Federal Government Jobs in Australia (2025): How to Apply and Get Hired

Why Federal Government Jobs Are in High Demand

Federal government jobs in Australia are a top career choice in 2025, offering unmatched stability, competitive benefits, and work-life balance. With over 150,000 employees across various agencies, these roles are especially appealing during economic uncertainty, according to the Australian Public Service Commission. The Australian Public Service (APS) provides a generous superannuation contribution of 15.4%, comprehensive leave policies, and diverse opportunities, making it ideal for Australians and some visa holders.

Key attractions include job security, as federal roles are less impacted by economic downturns, attractive benefits like flexible leave, and accessibility for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and select visa holders. Roles span departments, catering to various skills, from admin to cybersecurity. For more insights on public sector careers, check our guide on APS jobs in 2025 or explore our career blog for additional tips.

What Are Federal Government Jobs?

Federal government jobs, managed by the Australian Government at the Commonwealth level, are distinct from state or local roles. They drive national policy and service delivery in areas like social welfare, taxation, and security, as outlined by the Australian Public Service Commission. Examples include Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare), Department of Defence, Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Department of Home Affairs, Australian Federal Police (AFP), Department of Health and Aged Care, and Department of Education. These agencies employ professionals ranging from customer service officers to policy analysts, offering diverse career paths.

Interested in other government opportunities? Explore IWorkForNSW jobs or local council jobs for alternative public sector roles.

Common Job Roles in 2025

In 2025, APS roles align with national priorities like digital transformation and public service delivery, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Common positions include APS Level 3–6 roles (admin officers, case managers), graduate programs for recent grads, IT and cybersecurity specialists, policy officers, border force officers, project managers, customer service officers, and legal officers. These roles reflect a focus on technology and service, with high demand for digital skills.

For related careers, see our guides on cybersecurity jobs or data analyst jobs to explore in-demand tech roles.

Salary Ranges by APS Level (2025 Estimates)

APS salaries are structured by classification levels, with 2025 ranges detailed by the Parliament of Australia. They include a 15.4% superannuation contribution, making them highly competitive.

Want to explore other high-paying careers? Check our guide on high-paying jobs in Australia for more options.

How to Apply for Federal Government Jobs

Applying for APS jobs requires a structured approach, as outlined in How to Get a Government Job in Australia. Most jobs are listed on APS Jobs, with some on Seek, LinkedIn, or departmental pages like ATO Careers. Applications need a 2-3 page CV and STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses to selection criteria, followed by panel interviews and reference checks.

To craft a standout application, use our Resume Builder or read our tips on administrative assistant jobs for CV advice.

What Recruiters Look For

APS recruiters, as per the Australian Public Service Commission, prioritize clear written communication, public service values (integrity, respect, accountability), teamwork, relevant qualifications, and knowledge of the agency's mission. Demonstrating these in your application is key to advancing.

For more on aligning with employer expectations, see our guide on human resources jobs for tips on showcasing skills.

Graduate Programs and Entry-Level Pathways

The Australian Government Graduate Program, detailed by the Australian Public Service Commission, offers streams like Generalist, Data, Digital, Finance, HR, and Legal. Eligible candidates need a degree, strong academics, and citizenship, with applications opening 6–12 months in advance.

Interested in other entry-level roles? Explore data entry jobs or apprenticeships in Australia for alternative pathways.

How to Improve Your Chances

Insights from Reddit's r/AusPublicService and Cracking the Code suggest starting with APS 3-4 roles, using temporary contracts, applying for bulk rounds, mastering STAR responses, networking, and joining employment registers. Persistence and tailored applications are crucial, as is checking less competitive locations like Tasmania.

Boost your application with our Resume Builder or learn networking tips from our guide on Gumtree jobs.

Can Non-Australians Apply?

Most APS jobs require Australian citizenship, but permanent residents and visa holders with work rights can apply for non-ongoing roles, as per the Australian Public Service Commission. Non-citizens should verify work rights and consider state or private sector roles first.

For visa holders, explore nursing jobs with visa sponsorships or remote jobs in Australia for accessible opportunities.

Trends in Federal Hiring (2025)

Hiring trends for 2025, noted by Jobs and Skills Australia, include demand for digital, data, and cybersecurity skills, diversity initiatives, regional roles with hybrid work, and focus on aged care, disability, veterans, and border security services.

For tech-focused roles, see our guides on IT jobs or software engineer jobs.

Best Resources

Navigate the APS job market with APS Jobs, GradAustralia for graduate programs, departmental portals like ATO Careers, STAR method guides, and APS-tailored resume templates.

For resume help, use our Resume Builder or explore our career blog for more resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need Australian citizenship for federal government jobs? Most roles require citizenship, but permanent residents and visa holders with work rights can apply for non-ongoing positions.
• What is the STAR method for APS applications? The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) structures responses to selection criteria, highlighting measurable achievements.
• How can I improve my chances of getting hired? Tailor applications, use STAR responses, network, start with lower-level roles, and apply persistently.
• What are the salary ranges for APS jobs? Salaries range from $79,536 (APS Level 3) to over $300,000 (SES), including 15.4% superannuation.