Career Profiles

Career Profiles

Government

It is the job of the public service to implement the policies of government, and provide information and services to support policy decisions. The Australian and New Zealand systems of government are based on the British idea of a politically neutral, impartial public service serving the government of the day.

In recent times, the public service has undergone significant cultural changes, with a shift towards a more corporate model of best practice, emphasising cost-effectiveness and accountability. Outsourcing of work previously undertaken by government employees has become more common. As a result of this trend, some public servants move into consultancy after gaining experience in a particular department or field.

The work

Occupation roles within government are diverse. Policy and administrative pathways are obviously common, but there are also many other areas of work within the distinct portfolio areas and at the different levels of government.

In Australia, different portfolios of responsibility are attached to different levels of government – federal, state and local – although there is often overlap. Contrary to popular opinion, government employs a wide range of professionals, not just administrators. Accountants, agricultural scientists, economists, engineers, geologists, lawyers, doctors, nurses and librarians are just some of the many occupational roles within contemporary government organisations. Most government departments actively seek graduates from a range of disciplines for their graduate programs.

Employment has grown strongly in government in recent years. Most of the growth has been in government administration and defence (almost 90,000 in the five years to February 2007 – Australian Jobs 2007, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations). Employment opportunities for new graduates are fairly good.

What you need

The requirements vary considerably depending on the department and the role. Most agencies recruit widely however, so no matter what your degree you are likely to be able to find an area of government which employs graduates from that discipline. Key desirable skills for most graduate positions are: communication; cultural sensitivity; organisation; flexibility; and resourcefulness. There are opportunities to travel and live overseas in some areas.

More information

www.jobsearch.gov.au | www.apsjob.gov.au | www.defencejobs.gov.au

Money matters

Starting salaries vary depending on the role and area of government. Half of all bachelor graduates employed full-time in federal government in 2006 earned a starting salary of $41,000-$51,000. The equivalent ranges for state government and local government are $38,600-$48,100 and $39,000-$50,000 respectively. With experience and a demonstrated track record, salaries of $80,000 or more are not uncommon. See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Significant stats

• More than 40 per cent of people working in government or defence have a bachelor degree or higher qualification, but a similar number do not hold post-school qualifications – making the work environment a diverse one.
• The work force is relatively old, with 45 per cent of workers aged 45 years or older. With an increasing number of the baby boomer generation entering retirement, this trend will change and will open up opportunities for graduates.
• Female employment in government administration and defence has more than doubled in the last 20 years.

Figures from Australian Jobs 2007, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.