Alex

Department of the Senate

'Participating in the Parliament of Australia Graduate Program has been a valuable experience that has given me a better understanding of how the Senate and its committees operate, and a greater appreciation for the Senate's role in the parliamentary process. 

The Graduate Program has helped me develop a range of technical and soft skills through the wide variety of work offered at the Senate. This has included committee work, such as conducting research into various topics, analysing submissions, organising public hearings and writing reports, as well as assisting with Senate Estimates.

The Graduate Program has also provided me with several experiences you can only get when working at Parliament House, such as watching Question Time from the chamber attendants' booth, and assisting on the Opening of Parliament day.

I would definitely recommend it as a great learning opportunity for anyone interested in the work of the Parliament.'

Elinda

Parliamentary Budget Office 

'I have really enjoyed my six-month secondment at the PBO, where I was exposed to a wide range of opportunities that helped me grow professionally. I gained a deeper understanding of fiscal policy issues and had the chance to engage directly with external stakeholders.

The election period was a highlight of my graduate program, during which the entire organisation worked collaboratively and dynamically to deliver the Election Commitments Report - one of PBO's core functions. 

The PBO graduate program would be an excellent experience for anyone interested in developing their analytical skills, data modelling capabilities, and understanding of diverse policy areas in an extremely supportive work environment.'

Erica

Department of the House of Representatives 

'Parliament House is an incredibly special place to work. Coming into the office every day is such a privilege and the giddiness you feel when you walk into the House of Representatives or Senate Chambers never gets old.

Having completed a graduate program in the APS, I applied for the Parliamentary Graduate Program because I was excited to see what life was like on the other side of coin. Experiencing firsthand when bills are turned into legislation and observing the passionate advocates in our government is a truly unique opportunity.

I was grateful to be placed in the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade due to my previous university studies in International Relations. Utilising and further developing the skills I have honed early in my career such as researching, developing briefs and effective stakeholder engagement have been an integral part of my experience.

I would encourage people who are curious and motivated to take advantage of unique opportunities to apply for the Parliamentary Graduate Program.' 

Finn

Department of the Senate 

'I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Department of the Senate, and I think I’ve got a lot out of the Parliament of Australia Graduate Program!

I’ve certainly gained a greater understanding and appreciation of parliamentary processes and mechanisms. I think it’s hard to really get that knowledge and understanding until you’re actually living it up on the Hill and seeing it happen around you.

I’ve had some great opportunities to brief politicians directly, gaining some excellent insight into how they may think through a policy problem and the sort of considerations they weigh up before making a decision.

I also feel I’ve built on some of my other foundational skills for the public service, including the ability get across an issue quickly and being able to speak to a topic confidently. In my role in a committee secretariat, I feel I’ve improved my stakeholder engagement skills as well, as I’ve had to manage competing views and requests from various entities at a time.

Additionally, I’ve felt very supported in the role, with colleagues being forthcoming with opportunities and always being willing to answer questions I may have.

I’d really recommend the Graduate Program for broadening your knowledge of government and your skill set, ultimately making you a more well-rounded and effective public servant.' 

Jack

Department of the House of Representatives 

'I wanted to work in the Department as a graduate because I am interested in how Australians perceive and interact with their democratic institutions. Getting to support the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, as well as the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, provided me the opportunity to see this in action through submissions and public hearings.

I greatly enjoyed my time as a graduate researcher and have forged good relationships with the people here. If you're interested in seeing representative democracy up close, I strongly encourage applying!' 

Louise

Parliamentary Budget Office

'I applied for the PBO to strengthen my quantitative analysis skills and bring a different perspective back to my policy role in my home agency. I was extremely interested to know how the PBO developed their costings, especially across the huge spectrum of policies.

From my first to last day seconded to the PBO, there was never a dull moment! The organisation is much smaller in comparison to the average APS department, and I got the opportunity to work closely with staff at all levels. The PBO in the lead up to the 2025 election year was an incredibly fast-paced enriching environment, and I very quickly learnt about the important role they play in upholding Australia’s democracy. I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to build their analysis skills in a supported environment.'

Aidan

Parliamentary Budget Office - 2024 graduate program

'Participating in the PBO graduate program gave me useful insights into the workings of Parliament and the opportunity to broaden my technical skillset as I had hoped. 

However, what I didn’t expect was the sheer variety of opportunities on offer. From a behind the scenes look at Question Time to discussions with agencies from overseas, there is a surprising diversity in activity for a primarily quantitative role.  

The guidance I received throughout the program was invaluable to my own professional development. I deeply appreciated having the support to extend myself and take on greater challenges and responsibilities. 

I greatly enjoyed my time in the program and would strongly encourage any analyst with an interest in data or modelling to consider the opportunity.' 

