Graduate Program 2008
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Please note: Applications for the 2008 Graduate Program have now closed.
General Information about the Department
The Department of the House of Representatives provides services to support the efficient conduct of the House of Representatives, its committees and certain joint committees as well as a range of services and facilities for Members in Parliament House. The Department also undertakes activities to promote the work of the House in the community and is responsible for the conduct of the Parliaments' international and regional relations.
A placement with the Department of the House of Representatives is a graduate's opportunity to be involved in the political process without being political. A diverse range of challenging and rewarding work for graduates is offered through a variety of work areas.
The Graduate Program
 The Department of the House of Representatives is offering placements, for periods of 3 months, to graduates who have been accepted into existing government department graduate programs. The graduate program is designed to give graduates exposure to the department's work in supporting the Parliament.
The skills and knowledge graduates obtain through the Graduate Program will assist in building the foundation for career progression and professional development. We are looking for outstanding graduates from a range of disciplines who are highly motivated with sound research and analytical skills, effective communication skills and good people skills.
Career Development
Placements offer graduates a rewarding opportunity in a high-profile organisation with excellent professional development opportunities. The Department of the House of Representatives has a strong commitment to the development of its people and we are Investors in People accredited. Investors in People is an internationally recognised quality standard that sets a level of good practice for improving performance through people. Investing in people gives us a practical link between our personal development and corporate goals. Graduates will have access to parliamentary specific training during their placement.
Placement Opportunities
Graduates can expect to work in areas which complement placements in their employing departments. Placements may include:
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work with a Committee Secretariat providing research and administrative support to Parliamentary Committees;
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providing support to the House of Representatives Chamber;
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work with the Parliamentary Relations Office, supporting the work of international parliamentary relations; or
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work with the Liaison and Projects Office, promoting the community's understanding of, and interaction with, the work of the House and the Commonwealth Parliament.
Performance Assessment
 At the end of the placement, a formal assessment of the graduate's work performance against set work objectives will be conducted. The assessment will involve consultation between the graduate and their supervisor. A report outlining the assessment findings will be forwarded to the graduate's employing department at the completion of the placement.
Eligibility
Graduates participating in existing graduate programs with Commonwealth Government Departments are eligible to apply. Graduates are assessed on the basis of their academic achievements.
Graduates from a wide range of disciplines will be accepted. Disciplines may include economics, law/legal studies, engineering, business/administration, industrial relations, languages, environmental studies, accounting, statistics, commerce, social and public policy, politics, arts, agriculture, human resources, fisheries and science. Successful applicants will be placed in a work area that complements their experience while developing their skills.
Salary and Conditions
Conditions of service and salary will continue to be administered by the graduate's employing department. At the completion of the placement the Department of the House of Representatives will reimburse the employing Department for the graduate's associated salary costs.
Selection Process
Applications are subject to a merit selection process. As a minimum requirement applicants must:
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be participating in an existing graduate program with a Commonwealth Government Department;
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hold a 3-year bachelor degree from an Australian University or a degree recognised by the National Office of Overseas skills recognition as equivalent; and
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be an Australian citizen.
 To be successful in obtaining a position as a Graduate with the Department of the House of Representatives, applicants will need to possess:
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appropriate academic qualifications;
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high level analytical, research and evaluation skills;
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sound organisational, written and oral communication skills;
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an ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative and flexibility;
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the ability to organise, schedule, prioritise and complete assigned tasks; and
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a genuine interest in parliamentary procedure and practice.
How to Apply
Applications for our 2008 Graduate Program have now closed.
Applications for the 2009 Graduate Program will open on 1 October 2008
Graduate Program FAQs
Got a question about our Graduate Program? Check our Graduate FAQs.
Testimonials
Read the testimonials of some of our past Graduates.
Further Information
For further information about any future Graduate Programs, please contact:
Tracy Weston
Acting Assistant Director
People Strategies
02 62774146
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The Department of the House of Representatives is an Investor in People organisation and it upholds the principles and practices of Workplace Diversity. |
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