Australian Government Graduate Program - Economist Stream (Rolling Intake)

The Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) - 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. The Economist Stream allows you to submit one application to be considered for graduate roles across several participating departments and agencies in the Australian Public Service (APS). 

Your Role:

Applying for the Economist Stream will allow you the opportunity to work with Australia's leading government economic policy analysts and forecasters. As an economist graduate 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 business 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 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

About you

To be successful in the Economist Stream, you should: 

• have a strong interest in economic research and policy development and analysis
• be ready to work on policy issues that impact the community
• be eager to understand Australian and international economic issues, and changes in the economic environment

Benefits and Career Progression

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

As an econ graduate, you will benefit from: 

• on-the-job learning and competitive salary with excellent superannuation
• real-time experience in economic policy research, modelling, forecasting and policy development
• opportunities to analyse key economic areas such as financial and labour markets
• 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

Location

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. 

For more information, please visit the Economist Stream webpage. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Please apply now if: 

• you are an Australian citizen at the time of application 
• you hold or will complete a bachelors degree in economics or econometrics, or any bachelor's degree with a major or minor in economics or econometrics, by 31 December 2025
• your most recent eligible qualifying degree has or will be completed within the last 5 years. For example, you have or will complete your degree between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025
• performed well in your studies to ensure you are competitive in the selection process
• willing and able to relocate to Canberra (or other state-based locations specified by participating agencies) for the duration of the graduate program
• 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) website 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 unable to consider your application without this supporting documentation. 

Recruitment process and indicative assessment timeline

The Treasury leads recruitment for the Economist Stream with the assistance of an outsourced provider and participating agency representatives. 

• Stage 1: Online application: 3 March 2025 - 14 April 2025
  • resume and recent academic transcripts
  • details of two referees
  • short written response to the application question
• Stage 2: Online assessment: April 2025
  • Online assessment will be in the form of a timed written assessment
• Stage 3: Virtual interview and reference checking: May - June 2025
• Stage 4: Merit pool and employment offers: from August 2025 onwards 

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

Participating agencies may change during the selection process. The final participation list will be provided towards 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
• details of 2 referees, 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 apply