What it does: Provides policy advice, programs and regulation in Australia, with regards to transport, infrastructure, regional development, communication services, administration of external territories, constitutional development of the NT and ACT, local government matters and more. Prior to February 2020, the Department was formerly the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development before being merged with the Department of Communications and the Arts.
Best known for: Delivering a variety of programs on behalf of the Australian Government. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications makes travel safer, secure, and more accessible, offers governance in territories, supports local communities and regional development, provides access to high-quality communication services, and ensures that citizens enjoy diverse cultural and artistic experiences, among others.
Staff stats: 1,700+
The good bits: Extensive training, a highly approachable senior department, a diverse workforce, and a chance to work on high-impact, large-scale projects that directly improve Australian living.
The not-so-good bits: Graduates must be willing to relocate to Canberra.
To reduce the number of Government departments and streamline operations, the Australian Government merged the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, and Regional Development with the Department of Communications and the Arts in February 2020.
The Department is responsible for the Australian' Government's transport, infrastructure, and regional development policies and programs while being the lead agency for communications and the arts. The Department is tasked with building stronger communities through major infrastructure planning, investment advice and delivery, strategic development of policies and programs, and transport system and reform, among others. The Department's wide range of responsibilities aims to improve the nation's economy and living standards, connect communities, make communication services accessible, and ensure that Australians enjoy diverse artistic and cultural experiences.
The Department also sets the course for the nation's digital future, encouraging participation and excellence in arts and culture while working on policies that protect and support cultural heritage.
The Department’s Graduate Development Program is open to graduates from any field. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in the last ten years, have a minimum credit average and a baseline security clearance (which will be done prior to commencement), and should be willing to relocate to Canberra. The Department prefers graduates who have a clear vision for Australia's future with a genuine interest in our work.
Interested applicants must apply online, provide information about their work experience, interests, and educational experience, and send a copy of their resume and academic transcript. The applicant will be asked to answer a series of situational questions that reflect experiences which they may encounter in the program. Applicants may choose to enter two graduate recruitment streams: the Graduate Development Program is for all eligible Australian citizens, while the Graduate Development Program Affirmative Measures is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and candidates with disability.
Successful applicants will be invited to an initial assessment that includes an online video interview, cognitive assessment, and a written exercise. Accepted applicants will begin with the graduate program in January and finish early December.
Members of the graduate program are paid according to their APS level. As an APS3, graduates receive around $60,300 (plus 15.4% superannuation). Upon completing their first two rotations, graduates will advance to an APS4, receiving approximately $66,800. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be placed in their respective departments as an APS5 with a salary of around $74,600.
The graduate program offers fringe benefits which may include 20 days of annual leave, 20 days of personal circumstance leave per year, flexible working hours, and health and wellbeing support. The Department covers the graduate’s relocation to Canberra with three weeks' worth of temporary accommodation and assists with storing their belongings.
The Department puts a premium on diversity and inclusivity with recruitment practices and policies that ensure a richly varied workforce. The Department encourages applications from candidates with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Workforce diversity is embedded into the fabric of its everyday business. Apart from having a dedicated diversity team that ensures people with disabilities are recruited, the Department also has employee network groups for Indigenous staff and a Reconciliation Plan that offers eligible employees the chance to undertake secondments to Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal-led organisations. In 2019, The Diversity Council of Australia recognised the Department as an inclusive employer for following its diversity measures.
As a government entity tasked with a variety of responsibilities, the Department’s social contributions are wide and varied. From creating effective infrastructure and communication systems that allow Australians to better connect, to contributing to the development of regional areas, promoting culture and the arts, and improving Australia's economy and society as a whole, graduates are fueled in their work with the potential of creating positive change.
As an employee, graduates will be able to contribute to developing transportation systems, infrastructure, and regional initiatives that make an impact on people's livelihood. They will have opportunities to contribute to national policy development and program management. Graduates are also involved in raising funds for several charities.
Graduates who want their work to be driven by purpose will find their stint in the Department to be personally satisfying. Here, there are many opportunities to make a direct and indirect difference to the Australian community. Graduates who decide to build a career here will find a solid career path: with extensive training and supportive management, graduates can climb the career ladder with skills developed through mentoring and experiential learning.
We’re looking for fresh-thinking, innovative and high-performing graduates with a strong desire to shape Australia’s infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications and creative industries landscapes.
Our graduates are an important part of our workforce, which is why we provide a diverse range of work rotations which could see you:
During our 11-month Program, you will experience:
The Graduate Program starts in January each year and finishes in December. We offer:
You'll receive a starting salary of approx. $60,300 during your graduate year, plus 15.4% superannuation. Then after successfully completing your first two rotations, you’ll advance to approx. $66,800. Upon successful completion of the program, your ongoing salary will be approx. $74,600.
You'll also have access to the following workplace support and conditions, including:
Following the program, as a member of the Department, you'll also have access to:
We pride ourselves on giving you the best candidate experience possible – we want you to relax, have fun, and maybe even learning something new!
Our application and assessment process is phased. If you’re successful in progressing through each phase, you can expect to:
Applications for the 2021 Graduate Development Program are open from Monday 16 March 2020 to Sunday 19 April 2020 until 11:59pm – please see further details under “How to Apply”.
We’re looking for motivated Graduates with a strong vision for Australia's future and a willingness to identify problems and implement innovative solutions to join our 2021 Graduate Development Program.
Here at Infrastructure, we assess all staff based on 10 core capabilities that you are expected to display, listed under three categories:
Category Core Capability
Optimises results
Outcomes Driven Makes evidence-based decisions
Engages effectively with stakeholders
Manages self
Acts with integrity
Accountable Communicates with influence
Develops others
Applies business acumen
Future Focused Adapts to change
Strives for continuous improvement
Before you complete your application, you should consider your eligibility. To be eligible for our Program, you must:
Living in Canberra
If you’re an interstate candidate and are successful in gaining a position on our Graduate Development Program, you can expect to:
Its reputation may precede it, but with a population, in the vicinity of 390,000, Canberra really is much more than just Australia's public service hub and the seat of Australia's Parliament.
Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and is brimming with lifestyle, city services and world-class events and attractions. The shopping is great, nightclubs are stylish and trendy, the café culture is buzzing and its people are friendly.
Canberrans love their sport and have the highest participation rate in Australia—from lawn bowls to water polo and everything in between. Whether you are cheering on Canberra's top rugby league and rugby union teams, watching AFL, cricket or playing golf, bushwalking or cycling around our many bike trails, Canberra has the sports and recreational facilities to suit your needs.
We're also just a few hours' drive from the NSW snowfields, Sydney and the South Coast's legendary beaches. The Canberra region boasts some of the best food and wine experiences Australia has to offer, with more than 10 wineries within a 30km drive.
By capital city standards Canberra is an affordable place to live, with an outstanding education system, excellent health services, shorter commuting times, plenty of fresh air and community living.
More useful information on Canberra can be found here:
Policy Officer, Air Cargo Security Taskforce at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications
Policy Officer, Trade and Aviation Market Policy at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications
Former Graduate at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications
Graduate at Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications