About the role 

Are you passionate about public policy? Are you a critical thinker? Do you think you can solve some of Australia’s biggest economic, social and environmental policy problems? Would you like the opportunity to talk about problems and solutions with Australians from all walks of life, including small business owners, leading academics, heads of government agencies, and CEOs from Australian and international companies?

Join our 2026 graduate program

At the Productivity Commission, we undertake independent research and provide advice to the Australian Government on economic, social and environmental policies to improve the wellbeing of all Australians.

We are searching for highly motivated individuals who can demonstrate an awareness of Australian economic conditions and the policy landscape. Successful applicants will possess a range of capabilities including well-developed conceptual, analytical and research skills, the ability to think critically, good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

We have offices in Melbourne and Canberra and can offer hybrid working arrangements. Successful candidates will be offered a graduate position in Melbourne or Canberra, with relocation assistance if required.

The Commission is a friendly, welcoming organisation with excellent employment conditions and development opportunities. Our graduates work with some of the best economists and policy analysts in the country and have access to both on-the-job and formal training.

To be eligible, successful applicants must complete a relevant academic qualification by January 2026 or have completed one within the last five years (undergraduate degree or higher).

Qualifications and experience that underpin your ability to do applied public policy analysis, such as economics, commerce and law, will be highly regarded. Other fields relevant to applied public policy such as mathematics, statistics, public policy, Indigenous studies and environmental science are also well regarded.

Successful applicants will commence on 2 February 2026.

Note: it is anticipated that first round offers to successful candidates will be made in late June 2025. Further offers may be made until December 2025.

Graduate Broadband

PC Graduates are engaged at the APS 4 classification with a starting salary of $75,022, within the PC’s Graduate broadband. In previous years, most graduates have progressed to the APS 5 classification upon completing the graduate program and meeting the conditions for advancement outlined in clause 75 of the PC Enterprise Agreement.

How to apply

Complete the online application form via the Field by the closing date and include the following attachments:

• A concise statement (up to 500 words) that tells us a bit about you, including what drew you to apply, and why you believe you are suited to the role with consideration to the role description and key attributes.
• Your resume with your relevant recent qualifications, work experience and achievements. 
• Your most current academic transcript/s.
• Details of two referees who can attest to your academic qualifications or work experience. 

Position Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for employment with the Productivity Commission, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen or hold an Australian Citizenship.
• be willing to undergo a security and character clearance (which may include, but not limited to, completing an identity verification check, police check, and obtaining/maintaining an Australian Government security vetting clearance if required by the role).
• provide evidence of mandatory qualifications (if applicable).

APS RecruitAbiliy Scheme

RecruitAbility is an affirmative measure that provides progression of applicants with disability to the next stage in a selection process if they have been assessed as meeting the minimum requirements of the job. For further information please refer to the Australian Public Service Commission RecruitAbility Guidance.

Closing Date: 13 April 2025

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