Katrina

Parliamentary Budget Office - 2024 graduate program

'I applied for the PBO Graduate Program to gain real-world experience in quantitative analysis and to further develop my expertise as a policy analyst in my home agency. I also found the PBO’s unique role in Parliament House as an impartial entity serving parliamentarians highly intriguing. 

During my time as Graduate Analyst, I delved into a variety of policy areas, some of which were completely new to me. I gained invaluable insights into the policy process, especially the impact of particular parameters on the budget balances. The PBO work culture also fostered my ability to work independently, with tasks often requiring self-direction. 

Working at Parliament House offered a very unique experience – the Senate and House of Representatives are just a walk away, meaning you can just drop in and watch Question Time in-person! Working in the heart of Australian democracy and politics truly highlighted the importance of the work I was doing. 

The PBO Graduate Program has been instrumental in honing my analytical skills and in providing first-hand exposure to the policy development process. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build their analytical skills, understand policy development, and work with an amazing and supportive team.' 

Amelia

Department of the House of Representatives - 2022 graduate program

'I was interested in a placement at Parliament House because I had always wanted to learn more about the mechanisms of government– just how do the laws that we help to administer come to pass? I was placed in the Information Management Office of the Department of the House of Representatives, in a team that looked after the external communications functions of the Department. This meant I did tasks like creating social media content and publishing media releases, which was a really interesting change from my work in my home agency.

The most valuable aspect of the graduate program is the proximity it gives you to the work of Parliament. Nowhere else in Australia will you be waiting in line for lunch behind journalists, Member of Parliaments, and senior public servants, and then get the opportunity to watch them all work together at a committee meeting! I’ve also really appreciated the chance to learn about public affairs and communications, and I know my experience and learnings from working in the Information Management Office will travel with me throughout my career.'

Charlotte

Department of the Senate - 2022 graduate program

'The Parliament of Australia Graduate Program is an invaluable experience! I consider my time with the Department of the Senate, and in particular my placement as a graduate in the Education and Employment Committee, to be one of the best opportunities I have taken to enhance my career. A placement in the Committee Office provides graduates with the opportunity to partake in work of Senate Committees, gain a broader understanding of the context driving the work of executive government, and enables graduates to see how Senators collaborate and achieve outcomes beyond the Chamber.

As a graduate, I was given carriage over the Inquiry into the Australian Research Council (Ensuring Research Independence) Bill 2018. This involved calling for submissions from the public, receiving and reviewing submissions, organising and participating in a public hearing and drafting the Committee’s final report. I also assisted the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee run public hearings for the Inquiry into the Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 [Provisions] and assisted the Economics Committee in relation to the Inquiry into the Sterling Income Trust. As a graduate, you are exposed to a breadth of subject matter areas and work across the Committee Office. I also got to experience Senate Estimates hearings from the ‘other side’ and assisted with basic procedural and administrative tasks (such as tabling documents) during the hearings.

The Department of the Senate graduate program is a unique and rewarding experience that I would recommend to any former graduates interested in understanding Senate practice and procedure, and those keen to see democracy in action!'

Diana

Department of the Senate - 2022 graduate program

'The opportunity to work in the Department of the Senate appealed to me for so many reasons. I was particularly excited to learn more about parliamentary procedure and to gain a better understanding of the role of the Senate. However, my placement in the Additional Committee Support team exposed me to experiences much richer than I could have anticipated. I was able to work in very close proximity to senators and senate committees on topical issues such as an inquiry into the Religious Discrimination Bill. These experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of how senate committees influence policy making and legislative development, particularly through their role in scrutinising complex bills and issues. This has broadened my understanding of the stakeholders involved in passing legislation and will no doubt assist me in developing policy when I return to my home department. My placement with the Department of the Senate exceeded expectations and I would strongly recommend applying.'

Sacha

Parliamentary Budget Office - 2022 graduate program

'I have really enjoyed my time at the PBO and have learned a substantial amount in a relatively short period of time.

The supervision and mentorship I have received has been exceptional and has greatly helped me to learn and grow during this experience. I have been extremely grateful for my supervisor’s continued support and guidance, and the ability to work in person in the office.

I have enjoyed the opportunities that the PBO has provided to engage more broadly in the political process- I was particularly glad to be given the opportunity to attend Senate Estimates as an observer.

The matrix structure that costing analysts operate within has given me the opportunity to engage with multiple different policy areas which has been valuable for my development both in policy area understanding/technical skills as well as the development of soft skills such as communication, stakeholder management, prioritisation and time management.'

Anna

Department of the Senate - 2021 graduate program

“I have gained a lot of insight into parliamentary processes, the work of the Department and of the Senate, and have further developed my own skills. It has been invaluable for my own personal development, and I am sure will also be of significant value to my home agency upon my return.”

