What we do at The Treasury

We have a rich proud history as the government's premier adviser on economic policy. By providing advice to the Treasurer and the Australian Government, Treasury's work directly impacts the lives of all Australians.

No matter the issue of the day, Treasury is involved. From market regulation to implementing changes to Australia's tax system, macro policy settings to microeconomic reform, trade agreements to the global financial crisis, we play a key role. The diversity of our business is one of our greatest strengths.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking Economics and Econometrics graduates with strong academic results, and a genuine interest in public policy and making a difference in people's lives.

In addition to economists, Treasury also seeks graduates with qualifications in Law, Mathematics, Commerce, Business, Finance, Accounting and Political Science.

What's on offer at The Treasury

Treasury offers graduates a challenging and rewarding career with the potential to shape Australia's future through policy analysis and advice.

As a graduate, you could find yourself working on a number of issues, from economic forecasting, promoting stable financial systems and markets in Australia, to designing tax legislation or developing social policies to improve the wellbeing of all Australians. Whatever you do, you will have a challenging and interesting role, where you can use your current skills, as well as learning new ones.

There really is no better place to make a difference to the wellbeing of all Australians.

Graduate Development Program

For the first 12 months of your career at Treasury, you will participate in the Graduate Development Program. The Program offers a range of development opportunities, including in-house and external training courses, familiarisation tours and participation in key events such as the Budget lock-up and post-Budget Question time. You will also be supported by senior Treasury staff through extensive on-the-job training.

The Graduate Development Program provides an opportunity to learn new skills, while developing those you already have.

Single placement during your graduate year

Treasury offers a single placement graduate program. This is consistent with our approach of treating graduates as colleagues, not trainees, which means our graduates tackle the most current issues in depth, and undertake a wide range of interesting projects within their area.

Social Life at Treasury

Treasury is looking for 40 to 60 graduates to commence in the 2011 cohort, so from day one you will have a wide network of friends. Many graduates relocate to Canberra from interstate, so you will always find friends to join a sporting team or sample Canberra's night life with you!

The Social Network of Graduates (SNoG) is a Canberra-based voluntary organisation, run by graduates for graduates. SNoG organise a variety of events and activities throughout your first year, providing a great opportunity to meet and socialise with graduates from other departments and organisations in Canberra.
In addition, Treasury's Social Committee is very active in organising events and activities during the year, including trivia nights, Friday night drinks, barbeque's and the departmental ball.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• Perth Big Meet - 4 March 2010

VICTORIA

• University of Melbourne - 10 March 2010
• Monash University - 11 March 2010
• Melbourne Big Meet - 18 March 2010

NEW SOUTH WALES

• Sydney Big Meet - 12 March 2010
• University of NSW - 22 March 2010
• University of Sydney - 23 March 2010
• University of Newcastle - 25 March 2010
• University of NSW Economics Society Careers Day - April 2010

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• University of Adelaide - 10 March 2010

QUEENSLAND

• University of Queensland - 31 March 2010

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

• ACT Tertiary to Work - Combined event for Australian National University, University of Canberra and Australian Catholic University - 26 March 2010
• Australian National University Law Careers Fair - March 2010

Treasury Graduate Profiles

Ignatius

Bachelor of Economics (Hons)
Markets Group Graduate

“I studied economics with the aim of pursuing a career as a public policy economist, and Treasury has allowed me the opportunity to realise this very goal. I work in Treasury's Markets Group which is in essence the Department's "Microeconomic Group". Markets Group focuses on policy that ensures markets function to benefit the welfare of all Australians, meaning that the work is reformist, topical and stimulating. A variety of interesting work has allowed me to apply the economics I already knew, while also developing new skills and exposing me to new ideas. Looking back at the end of my first twelve months, it is clear that I have learnt a tremendous amount.

Working at Treasury can be demanding but I would recommend it to any budding economist, or policy enthusiast, looking for an engaging career that allows them to make a meaningful contribution to public policy. "

Georgina

Bachelor of Economics/Law (Hons)
Revenue Group Graduate

"I was placed in Revenue Group in an area that looks at retirement income tax policy. The work has ranged from advising the Government and implementing new policies to providing input for the Henry review. Working at Treasury has given me the opportunity to use my background in both law and economics in the policy development process. The work has given me a new perspective on the law - rather than simply applying and interpreting the law as I did at university I am looking at actually changing the law to meet Government policy objectives. Being part of the graduate program smoothed the transition to life and work in Canberra, providing comprehensive training and support throughout the year and access to an instant social network of fellow graduates."