2026 Graduate Development Program GDP Affirmative Measure - First Nations 46559
2026 Graduate Development Program GDP Affirmative Measure - First Nations 46559
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Job Description
Affirmative Measure Vacancy First Nations Employment:This position is only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is consistent with Section 26 of the Australian Public Service Commissioners Directions.
The Opportunity
Do you want to help shape the future of Australias infrastructure transport regional development communications or creative industries
The Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communications and the Arts (the department) is seeking motivated graduates to join our highlyregarded Graduate Development Program (Graduate Program/Program).
Get involved planning the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow designing liveable futurefacing cities or preparing for the global digital economy.
You can also help empower our regional communities promote our thriving arts sector or protect and celebrate the culture heritage and languages of First Nations people.
If youre seeking an exciting and rewarding start to your career improving the lives and opportunities of Australians we want to hear from you.
Why Choose Our Department
The departments Our Stories on Country Agreement was launched on 21 August 2024 andembodies the shared commitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees our leadership team and staff across the department to create a workplace which truly values the culture knowledge andinsight of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.At the heart of the agreement is a set of aspirations for our department developed articulated and agreed by the members of the First Nations Network. We value the cultures knowledges and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples families and communities. We engage with integrity and purpose leveraging our influence and collective experience to contribute to selfdetermination and enriched communities.
Our department spans many great portfolios and provides graduates with the opportunity to rotate through three different work areas to find the best career fit.
Our work touches the lives of all Australians and underpins our economy and society. Our values and objectives are to be respectful informed collaborative adaptive and accountable. Through our commitment to our values as well as continuous learning and development we maintain an inclusive fulfilling and supportive environment that promotes the wellbeing of our people.
With opportunities to apply your skills across a uniquely diverse portfolio you can find your purpose and discover new and rewarding opportunities that enrich and connect the lives of all Australians. Hear from some of our employees about their experience working with the department.
Your life. Your contribution. Your development. Your passion.
We understand the transition from study to a career can be challenging. Many of our graduates relocate from other parts of Australia and for some it is also their first experience of living away from home. We work hard to make it as easy as possible and offer a generous travel accommodation and storage package.
We value our diverse and unique workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our people feel connected valued and respected for who they are and what they bring to the workplace. We know a culture of inclusion enhances our work performance and the wellbeing of everyone. In 2024 Diversity Council Australia recognised the department as an inclusive employer for our diversity measures and we continue to build on these measures to ensure that the department is an inclusive safe environment in which people from all walks of life can thrive. In 2024 we also achieved Bronze Tier Status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index which covers the foundational and baseline of LGBTQ inclusion efforts across an organisation. It contains criteria which are the building blocks for creating an inclusive culture within an organisation.
We have six staffled diversity networks that provide professional and social networking for you as well as support learning and advocacy relating to their focus areas. These include the First Nations Network Gender Equality Network Disability Neurodiversity and Allies Network Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network Pride and Allies Network and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Network. We encourage graduates of all backgrounds and identities to apply and are committed to supporting you during the Program and beyond. This is supported by our 202124 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. We are committed to supporting and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities. This is demonstrated in the departments Our Stories on Country Agreement.
Additionally the department has a First Nations Steering Committee which provides department wide leadership and engagement to ensure First Nations voices and perspectives are embedded in all department activity and guides the implementation and monitoring of First Nations commitments and responsibilities.
Dont just take our word you can hear directly from our previous graduates and their experience in the Graduate Development Program on ourdepartments website. The department has been listed as a Top Graduate Employer for 2025 by Prosple.
The Program
Our Graduate Development Program will help kick start your career build professional skills and contribute to high profile and diverse work with real impact. The Program is designed to enhance the skills you have acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service (APS). You will develop professional public sector skills through a combination of work rotations internal training and formal learning and development. The Program provides a unique 11 month accelerated career progression with salary increases and advancement from the APS Level 3 to APS Level 5 on successful completion.
