Department of the Premier & Cabinet

DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

(DPC)

What is the focus of the DPC? The DPC’s leads the public sector in providing whole-of-Government advice and support to the Premier and Cabinet in their service of the WA community. It also plays a central role in Executive Government functions. Our strategic priorities include: •Working with the Australian

Government •Influencing economic and social development •Delivering key infrastructure and major projects •Supporting Aboriginal economic and social development •Driving digital transformation

What kind of work do employees at the DPC do? A large proportion of the DPC’s employees are engaged in research supporting development of policy advice to government. The advice includes preparation of briefing notes, Cabinet submissions and formal responses to various enquiries, both state and national. Many employees undertake project work to implement both our strategic priorities and additional tasks assigned by government on an adhoc basis. A large part of the DPC’s role concerns central coordination across the whole of the Western Australian public sector and state-wide communication campaigns, such as those required during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery implementation. The balance of staff engage in administrative work in areas such as finance, human resources, recordkeeping and information technology to provide practical support to Departmental staff, the Premier, Ministers and all Members of Parliament together with all the staff in their Ministerial and Parliamentary Electorate Offices.

What interesting work has the DPC recently engaged in? In March 2020, when a State of Emergency was declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DPC established the Pandemic Coordination Unit. This drew on resources from across the agency and the public sector to support whole-of-government planning, coordination and communication. An Information Coordination Centre, operating from Dumas House, reported directly to the State Emergency Coordinator. Communications kept the public up to date with developments, and also kept them informed as the WA Roadmap for COVID-19 was rolled out. COVID Safety Plan tools and guidelines were developed in collaboration with other public sector agencies to help businesses and communities adopt COVID-safe practices. The inter-governmental relations team worked closely with their Dumas House, 2 Havelock St, West Perth 6005

wa.gov.au/organisation/ department-of-thepremier-and-cabinet ODHR@dpc.wa.gov.au

counterparts in each state, territory, and the Australian Government to share information and develop advice for the Premier’s attendance at National Cabinet meetings. The rapidly changing priorities of 2020 created a unique environment that saw the DPC fasttrack remote working methods, online meetings, and fostered new levels of collaboration across the public sector. The DPC continues to deliver a central coordination role to oversee and report on implementation of the WA Recovery Plan. Other interesting areas of work: •Leading a whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal policy and native title outcomes.

The DPC has progressed the implementation of significant native title settlements, including the Yamatji Nation Indigenous

Land Use Agreement and the

South West Settlement Land Use

Agreement. Working directly with traditional owners, these agreements aim to build a sustainable economic foundation with a focus on Aboriginal empowerment and recognition. •The DPC’s Office of Digital

Government has implemented improved cyber security capability across the public sector, and is delivering a digital data hub pilot to drive improved data analytics and insights capability across the WA government.

•The DPC leads delivery of government priorities, implementing the Collie economic development plan and tourism programs, and providing strategic advice on environmental policy, jobs and economic diversification, deregulation and priority commercial matters.

What qualities does the DPC look for in graduates? The DPC employs people with a wide range of experience, and is particularly interested in recent university graduates who enjoy working in a team environment, can adapt quickly to change, and have excellent communication skills, initiative and determination. As future leaders in the public sector, passion, commitment and a thirst for knowledge are essential. Graduates don’t need a specific academic background as long as they can demonstrate academic achievements, have an interest in issues that affect the community of Western Australia, and want to think, talk and write about how the Government might solve some of its biggest policy challenges. They will need to be great communicators who think clearly and are not scared of putting up original ideas. They will also require an understanding of the rules and processes around what we do in the public sector and be willing to ask why. To be eligible for the DPC’s graduate program, applicants must be: •An Australian Citizen,

Permanent Resident, or be entitled to live and work indefinitely in Australia •University graduates who have

a degree of three years or more and who have graduated since 2019. We are looking for intelligent, passionate individuals whose values align with the DPC’s values and want to contribute their skills and experience for the betterment of all Western Australians.

What are the DPC’s values? People •We respect and recognise the contribution of all colleagues. •We work collaboratively and professionally. •We are open to and draw on a diversity of ideas and views. Leadership •We empower and enable others to do their best. •We commit to personal development and on-going learning. •We take ownership of our tasks and decisions. Clarity •We strive to provide clear advice and support, even where there is ambiguity. •We communicate effectively with others and consider their feedback. •We bring a consistent approach to our work. Openness •We act in a transparent and ethical manner. •We make objective decisions and are fully accountable for our actions. •We make ourselves accessible. How does the DPC recruit? Jobs are advertised on the jobs. wa.gov.au website.

Does the DPC offer student opportunities? No.

Does the DPC offer graduate opportunities, and how can individuals apply? The DPC’s graduate program is advertised once a year on the jobs.wa.gov.au website. The 18-month graduate program includes: •a comprehensive induction to the DPC and to Government; •a series of rotations throughout the DPC; •the opportunity to participate in the Public Sector Graduate

Development Program; and •exciting training and development opportunities. The application process has four steps: 1. Submit a covering letter or written application and an up to date CV or résumé. 2. Do a one-way video interview. 3. Complete a written exercise and take part in a 30-minute panel style interview. 4. Referee checks and notification to applicants. The DPC strives to have a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we serve and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. Please email ODHR@dpc.wa.gov. au to request further information or register your interest in the 2023 Graduate Program.