The Australian Government Graduate Program – Economist Stream is a centrally coordinated process co-led by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) and the Department of the Treasury. If you have a degree in economics or econometrics (or a major or minor in economics), you may be eligible to apply. You will be considered for graduate roles at several participating Australian Public Service (APS) departments and agencies through one application.

About the Economist Stream

Applying for the Economist Stream will give you the opportunity to work with Australia’s leading government economic policy analysts and forecasters.

You will conduct research, analyse data, and provide economic policy advice to inform decision-making processes within government departments and agencies.

You will contribute to a range of government policy issues including:

• advising on important economic and social topics, like taxes, price of goods, employment, imports and exports and how interest rates and currency exchange rates affect our economy
• predicting and planning for changes in the economy, so that governments, businesses, and individuals can budget, plan for the long term, and make smart investment decisions
• developing recommendations, policies, and plans to assist businesses and help improve the economy
• contributing to fiscal, monetary, social, industry and environmental policies that address social and welfare issues, assisting vulnerable groups, and considering the impact on their wellbeing, education and training
• macroeconomic, industry and cost benefit analysis, economic forecasting and evaluation of government programs
• domestic and international economic issues and Australia's participation in global economic forums
• market functioning - including financial markets, digital and competition policy.

Benefits

If selected for the AGGP - Economist Stream, you will undertake a graduate program in a participating department or agency that will provide training and development to progress your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a valued member of, and contributor to, the APS. 

As an economist graduate, you will benefit from:

• full-time, ongoing opportunities with the possibility for flexible work arrangements as negotiated with your placement agency
• support from your supervisor and comprehensive induction with your placement agency
• graduate networking opportunities
• career progression and opportunities for salary advancement.

Locations

While most economist graduate positions are in Canberra, there may be opportunities for placement in other capital cities across Australia depending on the agency you are matched with. Relocation assistance may be provided by placement agencies as per their internal policies. 

Eligibility

To apply you:

• must be an Australian citizen at the time of application
• hold or complete a bachelor's degree in economics or econometrics, or any bachelors degree with a major or minor in economics or econometrics by 31 December 2025
• have completed your most recent eligible degree between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025 
• willing and able to relocate to Canberra (or other state-based locations specified by participating agencies) for the duration of the graduate program
• will undergo any police, character, health, or other required checks 
• obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance prior to your commencement. Please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) for more information on security clearances.

If your only qualifying degree is from an overseas university, you will need to provide a statement with your application verifying the recognition of your qualifications from an Australian state or territory government overseas qualifications unit.

Unfortunately, we are not able to consider your application without this supporting documentation.

Participating Agencies

We recommend taking time to visit each of the participating department and agency websites to familiarise yourself with their graduate program, employee entitlements, classification, salary and more. 

• Australian Communications and Media Authority 
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 
• Department of Education 
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations 
• Department of Health and Aged Care
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts
• Department of Social Services 
• The Treasury
• Attorney-General's Department
• Department of Finance
• The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Participating agencies may change during the selection process. The final participation list will be provided toward the end of the recruitment process. 

Department of the Treasury - Graduate Development Program

The AGGP – Economist Stream is run independently of the Treasury Graduate Development Program recruitment process. You can apply for both the Treasury Graduate Program and the Economist Stream Graduate recruitment processes – just make sure to check the eligibility requirements.  

Apply 

Applications must be submitted before the closing date of 14 April 2025. 

Your online application must include: 

• your resume
• academic transcripts, and
• a short-written response to the application question. 

You will receive an email confirmation once you have lodged your application. 

To start your application, click here. 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility Scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: RecruitAbility | Australian Public Service Commission

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