Our Treasury Graduate Development Program is a multi-award winning program. 

Do you want to make a direct impact in the way government develops and implements policies for Australia? We are committed to making graduate positions accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through this Indigenous Employment Affirmative Measure process. While merit remains the basis for selection, engagement, and promotion, this process is only open people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

As a Treasury graduate, you’ll have access to rewarding career opportunities in an Australian Government central agency, exposure to meaningful work in several areas of the department, and the opportunity to work on policies that shape the Australian economic landscape and make a difference for all Australians. 

Who should apply

This process is open for people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

Our program is open to university students who have graduated in the last 5 years. Graduates must be willing to work for the government of the day and be curious and driven to work on topics that will directly make a difference to Australians. 

We offer opportunities to graduates from a range of disciplines including: 

• law
• public policy
• economics
• econometrics
• political science
• data and statistics
• mathematics
• business
• commerce
• finance

And many more! 

In addition to academic qualifications, graduates should be able to work as part of a team, enjoy problem solving, creative thinking, be committed to learning and are open-minded to trying new work. 

Program overview

• 2-year program, with 3 x 8-month rotations, giving you the chance to build real expertise in the business areas
• competitive starting salary of $78,645 per annum plus 15.4 percent superannuation (based on Treasury’s APS3.2 level)
• a bespoke learning and development program offering on-the-job experience, structured workshops, coaching, and a buddy to help you settle in and grow
• flexible working arrangements that support work-from-home and hybrid working

Learning and development

Workshops

These workshops provide both theoretical insights and practical tools to support your day-to-day work and help you apply contemporary thinking to real Treasury challenges. 

Peer coaching sessions 

You will participate in coaching sessions led by an external coach who provides guidance and support on navigating workplace and team based matters. 

Mentoring and networking

You will be matched with a current graduate who can share their firsthand experience. You will also have opportunities to build connections across Treasury through organised networking events. 

Support

Treasury offers an inclusive and team-focused workplace that provides a strong network to help you settle into the department and build your skills. You will receive pastoral support through regular check-ins and guidance, and managers will support your wellbeing and development during each rotation. Together, these supports ensure you have what you need to progress and succeed. 

We are also committed to supporting staff wellbeing and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. To find out more about what makes Treasury a great place to work visit our website. 

Other employee benefits

In addition to our learning and development opportunities, we have a range of benefits. On commencement as a graduate, you will receive:

• pay increases throughout the program as your capabilities develop
• relocation support, including temporary accommodation to make your move to Canberra easier
• an Annual Lifestyle Contribution allowance of $600 to support your wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle
• access to a corporate health program and employee assistance program.
• access to unique and highly rewarding networking experiences and events
• 20 days annual leave and additional office closure between Christmas and New Year
• access to a graduate buddy who has completed the program
• an inclusive and diverse workplace which celebrates and recognises all staff’s backgrounds, beliefs and experiences
• dedicated quiet rooms for reflection, prayer and meditation.

To hear directly from our current graduates, read our Graduate Stories!

Why work at Treasury

Here at Treasury, we sit at the heart of Australia's economic decision-making.

What do we do? 

Our work spans across government, giving Treasury a unique role in shaping policies that influence and impact Australia's economy. This broad scope offers opportunities to develop a deep understanding of how government works and to gain insights into diverse policy areas. We also keep a close eye on global trends, so Australia is ready to respond to what's next. 

We provide sound economic analysis and informed, impactrul advice on issues such as: 

• the Federal Budget
• markets
• macroeconomics
• revenue and fiscal policy
• international and foreign investment 
• small business
• housing
• superannuation and taxation
• social and first nations policy
• legislative and regulatory reform
• climate and energy
• corporate and law

Our employees come from all walks of life, and all corners of the Australian community and value our staff’s different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and skills enable us to better achieve our department’s goals. We strongly believe that diversity in our teams further enhances our creativity, innovation and improves problem solving. We’re 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.

Eligibility

To apply for our 2027 Graduate Development Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• be a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
• provide confirmation of heritage prior to an offer
• be an Australian citizen (or become an Australian citizen by December 2026)
• education requirements:
  • hold an Australian-recognised undergraduate qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher), completed, or to be completed within the last 5 years. For example, you have or will complete your degree between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026
  • if your degree is from an overseas university, you will need to provide a statement from an Australian state or territory government overseas qualifications unit. We are unable to accept your application wihtout this documentation. 
  • performed well in your studies to ensure you are competitive in the selection process
• be willing to:
  • move to Canberra for the program duration
  • obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance at the Baseline level once accepted into the program. For more information on security clearances, please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
  • undergo any police, character, health or other required checks.

Confirmation of Heritage 

You can confirm your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage through a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and bodies, which commonly include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land councils
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical service.

Evidence types 

Types of evidence that we consider include a: 

• letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or
• confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation.

Submit without evidence 

If you do not have the required evidence prior to applications closing, you can still apply. Attach a letter or email which outlines the steps you are taking to source your documentation. You will have to provide documented evidence prior to being offered a position. 

Resources to help you

If you're having trouble getting a confirmation, there are resources to assist you:

• https://aiatsis.gov.au/
• https://aiatsis.gov.au/family-history/you-start/link
• https://www.oric.gov.au/
• https://www.naccho.org.au/

If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact our team.

Skills 

The Treasury does not require graduates to have prior professional experience to apply. We’re looking for graduates with strong analytical thinking and collaborative skills, who are flexible, curious and resilient and have strong written and communication skills. 

If you bring transferable skills, a willingness to learn, and genuine curiosity, we want to hear from you. You might have developed these skills through experiences such as:

• part‑time or casual work
• group university assessments or projects
• volunteering, caring responsibilities or community involvement
• sport, clubs or other team‑based activities
• strong analytical, communication or people skills
• a commitment to honesty, integrity and respect

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!

RecruitAbility

If you identify as a person with a disability, you can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form. RecruitAbility aims to attract applicants with disabilities. Applicants who opt into the scheme and meet the minimum requirements of the role are advanced to a further stage in the selection process. Merit remains the basis for engagement and promotion. You can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form.

Further information on RecruitAbility is available on the Australian Public Service Commission’s website.