Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Reviews

There are a great deal of progression opportunities at the lower and middle levels, however it tends to become more competitive when applying for senior management opportunities. Often internal promotions become limited at the higher levels, and staff move between Government Departments in order to receive promotions. - Graduate, Canberra

As a Government Department, all our projects are targeted toward improving the circumstances of Australians. All our policies and programs are done in the interest of best representing and providing for the Australian population. - Graduate, Canberra

The culture as a whole is very good, with some excellent teams and areas and some average teams and areas. Especially the "traditional' PMC functions are highly dependent on their line agencies and can take on a lot of their characteristics. These areas are generally, although not always, quite flat in their management structures, staff are empowered and given responsibility. Indigenous Affairs is more laid back and hierarchical, with more of an emphasis on damage minimisation rather than maximising positive outcomes. Indigenous Affairs is also less "political" and more empathetic, while other functions can be a bit more adversarial. Overall though, a really fantastic culture that mostly empowers staff and creates positive connections. People are almost always willing to help. There isn't a hell of a lot of after hours socialising, but that's more of a function of Canberra than DPMC. Senior Executives come to things like Social Club events, and people go out together, but there isn't the Friday night drinks as a team like other organisations. - Graduate, Canberra

PM&C does have a diversity action plan and a reconciliation action plan. However, it does struggle to keep and maintain these m employees. PM&C has a CALD network, women's network, LGBTIQA+ network and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee network. PM&C also takes part in the following programs: Australian Government Indigenous Graduate Development Program Indigenous Apprenticeship Program Trainees and Cadets Indigenous Australia Government Development Program Offers maternity leave 12 months unpaid and also offers men the ability to take paternity leave to help care for their children - Graduate, Canberra

This has varied depending what area I was in as a graduate. In one area with very little work available I would have rated my satisfaction as 1 or 2. In my current position where I actually have work to do and feel like I'm making a meaningful contribution to the team I would rate it a 9. Hence my compromised rating of 7. - Graduate, Canberra

Managers are accessible, although in busier environments you might need to take them time to ask to speak with them. They are good at giving out feedback. - Graduate, Canberra

The Department is transitioning to an "agile" work environment (hot-desking, paper-light, etc) which has been problematic for quite a few areas in terms of security concerns. In general though, facilities are great and the spaces open and pleasant to be in. Dress code is dependent on area/division, though men can easily wear work dress pants and a button up shirt without tie. The Department has an office in Barton and another in Woden; typically dress code is far more relaxed in Woden. - Graduate, Canberra

This has changed since my time- The interview process for myself started with an aptitude test, composing a few elements. Following this, we flew up to Canberra, where three "sessions" were held with about 20 other applicants. The sessions were a 'speed dating' format, whereby you had 5 minutes to answer a question and discuss it with two people - not your standard questions either. Then there was a team session, where five people were asked to discuss a policy issue and present to a panel. Finally, there was a "networking" event, where the grads, interviewers and previous grads mingled and you could ask questions and form connections. - Graduate, Canberra

No bonuses, the pay is decent and a very welcome change coming from being a student, though it is a bit disheartening to know that we are generally performing at the level of APS5 and only paid at the APS3 level. This is about a $15,000 difference annually. - Graduate, Canberra

Some of the training has been very good, some has been less effective. When targeted to graduates and specially addressing core skills or knowledge gaps graduates typically have the training was very valuable. More generic training that was adapted ad hoc was less useful, e.g. training on one note software with many already familiar with program. - Graduate, Canberra

Some areas need more hours than others. In general, work is very flexible: you have flex time, so can take extra hours off to make up for days where you work more. However, often urgent tasks come through which might mean you need to stay late. - Graduate, Canberra

We are currently in the process of becoming 'paper-lite', meaning that things are only printed when absolutely necessary. - Graduate, Canberra