Department of Parliamentary Services Graduate Program 2026

**Employment Type**:Ongoing

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

**Closing Date**: 11:30pm AEDT, [Recruitment insert closing date]

**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 oper