Treasury Graduate Development Program - Indigenous Affirmative Measure (Feb 2026)

Do you want to make a direct impact in the way government develops and implements policies for Australia, as well as those relating to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities? We are committed to making graduate positions accessible to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders through this Indigenous Employment Affirmative Measure process. While merit remains the basis for selection, engagement, and promotion, this process is only open people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

Our Graduate Development Program gives you access to rewarding career opportunities. As a Treasury graduate, you’ll gain exposure working in several areas of the department. You’ll get to work on policies that help shape the future and make a difference for all Australians.

Who should apply

Our program is open to all university students who have graduated in the last 5 years. Graduates must be willing to work for the government of the day and be curious and driven to work on topics that will directly make a difference for all Australians. 

We offer opportunities to graduates from a range of disciplines including: 

• law
• economics
• econometrics
• public policy
• political science
• data and statistics
• mathematics
• business
• commerce
• finance

And many more! 

In addition to academic qualifications, graduates should be able to work as part of a team, enjoy problem solving, creative thinking, be committed to learning and are open-minded to trying new work. 

We’re looking for graduates with strong analytical thinking and collaborative skills, who are flexible, curious and resilient and are eager to develop their written and communication skills. 

Program overview

• Our graduate program runs for 2 years with 3x 8-month rotations in different work areas, allowing you to gain experience across the department.
• Work placements are based on your skills, academic qualifications and Treasury’s portfolio responsibilities
• Graduates can nominate work areas of interest for second and final rotations
• You will complete several face-to-face development opportunities over the 2 years.
• Most of our graduates are based in our Canberra office, however those already residing in Sydney and Melbourne may have the opportunity to secure one of the limited places in one of the state offices, with occasional travel to Canberra.

Development

You will:

• have access to bespoke face-to-face development opportunities including university-facilitated development workshops with a mix of academic professionals and Treasury subject matter experts
• have a pathway that enables career progression as your capability develops
• complete formal learning and development opportunities including six 2-day external workshops and four peer coaching sessions each year.

Other employee benefits
In addition to our learning and development opportunities, we have a range of benefits. As a graduate on commencement, you will receive:

• access to unique and highly rewarding networking experiences and events
• competitive starting salary of $76,059 per annum + 15.4% superannuation (total remuneration package $87,772 per annum) based on a commencing at Treasury’s APS 3.2 level
• pay-point and broadband progression as your capabilities develop
• 20 days annual leave and additional office closure between Christmas and New Year
• flexible working arrangements and work from home options in agreement with your manager and team requirements
• an Annual Lifestyle Contribution allowance of $600 to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can use the contribution toward a gym membership or to purchase sporting equipment and apparel
• access to a graduate buddy who has completed the program
• an inclusive and diverse workplace which celebrates and recognises all staff’s backgrounds, beliefs and experiences
• relocation assistance for eligible graduates – including 4 weeks of short-term temporary accommodation (if required)
• on-site childcare centre and carer rooms– we are proudly accredited through the Australian Breastfeeding Association as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
• dedicated quiet rooms for reflection, prayer and meditation.

For more information about the Treasury Graduate Development Program visit: http://graduates.treasury.gov.au/.

Why work at Treasury

Treasury is the Australian Government’s lead economic adviser. We provide advice to the Australian Government and implement policies and programs to achieve strong and sustainable economic and fiscal outcomes for Australians. As a central policy agency, our role is to anticipate and analyse policy issues with a whole of economy perspective, understand government and stakeholder circumstances, and respond rapidly to changing events and directions.

Our First Nations Policy Unit that is responsible for the agency’s contribution to the government's implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, advising and reporting on Budget measures that relate to First Nations Australians and supporting the work of the Treasury Reconciliation Action Plan Committee. The unit also promotes increased representation of First Nations perspectives in economic policy development. 

We provide sound economic analysis and informed, impactful advice on issues such as:

• the economy
• Budget
• taxation
• the financial sector
• foreign investment
• structural policy
• superannuation
• small business
• housing affordability and
• international economic policy.

Our employees come from all walks of life, and all corners of the Australian community and value our staff’s different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and skills enable us to better achieve our department’s goals. We strongly believe that diversity in our teams further enhances our creativity, innovation and improves problem solving. We’re committed to growing and maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming work environment for all staff, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, linguistic background, age, sexuality, or disability.

By joining us, you will have the opportunity to build Treasury's knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and ensure our work continues to represent the Australian population we serve. Indigenous employment initiatives are part of our broader workplace inclusion and diversity program that is driven by our commitment to value, respect and embrace diversity.

We aim to embed a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritages and cultures in economic policy making as outlined in our corporate publications (https://treasury.gov.au/the-department/corporate-publications), including our:

• Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 and
• Indigenous Employment Strategy 2018-2023.

The application process and timeline 

Stage 1 – Submit your online application including: your resume and recent academic transcripts details of two referees a short-written response to an application question and confirmation of heritage.	28 January 2025 – 14 April 2025
Stage 2 – Online assessment in the form of a timed written assessment	April - May 2025
Stage 3 – virtual interview and reference checking	May -June 2025
Stage 4 – merit pool and employment offers and submit confirmation of heritage	August 2025 onwards

Eligibility

To apply for our 2026 Graduate Development Program – Indigenous Affirmative Measure, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• be a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
• provide confirmation of heritage prior to an offer
• be an Australian citizen (or become an Australian citizen by December 2025)
• education requirements:
  • hold an Australian-recognised undergraduate qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher), completed, or to be completed within the last 5 years. For example, you have or will complete your degree between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025
  • if your degree is from an overseas university, you will need to provide a statement from an Australian state or territory government overseas qualifications unit
  • performed well in your studies to ensure you are competitive in the selection process
• be willing to:
  • move to Canberra for the program duration or travel to Canberra for development activities if placed in our Sydney or Melbourne offices.
  • obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance at the Baseline level once accepted into the program. For more information on security clearances, please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
  • undergo any police, character, health or other required checks.

Confirmation of Heritage 

You can confirm your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage through a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and bodies, which commonly include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land councils
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical service.

Evidence types 

Types of evidence that we consider include a: 

• letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or
• confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation.

Submit without evidence 

If you do not have the required evidence prior to applications closing, you can still apply. Attach a letter or email which outlines the steps you are taking to source your documentation. You will have to provide documented evidence prior to being offered a position. 

Resources to help you 

If you're having trouble getting a confirmation, there are resources to assist you:

• https://aiatsis.gov.au/
• https://aiatsis.gov.au/family-history/you-start/link
• https://www.oric.gov.au/
• https://www.naccho.org.au/

If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact our team at entrylevelrecruitment@treasury.gov.au. 

RecruitAbility

If you identify as a person with a disability, you can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form. RecruitAbility aims to attract applicants with disability. Applicants who opt into the scheme and meet the minimum requirements of the role are advanced to a further stage in the selection process. Merit remains the basis for engagement and promotion. You can ‘opt in’ for RecruitAbility on the application form.

Further information on RecruitAbility is available on the Australian Public Service Commission’s (https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/diversity-and-inclusion/disability/recruitability/recruitability-scheme-guide-applicants) website.

Start your application by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button.

Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) – Economist Stream

The Treasury also leads graduate recruitment for the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) - Economist Stream. If you apply for the AGGP – Economist Stream, you can apply for graduate roles at several participating Australian Public Service departments and agencies who are seeking Economist Graduates, through one application. 

The Economist Stream will be advertised 3 March 2025, and you can apply for both the Treasury Graduate Program and the Economist Stream Graduate recruitment processes – just make sure to check the eligibility requirements.