How to Get a Government Job in Australia — Complete Guide 2026

Government jobs in Australia are among the most sought-after roles in the country — and for good reason. Stable employment, competitive salaries, generous superannuation, flexible working conditions, and meaningful work are just some of the reasons over two million Australians work in the public sector.

But getting a government job requires a completely different approach to private sector applications. The recruitment process is structured, merit-based, and highly specific — and most applicants fail not because they lack the skills, but because they don't understand how the system works.

This guide explains exactly how Australian government recruitment works, where to find jobs, how to write your application, and how to stand out from hundreds of other candidates.

The Three Levels of Australian Government

Australia has three distinct levels of government, each with its own recruitment system, job boards, and application requirements:

Federal Government (Australian Public Service — APS)

The largest employer in this space, with over 150,000 employees across Australia and overseas. Federal government roles are advertised on APSJobs.gov.au. Many roles are based in Canberra, but federal positions exist in every state and territory. The APS uses a classification system from APS1 to APS6, then Executive Level (EL1 and EL2), and Senior Executive Service (SES).

State and Territory Government

Each state and territory runs its own recruitment framework with different job boards, classification systems, and application requirements. Key platforms include:

• NSW: iworkfor.nsw.gov.au
• Victoria: careers.vic.gov.au
• Queensland: smartjobs.qld.gov.au
• Western Australia: jobs.wa.gov.au
• South Australia: iworkfor.sa.gov.au
• Tasmania: jobs.tas.gov.au
• ACT: act.gov.au/employment
• Northern Territory: jobs.nt.gov.au

Local Government

Council jobs are advertised directly on individual council websites. There is no centralised platform for local government roles across Australia. Check the careers page of your local council directly.

Why Government Recruitment Is Different

If you've only applied for private sector roles, government recruitment will feel unfamiliar. Here's what makes it different:

It is legislatively merit-based. Every government appointment must be made on documented evidence of how well candidates meet the role requirements. This is not just policy — it is law. This means assessors are scoring your application against specific criteria, not forming a general impression of you.

You write to a framework, not a hiring manager. Government applications are assessed by panels, not individuals. Your application needs to address the stated criteria clearly and specifically — not tell a compelling personal story.

Selection criteria are mandatory. Most government roles require written responses to key selection criteria or capability statements. Getting these right is the single most important factor in your application.

Resumes are longer. Government resumes are typically 3 to 5 pages for non-executive roles — much longer than the 2-page private sector standard. Each role should include your responsibilities and key achievements with quantified outcomes.

The process takes longer. Government recruitment can take 6 to 12 weeks from application to offer. Don't expect the quick turnarounds of private sector hiring.

Where to Find Government Jobs in Australia

• Federal roles: apsjobs.gov.au — the central platform for all Australian Public Service vacancies
• State roles: Search your state government's careers portal listed above
• All levels: SEEK (seek.com.au) — many government roles are also advertised here, particularly state and local government positions
• Graduate programs: Most federal and state departments run annual graduate programs that advertise between February and June each year
• LinkedIn: Increasingly used by government agencies, particularly for senior and specialist roles

Set up job alerts on these platforms so you're notified immediately when relevant roles are posted. Government jobs often close quickly and some receive hundreds of applications within days.

How to Write a Government Job Application

A typical Australian government application includes three or four documents:

1. Resume

Government resumes follow different rules to private sector ones. For a full guide to writing a resume for Australian jobs, see our dedicated article.

• Length: 3 to 5 pages for most roles — detail is rewarded over brevity
• Format: Chronological order, professional font (Arial or Calibri 10-12pt), clear headings
• Each role should include: Organisation name, your title, dates, a brief description of the organisation and your remit, key responsibilities, and key achievements with numbers where possible
• Personal details: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, suburb — no photo, date of birth, or marital status

2. Cover Letter

Keep your cover letter to one page. Address it to the hiring manager if named, otherwise "Dear Selection Panel." State the role you're applying for, your most relevant experience, and why you want to work for that specific agency. For a complete breakdown of how to write a cover letter for Australian jobs, including structure and common mistakes, see our dedicated guide.

3. Selection Criteria Responses (most important)

This is where most applicants succeed or fail. Selection criteria are the specific capabilities and skills the employer needs. Your job is to provide structured evidence that you meet each one. For a detailed guide, see how to write Australian government selection criteria and our breakdown of government job selection criteria across all levels.

The best approach is the STAR method:

Situation

Briefly describe the context.

Task

What was your specific role or responsibility.

Action

What did YOU specifically do (use "I" not "we").

Result

What was the outcome, ideally with a number or measurable impact.

