managed staff networks that provide support to employees through their networking events 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 Employee Network
• Progressing Women initiative Groups
• Accessibility and Disability Action Network

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

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.