The Program includes:
- ability to grow your networks and provide you with access to our senior leaders
- three challenging and diverse work rotations across our highprofile portfolios
- commencement as an APS3 employee (from $69761 plus 15.4 superannuation)
- upon successful completion of rotations one and two advancement to an APS4 (from $77294 plus 15.4 superannuation)
- upon successful completion of the Program advancement to an ongoing APS5 (from $86291 plus 15.4 superannuation)
- a structured learning and development program to set you up for success
- Access to our internal staff networks assigned an SES mentor and access to a network of former Graduates.
*Listed salaries are as at 13 March 2025
Throughout the Program you will have access to professional development opportunities. Upon successful completion of the Program you may receive financial support and paid leave to undertake further study in relevant areas and broader Australian Public Service and mobility and career progression within the department.
Rotations
Throughout our Graduate Program you will undertake three workplace rotations over 11 months. This allows you to get a sense of the diversity of work across our portfolio and make a meaningful contribution in each area. Rotation placements are determined through an Expression of Interest (EOI) where individual preferences are matched with organisational requirements as much as possible.
Workplace rotations vary significantly and could see you:
- helping to set the course for Australias digital future
- developing policy that supports and protects our cultural heritage
- designing liveable futurefacing cities
- protecting and celebrating the culture heritage and languages of First Nations people
- developing policy for broadband telecommunications or broadcasting
- promoting our thriving arts sector
- supporting regional development and local communities around Australia
No matter the rotation you will enjoy exciting rewarding and challenging experiences that will kick start your career in the APS.
Some of our past graduates have shared some of their rotation experiences here.
Support
Its important to us that as a graduate you feel supported and welcomed into our department and if youve just moved to Canberra that you settle in to your new city with ease. Being part of our graduate cohort gives you an immediate social network and is one of the many benefits of the program.
Youll also have:
- A mentorduring the Program well pair you up with a senior executive who will provide advice guidance and support to enhance your career progression within the APS. Your mentor will help you to start building your network early.
- A dedicated Entry Level Programs (ELP) Teamthe ELP team will guide and support you throughout the recruitment and relocation process. Once you commence the ELP team will organise monthly meetings training and development and be your primary contact and support network throughout the year.
- Your work teamyoull have three rotations throughout the year and that means three different teams to get to know and work with. Your team supervisor will also support you in your daytoday work.
- Access to the departments First Nations Network the network provides professional and social networking for First Nations employees as well as support learning and advocacy in our department.
- Access to the departments Indigenous Liaison Officer the officer is available to provide pastoral care and support for First Nations employees.
Recruitment Process
2026 Graduate Development Program applications are open from 3 March 2025 and close 27 April 2025.
Affirmative Measure Vacancy
This recruitment round is advertised as an affirmative measure. The affirmative measure is designed to promote the right to equality and nondiscrimination in employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and increase the number of First Nations employees in the APS.
Subsection 262 of the Commissioners Directions provides that the agency head or delegate must ensure that for a vacancy under this affirmative measure the only eligible applicants:
- are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
- are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Candidates who apply under the affirmative measure will need to meet minimum benchmarks to progress through the assessment stages.
Evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status
An agency head or their delegate must be satisfied that applicants under the affirmative measure meet the three criteria above.
Evidence is not required at the time of application but will need to be provided before commencement of the program.
Suitable evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status may include:
- a letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that the applicant is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or
- a confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent document executed by an Indigenous organisation.
If you are having any difficulty getting hold of your documentation please reach out to the Entry Level Programs team at to discuss your situation.
Step 1: Apply online
The first stage of the application process is online. Allow yourself around one hour to complete the application process and submit by 11.30pm (AEST) on the closing date to avoid any technical issues. In addition to providing information about your interests work experience and general application criteria (e.g. educational experience) you will require a copy of your current resume and academic transcript.
Written Motivational Question: You will be asked to respond to the below questions in 500 words. We want to learn about your motivation in applying for the Program and what skills you will bring to the department. Dont forget to respond using the STAR method and think about the capabilities we are looking for that have been outlined in this job pack.
