Attorney-General's Department (AGD) Graduate Programs & Internships

Government & Public Service

The Attorney-General's Department works on high-profile, high-impact projects affecting all Australians. We are committed to best practice and continual improvement, both as a government agency and as an employer.

As a graduate with us, you will start your career in an inclusive and supportive workplace, making meaningful contributions to the Australian community. You will be part of a talented group of early career starters in legal, policy and other professions with competitive employment conditions. You will rotate through various work areas and receive training and development opportunities.

We are an inclusive workplace with a skilled and high-performing workforce. We prioritise employee wellbeing and want our workplace to reflect the diversity of the Australian community. We offer several employment programs to encourage participation from First Nations people because we recognise the contributions they make to all aspects of Australian life.

We recruit graduates from various degree types through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) streams. To be considered you will need to submit your application through the relevant stream:

Accounting and Financial Management
Economist
Generalist
Indigenous Graduate Pathway
Legal

If you are successful through the recruitment process for any of the listed streams, you will get the opportunity to nominate the Attorney-General’s Department as your preferred department.

Your year as a graduate
Our 11-month development program will provide you with:

a thorough induction to ensure you are equipped to begin your program
3 rotations within the department to develop your skills and expand your areas of interest
structured and customised learning and development opportunities, including a graduate major project and practical legal training (if eligible)
dedicated support from the Employment Programs team and graduate alumni
opportunities to participate in exclusive networking events, including discussions with senior executives and employee networks.

Why choose us
We promote a healthy work-life balance and provide flexible work opportunities. We also provide:

relocation assistance for graduates who need to move to Canberra to start the program
access to health and wellbeing allowances and programs
external support services and targeted wellbeing checks.

What you can bring to the role
We are looking for engaged and highly capable graduates who:

are curious and question assumptions
seek out learning opportunities, think creatively and generate new ideas
display a growth mindset and respond positively to feedback
adapt to change with flexibility and resilience
are excited to build and strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders
can work independently and as part of a team
act with integrity
foster a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace culture
apply sound judgement and make evidence-based decisions.

Salary and superannuation
If your application is successful, you will be engaged as a graduate in the Entry Level Programs Broadband as an APS Level 4 equivalent.

If you successfully complete the graduate program, you will advance to an APS Level 5. Salary details are listed in the department’s Enterprise Agreement.

Applying to work with us

Eligibility
To be eligible for the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP), you must:

be an Australian citizen at the time of application
have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree) or higher equivalent, or will have completed it by 31 December 2025
have completed your most recent eligible qualification between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2025
satisfy pre-employment checks.

When required, you must also be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program. Visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website for more information on security clearances.

Read more about the AGGP on the Career Pathways graduate portal.

How to apply
Applications for the AGGP open in March each year.

To be considered for a role as a graduate with us, you will need to apply through your relevant stream listed on the Career Pathways graduate portal on the APS Jobs website.

Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) - Legal Stream
The Attorney-General's Department also leads graduate recruitment for the AGGP - Legal Stream.

If you apply for the AGGP – Legal Stream, you will have access to multiple opportunities as a law graduate with over 20 agencies within the Australian Government participating in the Legal Stream. Applications for the AGGP - Legal Stream will open on 3 March 2025.

Recruitment Process

Application Process

Online application
- The online application is your first opportunity to tell us what motivates you for wanting a legal career in the Australian Public Service. You will also be asked to upload a 2-3-page resume, academic transcripts and proof of your Australian Citizenship.
Written Activity
- If you are successful at the online application stage, you will be invited to participate in an online written activity.
Panel interview
- If you are successful at written activity stage, you will be invited to an online virtual interview with a selection panel.
Matching and offers
- If you have been found suitable at the interview stage, you will then be placed into a merit pool and from here you may be matched with a placement agency. Your location, experience, stream and agency preferences will be used to match you with an appropriate agency. If you are successfully matched to a placement agency their Recruitment/Employment Programs Team will contact, you directly to discuss your interest in working for them. If you are unsuccessful, there will be an opportunity to seek feedback at the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Remuneration & Career Growth

Networks and groups

We provide the opportunity for graduates to form strong networks through activities such as the AGD Social Club, lunchtime sports and a diverse range of networks including the PRIDE in AGD, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network, the Celebrating Ability Network, the Indigenous Employee Network, the Gender Equity Network, and the Sustainability Network.

Flexible working arrangements

Our flexible work environment allows you to balance your work and personal responsibilities. We promote a healthy work-life balance, have generous employment conditions and offer a competitive salary. Our workplace embraces technology to support flexible working arrangements.