Lexi Webster
Australia's public sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from customer service and child protection to foreign affairs and trade. Government jobs come with attractive benefits and working conditions, including shorter work weeks, rostered days off, and paid parental leave. With more than two million government employees across the country in 2020, the public sector in Australia covers jobs in almost every field. This paragraph will explore the diverse career options available in the Australian government sector and provide an overview of the benefits and perks that come with these sought-after roles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of government employees in Australia | 2 million+ (as of 2020) |
| Job types | Local, state, federal |
| Federal job locations | Canberra (ACT), elsewhere in Australia |
| Benefits | Shorter work weeks, rostered days off, paid parental leave |
| Job sectors | Customer service, child protection, foreign affairs, trade |
| Job application assistance | Specialist government recruitment consultants |
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What You'll Learn
Federal government jobs
DFAT offers the opportunity to do meaningful work, learn new skills, and work with a motivated and visionary team in Australia and overseas. They encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share their values. Services Australia is another major employer, currently seeking entry-level service delivery officers to work in a fast-paced contact centre environment, assisting the Australian public.
To find federal government jobs, you can utilise job search websites such as SEEK and Michael Page. SEEK provides a dedicated section for federal government jobs in Australia, where you can find various vacancies. Michael Page offers specialist government recruitment consultants who can assist in finding public sector jobs, including federal government roles. They also provide a Job Match tool to easily find roles that align with your CV and create job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities.
Additionally, you can explore websites like Federal Government Careers, which is a dedicated employment and resource platform for professionals in the Australian Federal Government. It provides information on jobs, events, conferences, education, and news relevant to the public sector.
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Local councils
With over 500 local governments across Australia, councils are one of the biggest employers in the country and offer a diverse range of career opportunities. Councils are committed to fostering inclusivity and community engagement, and they provide a stable and secure work environment with competitive salaries and benefits. Working for a local council offers a unique blend of job satisfaction and community impact.
To find a job with a local council in Australia, you can refer to online platforms such as Council Direct, which offers an up-to-date listing of current job vacancies within local governments across various regions. The Australian Local Government Job Directory is another platform that has been advertising local government careers since 1984. Additionally, the Municipal Association of Victoria has partnered with LinkedIn to create the Council Careers Victoria hub, which features job vacancies, ads, and career initiatives from Victorian councils.
When applying for a role in local government, it is important to showcase how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the position. A career in local government allows you to make a meaningful impact in your community and contribute to its future success.
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Public sector benefits
The public sector in Australia offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive career path for many. Firstly, job security is a significant advantage of working in the public sector. Unlike the private sector, public sector organisations are not driven by profit motives and are less reactive to changing market conditions, resulting in greater job stability for employees. This stability is further enhanced by the diverse range of departments within the public sector, such as health, education, defence, and transport, allowing employees to explore various specialisations and work for different government agencies.
Another benefit of working in the public sector is the opportunity to positively impact society and local communities. Employees feel a sense of contribution and satisfaction, knowing that their work helps build safe and functioning communities, grow the economy, and improve lives. This sense of purpose and community service is a compelling reason for many to pursue public sector careers.
Public sector jobs also offer competitive salaries and benefits. While the private sector may offer higher base salaries, public sector employees often earn more on an hourly basis, even in the later stages of their careers. Additionally, the public sector provides more generous superannuation contributions, which can be a significant advantage when planning for retirement.
Furthermore, the public sector is known for its flexibility. Employees can earn extra leave by working beyond their standard hours, and many organisations offer rostered days off and paid overtime. The option to work part-time or full-time and the availability of flexible schedules accommodate those with personal responsibilities outside of work.
Lastly, the public sector provides ample opportunities for career development. With a wide scope of departments and agencies, vertical and lateral career moves are abundant. Training programs and mentoring sessions are also available to enhance job performance, boost productivity, and encourage job satisfaction. Employees can take on higher responsibilities and develop new skills that contribute to their long-term career goals.
