2027 DPS Graduate Program

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Graduate - Parliamentary Service Level 3/4/5

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEST, 14 August 2026

Contact: Employment Pathways Team, 02 6277 9331, employmentpathways@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 2027 Department of Parliamentary Services Graduate Program.

Are you ready to start a career that makes a real impact? The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) Graduate Program offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while supporting the heart of Australian democracy.

This is more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to work at the centre of the nation’s decision-making, contributing to the smooth operation of Parliament House and the services that support elected representatives, building occupants and thousands of visitors each year.

As a DPS graduate, you will:

• develop your confidence, skills and capability in a professional workplace.
• rotate through diverse business areas, gaining insight into the wide range of services that support the work of the Parliament.
• be part of a collaborative, inclusive and purpose-driven organisation committed to service excellence and innovation.

Areas in which you may gain experience include:

• corporate, people, finance and commercial services
• digital, data, parliamentary broadcasting, Hansard and information management
• parliamentary, governance, communications, library and research services
• visitor, events, security, property, procurement and contract services
• art, special collections and design integrity

Whether you're passionate about public service, technology, design, communications or operations, the DPS Graduate Program offers a rewarding and diverse start to your career.

Apply now and be part of something bigger - help shape the future of parliamentary service.

About the Program

The Graduate Program is a 12-month, full-time development opportunity designed to support the transition from study to a career in the Parliamentary Service.

Throughout the year, you will build valuable skills, knowledge and experience through rotational placements across the department, supported by experienced colleagues and structured learning opportunities.

Graduates will commence at the Parliamentary Service Level (PSL) 3 classification. Subject to satisfactory performance and successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible for advancement to PSL4.

Why work for DPS

At DPS, we value the contributions of our graduate cohort. Graduates bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and contemporary knowledge that help drive innovation and continuous improvement across the department.

Throughout the program, graduates gain meaningful, hands-on experience while receiving tailored learning and development opportunities focused on communication, leadership and professional capability.

Through hands-on experience, graduates develop their skills, build confidence and gain valuable insight into the work of the Parliamentary Service. DPS also offers:

• Personalised support: Each graduate is paired with a dedicated ‘graduate buddy’ – a recent program graduate who can provide practical advice, encouragement, and support.
• Valuable networking opportunities: You'll have access to senior executives and leaders across the department, helping you build professional connections from day one.
• A values-driven culture: The Parliamentary Service Values - Committed to Service, Ethical, Impartial, Respectful and Accountable – underpin everything we do.

Who we are looking for

Your qualifications do not define your career at DPS. We welcome applications from graduates who have completed, or will complete by January 2027, an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in a discipline relevant to the diverse work and services provided by the department.

To thrive as a DPS Graduate, you will be motivated, innovative, and collaborative, with strong problem-solving skills. You will demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, act with integrity and professionalism, and be committed to delivering high quality customer service. You will also be adaptable, resilient and able to respond positively to changing priorities.

At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of all ages and identities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, candidates must:

• have completed, or will complete by January 2027, an undergraduate degree or higher in the past three years
• be available to commence work by February 2027.

Employment opportunities at DPS are also subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship
• the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• the successful completion of a police check, and
• a pre-employment medical assessment.
• employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact employmentpathways@aph.gov.au for a confidential discussion, or provide information through the job application form.

Applicants must upload their resume and a pitch of no more than 500 words responding to the following question:

Why are you interested in the 2027 DPS Graduate Program, and what skills and experience can you bring into the program? Identify your strengths by including an example of how your skills and experience have helped you handle change and/or overcome a challenge.

Selection process steps:

• Eligibility: Australian citizenship, ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, and completion of an undergraduate degree or higher by January 2027.
• Application: Applicants upload a resume and a pitch of no more than 500 words responding to the application question.
• Work sample task: Video response to questions and a written submission.
• Virtual assessment centre: Assessment activities to further assess suitability for the program.
• Referee checks: Referee checks completed for suitable candidates.
• Offers: Offers made pending required pre-employment checks, including security clearance.

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the DPS Recruitment - Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Salary

DPS graduates are engaged at the Parliamentary Service Level 3 classification. From 12 January 2026, the salary range for PSL3 is $78,258 to $81,780 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available a APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.
• interstate graduates will also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at the department are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship: Section 22 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 requires that employees of the Parliamentary Service are generally required to be Australian citizens. However, if you are not an Australian citizen you may be considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to termination of employment.
  
• Loss and resumption of Australian citizenship: Under historical provisions of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 (section 17), some Australian citizens automatically lost their citizenship if they voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country between 26 January 1949 and 3 April 2002. This loss occurred by operation of law and may not have been known to the individual at the time. Although these provisions were repealed in 2002 to allow dual citizenship, the repeal did not restore citizenship that was previously lost. Individuals who believe they may be affected are recommended to seek advice about resuming their Australian citizenship. Further information, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• • Applicants who progress to the offer stage with our department who have been affected by the loss of citizenship as outlined above will be required to demonstrate within a reasonable time that they have resumed, or are actively undertaking the process to resume, Australian citizenship.
    
• Security clearance and character clearance: the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
  
• Health assessment: a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.
  
• External Work Approval: Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.