Each criterion response should be 200 to 400 words. Be specific — generic responses that could apply to anyone score poorly. Assessors are looking for concrete evidence, not statements of ability.

Example of a weak response: "I have strong communication skills and work well with stakeholders."

Example of a strong response: "In my role as Project Coordinator at [Organisation], I was tasked with consulting 12 internal stakeholders across three divisions to develop a new procurement policy under a six-week deadline. I structured a series of targeted workshops, prepared clear briefing materials, and managed conflicting priorities by establishing a shared decision log. The policy was delivered on time, endorsed by the executive, and reduced procurement processing time by 23%."

4. Referee Details

Most government applications require two to three referees. Always contact your referees before submitting an application — never list someone without asking first.

APS Classification Levels Explained

If you're applying for federal government roles, understanding APS classification levels is essential:

• APS1-2: Entry level, administrative — approximately $50,000 – $65,000
• APS3-4: Coordinator, technical officer — approximately $65,000 – $80,000
• APS5-6: Senior officer, team leader — approximately $80,000 – $100,000
• EL1: Assistant director, manager — approximately $115,000 – $130,000
• EL2: Director, senior manager — approximately $140,000 – $170,000
• SES: Senior executive — approximately $200,000+

Pitching your application at the wrong level is one of the most common reasons strong candidates get rejected. Read the work level standards for each classification before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, check these eligibility requirements:

Australian citizenship is required for almost all Australian Public Service roles. Some state government roles accept permanent residents but most prefer citizens. Always check the job advertisement carefully.

Security clearances are required for defence, intelligence, and many federal positions. Baseline, NV1, NV2, and Positive Vetting clearances have different requirements and processing times.

Working rights must be confirmed before applying. Government agencies conduct thorough checks.

Qualifications vary by role. Some positions require specific degrees or professional registrations.

Tips to Stand Out in Government Applications

• Tailor every application — government assessors can immediately identify generic applications. Address the specific criteria for each role with specific examples from your own experience.
• Use the language of the job ad — mirror the terminology used in the position description. If the ad says "stakeholder engagement" use that exact phrase in your response, not "working with people."
• Quantify your achievements — numbers make your evidence credible and memorable. "Managed a team" is weak. "Managed a team of 7 delivering a $2.3M infrastructure project on time and under budget" is strong.
• Address every criterion — if the job ad lists five selection criteria and you only address four, your application will be marked down regardless of how strong your other responses are.
• Apply early — some government roles close early if they receive enough strong applications. Don't leave it until the last day.
• Network in the public sector — attend industry events, connect with public servants on LinkedIn, and let people know you're interested in government work. Many roles are filled through internal networks before they're advertised.

Government Graduate Programs

If you're a recent graduate, government graduate programs are an excellent entry point. Most programs offer:

• 12-month rotations across different teams and functions
• Structured learning and development
• Competitive starting salaries (from $54,000 for APS roles)
• Generous superannuation at 15.4% for federal roles
• Pathway to ongoing employment

Federal graduate programs typically advertise between February and June each year on apsjobs.gov.au. State programs have their own timelines — check your state government's careers portal regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an Australian citizen to get a government job?

For most Australian Public Service (federal) roles, yes — Australian citizenship is required. Some state and local government roles accept permanent residents but always check the specific job advertisement.

How long does the government recruitment process take?

Typically 6 to 12 weeks from application close to offer. Some roles take longer, particularly those requiring security clearances.

Can I apply for government jobs if I've only worked in the private sector?

Absolutely. Private sector experience is valued in government, particularly in specialist fields like IT, finance, engineering, and communications. The key is translating your experience into the language and format government assessors expect.

What is the STAR method?

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It's the standard framework for writing selection criteria responses in Australian government applications. Each response should walk through these four elements with a specific example from your experience.

How many pages should a government resume be?

3 to 5 pages for most non-executive roles. Government resumes are longer than private sector ones because assessors need detailed evidence of your experience, not just a summary.

Ready to Apply?

Before you submit your government job application, make sure your resume and cover letter are in the best possible shape. ProfessionalResume.au includes an AI-powered resume builder, ATS scanner, cover letter writer, and selection criteria writer — all built specifically for the Australian job market. Try it free →

Final Thoughts

Government jobs in Australia offer genuine career security, competitive pay, and meaningful work. But getting through the door requires understanding how the system works — merit-based assessment, selection criteria responses, and a longer and more detailed resume than you'd use in the private sector.

Do your research, tailor every application, and address every selection criterion with specific evidence. That's what separates successful government job applicants from the rest.

Sources: Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au), APSJobs (apsjobs.gov.au), Indeed Australia, Michael Page Australia, The Resume Writers Australia.