- What has motivated you to apply for a Graduate position at the Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communications and the Arts
- Based on your skills and experience how do you think you will be able to contribute to the work of the department
Step 2: Video and written submissions
If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of the process you will be asked to complete the following two online assessments:
Targeted Questions/Work Sample: You will be asked to provide written responses that demonstrate your competency in an area critical to success in a graduate role. This may be in the form of multiple questions or as a work sample to an important piece of work you may perform as a graduate.
Online Video Questions: You will also be asked to record an online video response to interview questions. This is your chance to showcase any research you have done into the department and outline the skills you have acquired in your working/university career. You will have the opportunity to test out how the interview works with sample questions prior to responding to the actual questions.
You will need to submit your targeted questions and video response within a set timeframe of receiving your invitation we will provide you plenty of notice and will be available to discuss if you have any questions or concerns.
Step 3: Virtual Assessment Centre
After shortlisting is complete you may be invited to attend our Virtual Assessment Centre. This is where the representatives of the department will be able to chat with you and get to know you whilst also assessing your suitability for the program during virtual group activities.
The Virtual Assessment Centre will run for around three hours and will involve:
- a group exercise in a small group with other candidates you will work together to complete work sample projects and tasks.
- an interview a one on one interview with department employees.
Step 4: Referee Checks
We may contact your two chosen referees to confirm your work experience and employment history.
Please make sure your referees are aware that they may be contacted.
Step 5: Offers
Congratulations you did it! Our team want you to join the department as part of a fantastic cohort of future leaders.
Offers will be made to successful candidates. A merit pool may be established dependent on how many suitable candidates are ranked for any potential late offers. All unsuccessful candidates will be notified via email and will be able to receive feedback.
Expected timeframe for assessment and selection
We receive a large number of applications for the Program and ensure all applications are sufficiently assessed. We know you put a lot of time and effort into writing your application and so try to let you know the outcome as early as possible. The outline below is an approximate timeframe for the selection process:
Activity
Timeframe
Application period
March April 2025
Shortlisting
May 2025
Stage 2 Video and Written Submission
May/June 2025
Shortlisting
July 2025
Stage 3 Virtual Assessment Centres
July/August 2025
Process finalisedoffers made
September December 2025
Program commencement
January/February 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible for our Graduate Development Program you must submit a completed application before the closing date and time and provide evidence or confirmation of the following:
- be an Australian citizen by October 2025
- have completed (at least) an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree) equivalent or higher equivalent by January 2026
- have completed the most recent degree no more than five years from the date of the application being submitted
- have a credit grade average
- be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the Program
- be willing to undergo police character health or other checks as required
- be willing and able to relocate to Canberra.
If you require adjustments to be made to the assessment process please note this in your application and we will contact you to discuss any additional support.
Who are we looking for
We are looking for innovative curious futurefocused graduates with a desire to learn and help shape Australias infrastructure transport regional development communications and creative industries.
Successful applicants demonstrate they are motivated to explore opportunities and exemplify drive and adaptability. They are responsive and comfortable with change. As a graduate in our program you will thrive on being challenged in a flexible and fastpaced environment. Above all else you will have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.
We are looking for graduates who arent afraid to do things differently and create an impactthose who want to make a difference and are bold enough to take the lead.
Apply now!
Applications to apply directly with the Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communications and the Arts will be open from 3 March 2025 and close 27 April 2025.
Click here to apply now!
We are also a participating agency in the following Graduate opportunities:
Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP)
Applying through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) means you will only have to go through the application and selection process once to be considered for a range of Australian Government agencies. Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate youll do meaningful work from day one be asked to contribute be recognised for your perspective and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.
In 2026 we are a participating agency in the Generalist Data Digital Economics Finance Legal Indigenous and STEM Graduate streams.
Click here to apply and find out more.
Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are able to complete one application and be considered for multiple Agencies and Departments within the Australian Public Service (APS).
Whether you start your career with us or somewhere else in the APS you will do meaningful work from day one.Applications to apply through the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program will open on Monday 3 March 2025.
Click here to apply and find out more.
Contact
For information not contained within this job information pack or on our website please contact us at:E:
Employment Type
Full-Time
