Defence offers opportunities in the Policy and Corporate pathway, focusing on areas like accounting, finance, legal, analysis, personnel, and policy.
Graduates from various degree disciplines are welcome to apply.
Roles are based in Canberra with a possibility of an interstate rotation during the program.
Duration of the program is 12 months.
Requirements
Applicants can choose from various areas of interest such as Accounting and Financial Management, Analyst, Commercial, Corporate, Legal Streams, Policy, and Project and Program Management.
Specific requirements and responsibilities are outlined for each area of interest.
Applicants must apply through the Australian Government Graduate Program for certain streams.
Successful candidates start on a salary of $79,176 plus 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
Graduates progress to a higher salary after completing the program, depending on the training pathway completed.
Defence offers a generous remuneration package, conditions of service, flexible work arrangements, and leave benefits.
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Bring your unique skills and experiences to a world of opportunity at Defence.
Make your mark in the Policy and Corporate pathway working on:
accounting and financial management program management finance and administration legal (Legal Practice and Legal Policy) analysis personnel policy The Policy and Corporate pathway accepts applications from all degree disciplines.
It's suited to graduates interested in:
accounting and financial management arts and humanities business and commerce construction and building management data and cyber security environmental science information and communication technology international and security studies law media and communication policy and international relations procurement and contracting project management All successful candidates will commence the Graduate Program on a salary of $79,176 plus 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
Graduates advance to a higher salary after successfully completing the Program.
The salary increase depends on which training pathway is completed.
Defence is committed to enabling an enjoyable work-life balance through:
conditions of service flexible work arrangements leave benefits Location Roles in this pathway are based in Canberra with a limited possibility of an interstate rotation placement during the program.
Duration 12 months.
Roles Policy and Corporate pathway applicants need to choose one of these areas of interest in their application:
Accounting and Financial Management
Be part of the largest finance function across the entire Commonwealth and be at the forefront of financial innovation.
Contribute to an ambitious modernisation program that's reshaping every facet of Defence's budget management and financial operations.
Provide commercial management and procurement advice.
This role helps facilitate Defence's investment to develop innovative technologies.
Advise and influence decision-making and strategy on real-world Defence capability investments.
Commercial (Procurement and Contracting):
Work on complex and challenging commercial activities.
Assist in managing commercial risk across the capability and procurement life cycle to deliver optimal outcomes.
Corporate
Work in communication, finance, marketing and strategic planning.
Support key decisions that lead to innovative corporate solutions for government.
Legal Streams
Legal Practice
Design and draft legislative requirements Conduct legal research and draft relevant court documents Practical Legal Training will be funded for Graduates who are in the Legal Practice Stream only, and are yet to complete this training.
Legal Policy
Provide advice on administrative or departmental policy and frameworks Preparing written briefs, submissions and reports Note: to apply for the Legal Streams, applicants must apply through the Australian Government Graduate Program – Legal Stream.
Policy
Produce and apply strategy to influence the policy frameworks that govern Defence operations and international engagement.
Ensure quality outcomes and optimum impact of government investment.
Project and Program Management
Work in project planning, procurement, management and contract administration.
Deliver nationally significant infrastructure or environmental projects.
Defence is one of the Australian Financial Review's Top 100 Graduate Employers in 2025.
Join us and kick-start a future with purpose.
Closing in 9 days
Job type: Graduate Jobs Work rights: Australian Citizen
Locations: Canberra
POSITION START DATE
Feb 2026 (approx)
$70,000- $80,000
Commence on a salary of $79,176 + 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
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