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GOVERNMENT SECTOR
The Business Careers Handbook 2020
Government sector
Overview Working in the government sector can be a rewarding experience. You learn what it takes to run a country, a state, a community – and the potential is immense. You might be behind the scenes designing a new policy, or working closely with local constituents to understand and meet their needs. Or maybe you are working to launch a new initiative that will help the lives of those around you. In Australia, there are three levels of government: federal, state and local. At the federal level, the Australian Government develops laws for the whole of Australia. They are responsible for anything to do with the national interest: defence, foreign affairs and trade, immigration and border protection, social services, treasury and more. These portfolios are overseen by a government minister and supported by numerous government agencies. For example, the Australian Government launched a new Home Affairs portfolio, which will be responsible for government agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Similarly, the Treasury in Australia is responsible for providing economic advice to the Australian Government and oversees government agencies including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Productivity Commission, and Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Australia’s six states and two territories make laws for their specific region typically in the areas such as schools, hospitals, roads, police, prisons, emergency services, community services, and conservation and the environment. In some cases, the responsibilities may overlap between federal and state. Australian schools, for example, are eligible for both federal and state funding. The state government operates in a similar way with ministers allocated a specific portfolio that is supported by state government agencies. www.gradaustralia.com.au
At the local level, there are over 560 councils across Australia. These councils are responsible for making local laws, known as by-laws, and deal with matters ‘close to home’ such as local environmental issues, waste disposal, local roads and footpaths, parks and playing fields, libraries, and building regulations and development. The size and area covered by a local council varies greatly. As you can see, there are a large number of government agencies and public bodies at the different levels of government, many of which offer graduate programs. Entering the government sector Most government agencies and departments that recruit graduates have regular and well organised admission programs that take applications during fixed periods each year. The easiest way to learn more about the different programs, including application procedures and what will be expected of new recruits, is to search for graduate programs on the Australian Government or APSJobs website, or by visiting gradaustralia.com.au. The federal government for example, offers graduate employment programs, sometimes called an ‘entrylevel professional program’. These are advertised in February/March and June each year with closing dates around April and August. Each state or territory government will have their own graduate program. Local governments in capital cities usually have annual (or twice yearly) graduate employment programs but regional and rural local governments are less likely to have regular opportunities. To see if there is a local government graduate program, search for the council of the city you wish to consider. Government jobs tend to be highly competitive. Given their popularity, you shouldn’t be surprised if the application process is unusually rigorous. For example, to apply at the Department of Home Affairs, candidates must successfully move through a detailed online application, online testing, a video interview, an assessment centre, a referee record and security clearance.
