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How to Become a Public Servant: Australian Careers in Government

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What is a Public Servant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Public Servant?

A public servant works in the Australian Public Service (APS). Their job is to run government programs, shape policy, and deliver services to the public. The APS employs around 198,529 people across federal agencies as at June 2025 (APSC, 2025). It is one of Australia’s biggest employers.

Public servants take on a wide range of tasks. They advise ministers, manage public programs, and use data to guide decisions. Daily work may include drafting reports, talking to staff and citizens, and checking that programs are on track.

Teamwork is central to the role. Public servants often work across teams and agencies to solve hard problems. They follow the APS Values: integrity, respect, and a commitment to service.

The career offers stable work, clear steps for growth, and access to ongoing training. Roles span policy, law, service delivery, and communications. There are many paths to take within the APS.

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Career snapshots For Public Servants

The Australian Public Service (APS) is one of Australia’s largest employers. It has around 198,529 employees across federal agencies as at June 2025 (APSC, 2025). The APS spans more than 100 agencies. About 36.9 per cent of staff work in Canberra.

The average APS employee is 43 years old (APSC State of the Service Report, 2025). Around 57 per cent of staff are women. Most roles are full-time and ongoing, giving strong job security. Standard hours are 38 per week. Flexible work is available in most departments.

Salaries start at about $55,059 at APS 1 level. Senior Executive Level 2 roles pay over $186,140 (Treasury Enterprise Agreement, March 2025). The typical APS 5 to 6 role pays around $90,000 to $120,000 a year. Pay rises with each level. Most agencies support growth through structured plans.

What will I do?

Public servants work across a wide range of functions in the Australian Public Service. Their work shapes public policy, delivers community services, and keeps government running. No two roles look exactly alike, but most share a core set of duties.

  • Policy work: researching issues, weighing options, and drafting policy advice for government.
  • Service delivery: managing programs that provide health, education, and social services to the community.
  • Data work: gathering and reading data to check whether programs are meeting their goals.
  • Report writing: preparing briefs, minutes, and papers for ministers, committees, and senior leaders.
  • Community input: consulting with local groups, industry bodies, and other agencies to gather feedback.
  • Compliance: making sure government and third-party activities follow relevant laws and standards.
  • Budget work: helping to plan budgets, track spending, and report on use of public funds.
  • Cross-agency work: working with other agencies to run programs and share resources.
  • Training and growth: taking part in training, mentoring, and skill-building activities.
  • Community outreach: raising awareness of government services and building trust with the people they serve.

What skills do I need?

Public servants need a broad mix of skills to serve the community well. Strong communication is a must. You must explain complex topics clearly to many audiences, from colleagues to ministers to the public. Written and verbal skills are both vital.

Sharp thinking is equally key. Public servants use data, check programs, and draft advice based on evidence. Problem-solving and sound judgement drive most of this work.

Honesty and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. The APS Code of Conduct expects all staff to act with fairness and respect. Teamwork matters too, as most projects span many teams and agencies.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Analytical thinking and data interpretation
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Integrity and ethical judgement
  • Commitment to public service
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Research and evidence synthesis
  • Project and time management
  • Understanding of policy and legislation
  • Stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • Accountability and transparency
  • Cultural competence and inclusivity
  • Leadership and decision-making
  • Digital literacy and data skills

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