Attorney-General’s Department Graduate Program
We perform a wide range of legal and policy work to support Australia’s law, justice, security and integrity frameworks. We work on high-profile, high-impact projects affecting all Australians. We are committed to best practice and continual improvement, both as a government agency and as an employer.
As a graduate with us you will start your career in an inclusive and supportive workplace, making meaningful contributions to the Australian community. You will be part of a talented group of early career legal and policy professionals with excellent employment conditions. You will rotate through interesting and challenging work areas and receive extensive training and development opportunities.
We are an inclusive workplace with a skilled and high-performing workforce. We prioritise employee wellbeing and want our workplace to reflect the diversity of the Australian community.
Join us as we work together to make a meaningful difference for our community.
Your year as a graduate
During your graduate year, you will have the opportunity to thrive at the forefront of change.
Our program will provide you with:
- an 11-month graduate program
- a thorough induction to ensure you are equipped to begin your program
- 3 rotations within the department to develop your skills and areas of interest
- structured learning and development opportunities, including graduate major projects and Practical Legal Training (if eligible)
- a dedicated pastoral care coordinator
- a buddy network with our previous graduates
- opportunities to participate in exclusive networking events, including discussions with senior executives.
In addition, we have a fantastic culture you can contribute to including the AGD Social Club, lunchtime sports and employee networks.
Hear more about what it's like to be a graduate in AGD from some of our recent graduates.
Why choose us
We promote a healthy work-life balance and provide flexible work opportunities. We also provide:
- a generous leave offering
- access to health and wellbeing allowances and programs
- external support services and targeted wellbeing checks
- relocation assistance for graduates who need to relocate to Canberra to commence the program.
Salary and superannuation
Graduates will be engaged as an Entry Level Programs Broadband Graduate 3, which is an APS Level 3 equivalent.
After successful completion of the graduate program, AGD graduates are advanced to an APS Level 4 (pay point 4) with a salary of $77,968 plus 15.4% superannuation.
What you can bring to the role
We are looking for engaged and highly capable graduates who:
- think critically and strategically
- are curious and question assumptions
- seek out learning opportunities and respond positively to feedback
- display emotional intelligence and a growth mindset
- adapt to change with flexibility and resilience
- are excited to build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, colleagues and clients
- can work independently and as part of a team
- act with integrity
- communicate clearly and professionally with people of all backgrounds
- think creatively, look for solutions and generate new ideas
- foster a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace culture
- apply sound judgement and make evidence-based decisions.
Applying to work with us
We recruit our graduates through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) streams. You will need to submit your application through the relevant stream:
If you are successful in the process, you will get the opportunity to nominate the Attorney-General’s Department as your preferred department.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the AGGP you must:
- be an Australian citizen at the time of application
- have, or will have, completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), or higher equivalent by 31 December 2024
- have completed your most recent eligible qualification between 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024
- be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
- be willing to undergo any police, character, health or other checks required.
Read more about the AGGP on the Career Pathways graduate portal.
How to apply
Applications for the AGGP open in March each year.
To be considered for a role as a graduate with us, you will need to apply for one or more of the streams listed above through the Career Pathways graduate portal on the APS Jobs website.
You can express interest in the programs through the Career Pathways Graduate portal where you will receive updates from the Career Pathways team on all streams you identify.