In summary, the public sector in Australia offers stable and meaningful careers with competitive remuneration, flexible work arrangements, and diverse opportunities for growth and community impact. These benefits contribute to a positive work-life balance and a fulfilling career path for those seeking to serve the public and make a difference in their communities.
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Job selection criteria
To find a government job in Australia, it's important to understand the selection criteria and how to address them effectively. Here are some detailed tips to help you with the "Job Selection Criteria" section of your application:
Understand the Criteria:
Take time to carefully review and analyse each criterion. Consider what each one is asking for and the specific skills, experiences, or qualities being sought. Break down each criterion into its fundamental components to ensure you address all aspects comprehensively. Understand the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks associated with the role, and how your career background and interests align with these requirements.
Reflect on Your Skills and Experiences:
Think about how your skills, experiences, and values align with each selection criterion. Reflect on your past achievements, projects, or roles where you have demonstrated the behaviours, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities outlined in the criteria. Select concrete examples that showcase your abilities and versatility. Ensure your examples are recent and varied to highlight a broad skill set.
Provide Specific Examples:
When addressing each criterion, include specific examples or situations where you have demonstrated the required skills and qualities. For instance, if a criterion mentions engaging with diverse stakeholders, provide an example of a project where you successfully collaborated with multiple departments or external partners. The more comprehensively you address each criterion with relevant examples, the stronger your application will be.
Address Weaknesses and Training:
Be honest and address any obvious weaknesses or gaps in your skill set. Show your willingness to undertake training or professional development to address these weaknesses. This demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and adaptability, which are often valued in government roles.
Use Keywords and Phrases:
When describing your skills and experiences, try to mirror the language used in the selection criteria. Use relevant keywords and phrases from the criteria in your responses. This helps the hiring managers see that you have directly addressed their requirements and makes it easier for them to identify your suitability for the role.
Seek Professional Advice:
If needed, don't hesitate to seek professional advice or guidance. Specialist government recruitment consultants, such as those at Michael Page, can provide valuable insights and assistance in navigating the public sector job market. They can help you find opportunities that match your skill set and guide you through the application process, increasing your chances of securing a government role.
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Diversity and inclusion
The APS has implemented a range of strategies to promote diversity and inclusion. These include the APS Gender Equality Strategy, which aims to progress gender equality across the APS, and the APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2025, which focuses on recruiting and retaining more people with disabilities. The APS also has a RecruitAbility Scheme, which supports people with disabilities in competing for APS vacancies. Additionally, the APS is working to improve the employee experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and enhance their capabilities through the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-24.
State and territory public sectors are also committed to improving diversity and inclusion. For example, the Western Australian public sector has developed the People with Disability: Action Plan, which aims to increase the representation of people with disabilities in the workforce.
Many government departments and agencies in Australia actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds. For instance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) values the experiences, skills, and perspectives of all individuals and is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace. Services Australia, another government agency, welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and abilities and participates in the APS RecruitAbility Scheme.
There are also specific diversity and inclusion roles within the Australian government. These positions are responsible for developing and managing diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing strategies, as well as driving cultural change and promoting inclusive and equitable outcomes. These roles can be found in various departments and agencies, such as Urbis and Suncorp.
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Frequently asked questions
Government jobs in Australia come with generous employee benefits such as shorter work weeks, rostered days off, and paid parental leave. Other benefits include diverse career opportunities, meaningful work, and great working conditions.
One way to find Australian government job listings is to use job search websites such as SEEK and Michael Page Australia. These websites provide job alerts and notifications for new opportunities. Additionally, you can explore graduate and employment programs offered by specific states, such as Victoria, to start your career in the public sector.
Federal government jobs in Australia are typically Canberra-based, located in the ACT. However, they can also be found elsewhere in the country. Some of the most common hiring areas include customer service and call centres, such as entry-level service delivery officers.
