Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

If your degree lends itself to consulting and you want to help shape outcomes for the Australian People, then we want you to apply for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Graduate Program. PM&C will give you the opportunity to consult across an exciting and broad range of areas that aren’t available anywhere else – it’s a mini public service rolled into one! If you’re keen to explore a broad range of opportunities, then there’s no better place to start your career.

What we provide 

• Twelve-month, multiple award-winning graduate program
• Excellent support including mentors and buddies
• A starting APS3 salary of $79,707 + 15.4% superannuation and potential advancement after 6 months to the APS4 salary
• Three rotations across inspiring and diverse work areas
• Work-life balance including flexible working-from-home arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Career progression to a permanent placement and the possibility of future promotion
• Generous relocation package to support your move to Canberra
• A work culture that respects opinions and fosters inclusion and diversity

About Australian Government Consulting

Situated within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australian Government Consulting (AGC) helps the Australian Public Service (APS) confidently meet current and future challenges in-house and selectively engage external consultants in a way that maximises value-for-money.   

We do this by delivering high-quality consulting projects that reflect our distinctive character as government consultants working for public impact (and nothing else).  

Working in partnership with APS agencies on a wide range of high-profile issues that make a real difference to the wellbeing of Australians, we use consulting methods and deep knowledge of government to deliver:  

• Strategy and policy  

• Organisational performance. 

We use consulting methods and deep knowledge of government to deliver strategic policy advice and organisational transformation projects.  we work in partnership with APS agencies on a wide range of high-profile issues that make a real difference to the wellbeing of Australians.  

We support APS clients to advise the government of the day, implement policies and deliver services to the community.   

Our team is committed to the public service and dedicated to maximising our impact by working collaboratively and pursuing excellence. Our project teams also help to shape AGC – and reshape the APS.  

We are pioneering a different way of working – a unique APS style of strategic management consulting.  

For more information on AGC including information on our service lines please visit the AGC Website.  

What you’ll do   

PM&C’s Graduate Program offers graduates hands-on experience supporting the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers, and Assistant Ministers. 

As a Consulting Graduate working with Australian Government clients, you’ll gain hands-on experience delivering projects that shape public policy, programs, and services across Australia.

You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with a range of stakeholders across government agencies to deliver evidence-based insights and practical solutions.

You will contribute to projects focused on economic reform, financial management, regulatory improvement, and program delivery. This may include advising on policy implementation, evaluating government initiatives, and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes for the Australian people and their businesses.

You will work closely with consulting colleagues, government clients, and partner organisations to deliver project outcomes. You will also have opportunities to:

• Contribute to policy and program development across key economic and social priorities
• Build an understanding of Australia’s public sector and economic framework
• Support senior stakeholders through research, analysis, and engagement activities
• Provide advice on policy, programs, and reform initiatives to improve social and economic outcomes
• Work on projects related to major government priorities, including economic recovery, workforce participation, and social policy reform
• Conduct research and analysis on how people interact with government programs and services
• Design and support evidence-based solutions to complex policy and delivery challenges
• Evaluate and measure the impact of government programs and initiatives
• Work across multiple engagements to deliver insights using data, behavioural science, and economic analysis

Who we’re looking for?  

PM&C graduates come from a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. You will relish working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and enjoy adapting to changing circumstances and priorities as the Prime Minister delivers them. 

To succeed in our program, you need to be curious, motivated, and driven to make a difference to the future of our country. You will work both independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem-solving, collaborating, and offer innovative and creative thinking, approaches, and insights.

Who can apply? 

To be eligible to apply, you must have completed your university degree within the last eight years or be in your final year of study.  

The program starts in February 2027, and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You must also be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character, and health checks as required.

Next steps    

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we encourage you to register today.