Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Graduate Programs & Internships

What it does: the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is at the forefront of the Australian Government’s efforts to connect Australians, enrich our communities and empower our regions.

Best known for: the department delivers diverse projects all over Australia. You could be working on north Queensland’s Barkly Regional Deal, our Indigenous Repatriation Program, Inland Rail projects, public broadcasting and journalism in the Nation’s Capital, or connecting remote communities to the National Broadband Network. There is an abundance of diverse and impactful opportunities! 

Staff stats: 1,900+ 

The good bits: Tailored professional training, a highly approachable senior department, a diverse and social workforce, and a chance to work on high-impact, large-scale projects that directly improves the lives of all Australians.

The not-so-good bits: Graduates must be willing to relocate away from home unless already living in Canberra/Ngunnawal Country.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ story

We offer exciting opportunities to help advance Australia’s infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications, and arts. Our graduates have the unique opportunity to experience a range of exciting work areas, all with one thing in common – improving the lives of everyday Australians. 

You could be helping us to plan the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow, design liveable future-facing cities, or prepare for the global digital economy. We work to empower regional communities, promote our thriving arts sector, and protect and celebrate the culture, heritage and languages of First Nation Australians. 

The culture

We have several employee-led networks, including the:

• Gender Equality Network
• Disability and Allies Network
• Indigenous Staff Network
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network 
• Pride and Allies Network
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Network

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our people feel connected, valued, and respected for who they are and what they bring to the workplace. In 2019, Diversity Council Australia recognised us as an inclusive employer under their diversity measures.  We believe that diversity of experience, abilities, perspectives and backgrounds lead to better outcomes. 

We are committed to supporting and engaging with First Nations staff and communities. See what steps we are taking under our 2022-24 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.

Social contributions

Our social contributions are wide and varied within Australian society, supporting more than just roads, trains, and planes. We also create effective infrastructure for communication systems to connect all Australians, contribute to the development of regional areas, and promote cultural heritage and the arts.

We work directly with local, state, and federal governments to improve the services and governance of 7 Australian territories. We also work to enhance the productivity and liveability of Australia’s upcoming urban centres, such as Geelong and Townsville, through our City Deals.

Our Graduate Development Program gives you the tools needed to directly contribute to developing Australia’s future. 

From the employer

If you have a strong vision for Australia's future and a willingness to identify problems and implement innovative solutions, we encourage you to apply to our highly regarded Graduate Development Program. You will have the opportunity to contribute to vital work that enriches our communities, empowers our regions and leaves a positive impact for generations to come.

Our graduates are an important part of our workforce, which is why we provide a diverse range of work rotations which could see you:

• regulating airports
• helping set the course for Australia’s digital future
• implementing the Smart Cities Plan
• developing policy that protects our cultural heritage
• working on the development of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
• supporting the arts and cultural sector
• assisting in creating policy that protects artwork and artefacts
• providing advice on strengthening our national broadcasters
• developing policy for broadband, open data and media
• working on the development of the Inland Rail.

We recruit a small group of graduates each year. This enables us to provide high quality, tailored support to each incoming graduate. We understand the transition from university to the workforce can be a challenging one. Many of our graduates relocate from all over Australia and, for some, it is also their first experience of living away from home. We work hard to make it as easy as possible and offer a generous travel, accommodation and storage package. We also help you settle into Canberra with plenty of housing, food and recreational recommendations.

Our Graduate Development Program is designed to build on the skills you have acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service. You will develop professional public sector skills through a combination of work rotations, internal training and formal learning and development. 

It's important to us that as a graduate, you feel supported and welcomed into our department and, if you've just moved to Canberra, that you settle into your new city with ease. Being part of our graduate cohort gives you an immediate social network and is one of the many benefits of the program.

What we want from you

We're looking for fresh-thinking, innovative, and high-performing graduates to help shape the future of Australia's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications, and creative industries.

We’re looking for graduates from a range of backgrounds and education specialties, and graduates from regional and remote areas. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Development Program you must submit a completed application before the closing date and time, and provide evidence or confirmation of the following:

• be an Australian citizen by October 2024
• have completed a Bachelor Degree equivalent, or higher by January 2025
• have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years from the date of the application being submitted
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the program
• be willing to undergo police, character, health or other checks as required
• be willing to relocate to Canberra/Ngunnawal Country.

If you require adjustments to be made to the assessment process, please note this in your application and we will contact you to discuss.

Successful applicants demonstrate they are motivated to explore opportunities and exemplify drive and adaptability. They are responsive and comfortable with change. As a graduate in our program, you will thrive on being challenged in a flexible and fast-paced environment. Above all else, you will have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

Living in Canberra/Ngunnawal Country

If you’re an interstate candidate and are successful in gaining a position on our Graduate Development Program, you can expect to:

• relocate to Canberra – with the personable support from the department, at our expense and with your preferences in consideration
• receive up to 3 weeks of temporary accommodation surrounded by the best coffee shops and croissants!
• have your belongings moved and temporarily stored for up to 3 weeks while you find your new home.

Its reputation may precede it, but with a population, in the vicinity of 470,000, Canberra really is much more than just Australia's public service hub and the seat of Australia's Parliament.

Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and is brimming with lifestyle, city services and world-class events and attractions. The shopping is great, nightclubs are stylish and trendy, the café culture is buzzing, and its people are friendly.

Canberrans love their sport and have the highest participation rate in Australia—from lawn bowls to water polo and everything in between. Whether you’re cheering on Canberra's top rugby league and rugby union teams, watching AFL or cricket, playing golf, bushwalking, or cycling around our many bike trails, Canberra has the sports and recreational facilities to suit your needs.

We're also just a few hours' drive from the NSW snowfields, Sydney, and the South Coast's legendary beaches. The Canberra region boasts some of the best food and wine experiences Australia has to offer, with more than 10 wineries within a 30km drive.

By capital city standards Canberra is an affordable place to live, with an outstanding education system, excellent health services, shorter commuting times, plenty of fresh air, and community living.