Jessica

Department of the Senate - 2021 graduate program

“During my time in the Senate Committee Office, I focussed on inquiry work which included being the first-point-of-contact for all public questions around an inquiry, analysing submissions and preparing briefs for the Committee, conducting inquiry research, and organising public hearings. I also provided administrative assistance to Senate Estimates.”

Matthew

Parliamentary Budget Office - 2021 graduate program

“Being a graduate at the PBO gave me a great insight into the unique role that the PBO plays in informing Parliament and the wider public about fiscal policy issues. The PBO provides graduates with the opportunity to contribute to published reports, deepen their knowledge of policy frameworks, and expand their technical skills. It’s a great opportunity for APS graduates from all backgrounds.”

Rajya Abo-Shaban

Parliamentary Budget Office - 2021 graduate program

'I highly recommend the PBO grad program for its opportunities for personal growth, close interaction with Senior Executive Staff, strong supportive teams, and networking with staff across the parliamentary departments.

Through my involvement in diverse projects and collaboration with various teams, I developed invaluable skills that are transferrable across the APS. 

Some of the things I learned include communicating to executives with influence, utilising tools like Power BI, understanding governance and finance functions, project management and acquiring data analytics skills.

The PBO fosters an extremely supportive team who are willing to guide you the whole way to achieve your goals.'

Savannah

Department of the House of Representatives - 2021 graduate program

"I applied for the Parliament of Australia Graduate Program because I am passionate about social policy and wanted to understand how issues and policies that impact diverse communities are discussed and scrutinised. As I am early in my career, I also considered it important to gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament operates and to develop new skillsets that I could bring back to my home department.

During my placement, I worked in the Committee Secretariat for the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources and Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia. It was valuable to work across different committees, as each was at a different stage of its inquiry. This meant that I supported the Secretariat with a variety of tasks, including writing summaries of submissions, researching topics, analysing key themes and diverse perspectives, and organising witnesses to appear at public hearings.

The most enriching part of my placement was drafting a chapter of the final report for the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs. I learned about the distinct challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in employment and business, and also the success stories from communities and entrepreneurs. I developed my written communication skills by pulling together evidence from submissions and public hearings, in a style that was very different to what I was accustomed to at my home department.

Overall, the Graduate Program built my interest in parliamentary proceedings (beyond Question Time!) and I appreciated the wide range of opportunities to further my knowledge, such as the Committee Office and Parliamentary Sittings debriefs, Library webinars on a range of topics, and Departmental staff tours around Parliament House. I would recommend the Graduate Program to anyone who is interested in deep diving into research topics and can adapt to tight deadlines with a strong attention to detail."

Sharda

Department of the House of Representatives - 2021 graduate program

'I was interested in the Parliament of Australia Graduate Program because I was keen to gain insight into the critical work of Parliament, in supporting democratic processes within Australia. Further, I was eager to contribute to and have exposure to the inner workings of Parliament.

Throughout my placement, I worked in the Committee Secretariat for the House Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue, the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources, as well as the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport. I worked on a range of tasks to provide research and administrative support to the Committees. Being exposed to the different stages of an inquiry was useful. I drafted sections of a report for an inquiry, reviewed and summarised submissions, and assisted with the planning of public hearings. In particular, I found it interesting to engage with the community to promote the community’s understanding of the work of the House of Representatives and more broadly, the Parliament of Australia.

The Graduate Program provided me with a worthwhile experience to fully understand the role of parliamentary committees in our system of government. I gained skills and knowledge to better understand the relationship between the Parliament and the Executive. By providing support to certain House Standing Committees, I better understood the strategic context within which Australian Public Service functions. I developed my research and analytical skills while working on different inquiries. It was great to be afforded a variety of opportunities to learn about parliamentary practice and procedure.

Ultimately, the Graduate Program was a highly valuable experience, through which I developed a well-rounded understanding of parliamentary processes.'

Sara

Department of the Senate - 2020 graduate program

'After completing my APS graduate year, I heard about the Department of the Senate graduate program and decided to apply. I was attracted to the breadth of subject matter that committees engage with and the opportunity they provide for direct community consultation on policy and legislation.

The Senate plays a key role in scrutinising the executive, including through the estimates process where senate legislation committees scrutinise the proposed expenditure of Commonwealth departments and agencies. I was particularly interested in understanding these processes from the perspective of the legislature.

The Senate also has a paired committee system – legislation committees are comprised of a majority of government members and references committees, a majority of opposition members. You get the opportunity to see how senators collaborate and work towards a consensus position, which the public aren’t often exposed to through watching question time or reading headlines.

The Department of the Senate graduate program is a unique opportunity that I would recommend to any former graduates interested in understanding committee work or parliamentary process more broadly.'