Department of Parliamentary Services Graduate Program 2026

Job Details

Job Title: Department of Parliamentary Services Graduate Program 2026

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Graduate - Parliamentary Service Level 3/4

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 21 August 2025

Contact: DPS Employment Pathways Team, employmentpathways@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 2026 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 graduates a unique opportunity to grow professionally while supporting the heart of Australian democracy.

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

As a DPS graduate, you willl:

• Develop your confidence and capability in a professional workplace.
• Rotate through diverse business areas, gaining insight into the wide-ranging services that keep Parliament functioning.
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive and purpose-driven team committed to service excellence and innovation.

Your qualifications don’t define your career at our department - whether you're passionate about public policy, customer service, research, communications or anything in between, the DPS Graduate Program offers a dynamic and rewarding start to your career. Graduates may be offered rotation opportunities in a wide range of areas, including:

• Library and research services
• Communications and media
• Information technology and cyber security
• Security and emergency management
• Hansard and broadcasting
• Building and capital works projects
• Corporate and Human Resource services
• Financial services
• Art collections and design integrity, and 
• Catering and events, retail and visitor services. 

About the Program

The Graduate Program is a 12-month, full-time development opportunity designed to set you up for a successful and fulfilling career in the Parliamentary Service.

Throughout the year, you’ll gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience across different areas of the department, all while being supported by an experienced team of professionals who are committed to helping you grow, and a dedicated network of previous graduates for support.

As a graduate, you will start at the Parliamentary Service Level (PSL3) classification. On successful completion of the program, you’ll progress to a PSL4, with high-performing graduates having the opportunity to be considered for advancement to a PSL5 through a merit process.

What You Can Expect as a DPS Graduate:

• Three tailored rotations across different areas of the department, matched to your interests and strengths, giving you a broad perspective of our work. 
• Regular coaching sessions with members of the Senior Executive Service, offering insight and guidance from leaders.
• A structured learning and development program, complemented by external and internal training opportunities.
• Networking opportunities, including events and activities that help you connect with your peers and leaders.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Entry Level Programs team, providing mentoring and guidance throughout your journey.

If this sounds like it aligns with your goals and interest, you can learn more about the program from our current and previous graduates here.

Why Work for DPS?

At DPS, we value the contributions of our graduate cohort. As emerging professionals, graduates bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and up-to-date expertise that help drive innovation and enhance the way we work. Throughout the program, you'll gain meaningful, hands-on experience that challenges and develops your skills, and be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable supervisor. 

Our graduates benefit from tailored, in-house training focused on communication, leadership, and professional development. On-the-job experience allows graduates to develop their skills and challenge themselves, ensuring that graduates can demonstrate technical excellence upon completion from the program. DPS can also offer our graduates; 

• Personalised support: Each graduate is paired with a dedicated ‘graduate buddy’ — someone who has recently completed the program and can offer practical advice, encouragement, and support.
• Valuable networking opportunities: You'll have access to senior executives and leaders across the department, helping you build strong professional connections from day one.
• A values-driven culture: We are committed to integrity, respect, impartiality and excellence throughout all our work. 

All graduate positions are based in ACT, with interstate graduates eligible to up to $5,000 in relocation assistance.

Who we are looking for

To excel as a DPS Graduate, you will be motivated, innovative, collaborative, and enjoy problem-solving. To be a strong contender, you will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and operate with respect, integrity and ethical behaviour. You will also have the ability to provide high quality customer service and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.

We welcome applications from graduates who have completed, or will complete by January 2026, an undergraduate degree or higher in any discipline that aligns to the diverse work and services provided by our department.

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 encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Eligibility Requirements: 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Have completed, or will complete by January 2026, an undergraduate degree or higher in the past three years
• Obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance, and;
• Be available to commence work by February 2026.

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.

Our purpose and values

Our values are at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings, decision making and interactions with stakeholders and each other. The Parliamentary Service values are: Impartial; Committed to Service; Accountable; Respectful; and Ethical.

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 the heritage of 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:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

DPS Graduates are engaged at the PSL3 level, with a salary of $78,258 per annum with 15.4% superannuation (with the complete renumeration package totaling approx $90,310).

DPS staff are also entitled to free parking, and complimentary membership to the Parliament House Health & Recreation Centre for gym, pool and sauna services.

Upon successful completion of the graduate program, participants will be advanced to the PSL4 level in early 2027, and the salary range will be $83,415 - $90,639 per annum (excl superannuation).

How to apply

Apply now and be part of something bigger — help shape the future of the Parliamentary Service.

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.

Conditions of Employment

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

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    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.