2008 Graduates

Jack

JackI’m from Melbourne. Prior to working at PM&C, I completed a BA (Hons) in Development Studies and Political Science at the University of Melbourne. This included conducting thesis related field work in Malawi, Africa.

I saw the advertisement for PM&C and was attracted by the broad background of desired applicants and the variety of potential work.

Lauren

Lauren I completed a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and International Relations at Bond University.

I was attracted to PM&C by the possibility of working in a variety of areas on a diverse range of policies/projects/initiatives.

Libby

LibbyI'm from Canberra and have an Arts/Science combined degree from the ANU, majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies. I also completed an exchange year at McGill University, Montreal. After graduating in 2006 I gained APS experience by working in temporary placements.

I chose PM&C because of the training and exposure I would receive in relation to budget processes and whole-of-government administration; the small graduate group; and the opportunity to work in three very different areas on our rotations.

Luke

LukeI’m originally from Melbourne but studied Arts (Politics and International Development) at ANU, in Canberra.

Not knowing what kind of area I wanted to work in, I thought PM&C would be an opportunity to be exposed to a whole range of different areas.

Rachel

RachelI graduated from the University of Queensland at the end of 2007 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and Ancient History. During university I was an intern at the Queensland Parliament, studied at the University of Glasgow on an exchange program.

While considering career options during my final year at uni I came across an advertisement for the PM&C graduate program. Although I was slightly daunted by the idea of applying, I was excited about the prospect of being able to observe both machinery of government and policy making processes, and by the fact that graduates are given the opportunity to experience working in three different areas within the department.

Sam

SamPrior to starting at PM&C I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Management (honours), and I also have a Jazz Degree from the University of Toronto. My strong interest in policy and politics, as well as a desire to work at the centre of Government led me to pursue a career at PM&C. So far it’s been fantastic!

Ella

EllaI graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French. I then completed my Honours on governance in Papua New Guinea.

I chose PM&C because of the opportunity to be involved in a central department and get a broad perspective on the public service.

Graduate Program

The Graduate Program attracts high calibre graduates to work in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) as part of a specialised intake. This page provides information about the Graduate Program.

About the Department

PM&C advises and supports the Prime Minister in his various responsibilities as Head of Government. Our mission is to contribute to the good government of Australia by supporting the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in the effective development and implementation of policies and programmes across the whole of government and to demonstrate excellence in leadership in the Australian Public Service.

The principal matters the department deals with are:

  • providing advice to the Prime Minister on the full range of public policy issues considered by government
  • support to Cabinet and its committees
  • coordination of government administration, and
  • inter-governmental relations and communications with state and territory governments, including secretariat support to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

For more information, see About the Department.

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Graduate Recruitment Process

How to apply:

Applications for the 2009 PM&C Graduate Program have now closed. All queries can be directed to graduaterecruitment@pmc.gov.au. If you cannot access the internet, please call (02) 6271 5593 during business hours.

Interview process:

Applicants selected for interview will be contacted in June. Interviews will be held in Canberra in July. Interstate applicants will have flights and accommodation provided. Phone interviews will also be held during this time for overseas applicants. Please note on your application if a phone interview may be needed.

Assessment process:

Applicants selected for interview may be expected to undertake a combination of group activity, written exercise, ability testing and interview with a panel of senior staff from PM&C. More information about the assessment process will be provided if you are selected for interview.

Offers of employment:

Successful applicants can expect to receive an offer of employment in August 2008.

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The Graduate Program

Learning and Development Program

The Graduate Program runs for 10 months and includes an extensive learning and development program combining on the job training.

In addition to undertaking training designed specifically for them, graduates are encouraged to participate in the broader departmental learning and development program.

Induction

Graduates commence their year with a one-week induction that combines networking opportunities, formal training and departmental information sessions designed to prepare graduates for the year ahead.

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Departmental Learning and Development

PM&C graduates are also able to access the department’s in-house learning and development activities. Some of these include:

  • Cabinet Processes
    A comprehensive, practical and interesting overview of how PM&C fits into and supports the Cabinet system.
  • Budget Processes
     Each year the government budgets for expenditure of around $200 billion. In this session, the department’s Fiscal Policy Branch outlines the government's decision making process over the year - the Budget process - which culminates in the release of the Federal Budget in May. The seminar examines PM&C’s role in the Budget process and provides tips for those working on budget-related materials.
  • Legislation and minor policy in PM&C
     The department’s Legislation section provides an insight into their role, the processes legislation goes through and how branches within the department provide information.
  • CIU and management improvements framework across central agencies
    The department’s Cabinet Implementation Unit looks at their role within PM&C and other agencies, the complementary developments in other central agencies as well as the review and evaluation framework across the APS.
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Salary and Conditions

Graduates commence the program as ongoing APS Level 3 employees with a salary of $47,499 upon commencement in 2009, plus superannuation.

Other remuneration benefits include superannuation up to 15.4% and salary sacrificing options. Attractive conditions of employment currently include 4 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave including carers leave, and a moving day (outside of initial relocation), as well as flex time and flexible working hours. For further information see the department's current Collective Agreement.

Graduates who obtain a satisfactory result in their mid-program performance review will receive a salary increase to the top of the APS Level 3 salary, which will be $51,152 plus superannuation.

Upon successful completion of the program graduates are invited to apply for advancement. Through this merit based process graduates may be advanced to an APS Level 4 or 5.

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Relocation Assistance

The department will provide a relocation allowance for successful applicants. Details will be made available upon selection.

Other Benefits

PM&C offers a friendly, safe, working environment with a no-bullying or harassment policy. Other policies include all staff receiving Work Station Assessments to ensure their working area is set-up correctly inline with individual occupational health and safety requirements. Our Health and Wellbeing initiative includes a Quit Smoking Program, free flu shots, and various extra sessions during the year including health checks and nutrition seminars.

The Facilities

Our new building, One National Circuit, in the Parliamentary Triangle, is the pinnacle of design and architectural excellence. The facilities include 20 meeting rooms, a café, landscaped courtyard, breakout areas and underground parking.

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Living in Canberra

Canberra is located about 150 kilometres inland from the South Coast beaches of NSW. Sydney is an easy three-hour drive away and Melbourne either an eight-hour drive or a quick 50 minute flight. It is the gateway to the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, within easy reach by car or bus.

Canberra offers a unique lifestyle, combining the bustle of city life with peaceful parks, sparkling lakes and some of the best recreational and sporting venues in Australia. Many families move to Canberra to take advantage of the excellent schools, short distances to and from work and the healthy lifestyles.

Further information about living in Canberra is available on the following websites:

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Social Network of Graduates

Every year, more than 2000 graduates come to Canberra to join government agencies. The Social Network of Graduates ( SNoG) is the social network developed for connecting these graduates within the public sector in Canberra. It is run by graduates for graduates.

SNoG organise an orientation to Canberra and a variety of social events to help graduates meet people across the APS. SNoG also provide information about living in Canberra and working in the APS.

To find out more about SNoG, please visit the SNoG website.

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Indigenous Graduate Recruitment

In line with the Australian Public Service Commission's (APSC) goal of increasing the number of indigenous graduates in the Australian Public Service, PM&C participates in the APSC Indigenous Graduate Recruitment program. This program aims to recruit indigenous graduates into the graduate programs of Commonwealth agencies each year. Further information about the program can be found on the APSC website.

Further Information

If you would like any more information about the Graduate Program, please contact the PM&C 2008 Graduate Program Manager on 02 6271 5593.

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Last Updated: 9 April 2008