National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Graduate Program

Government & Public Service

The National Indigenous Australians Agency acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Who we are

Heard, recognised and empowered

We lead the Australian Government’s work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard, recognised and empowered. We work in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations to support self‑determination and meaningful, long‑term outcomes.

National footprint – remote communities, regional and major cities

Our people bring deep community knowledge, strong policy and program capability across government and a unique ability to connect what’s happening on the ground with decision-making at the highest levels of the Australian Public Service. This connection shapes everything we do.

Reconciliation is at the heart of who we are and what we do

We value cultural integrity, respect, inclusion and diverse perspectives, We’re looking for graduates who share our commitment to purposeful work, and who want to contribute to real, positive change for communities across Australia.

Explore our organisational structure to learn more about how we work and where we make a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

What we do

We work to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by shaping policies, programs and partnerships that create real impact. Our work brings government and communities together to deliver better outcomes now and into the future.

We focus on:

• partnering with First Nations peoples to support self‑determination and strong community‑led decision making
• leading whole‑of‑government action under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• designing and delivering programs and policies that strengthen social, economic and cultural outcomes
• using evidence, data and evaluation to inform high‑quality decisions across government.

Our work spans three main areas:

• Policy and Programs – designing and investing in national social, economic and cultural policies and programs with governments and First Nations partners, and leading strategies that advance the Australian Government’s priorities for First Nations peoples.
• Operations and Delivery – working closely with communities across Australia to deliver place‑based services, support emergency responses and strengthen community‑led solutions.
• Corporate and Enabling Services – providing the strategic, technical and operational expertise that powers the Agency, including grants, finance, HR, communications, integrity, governance, ICT, data and legal services.

Read our Corporate Plan to find out more about our priorities and key activities.

At the NIAA, people are at the heart of everything we do. As a graduate, you’ll be supported, challenged and empowered to build a career with purpose, and make an impact from your very first day.

What we offer

You’ll build your career while contributing to meaningful work that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Our program is designed to give you real responsibility, strong support and broad exposure to the Agency’s work.

Our 12‑month graduate program includes tailored professional development and meaningful work opportunities designed to set you up for a successful career in the Australian Public Service.

Hands on experience across three diverse, structured rotations

You'll work in different teams and business areas and develop a deep understanding of the Agency’s priorities and how we deliver outcomes for communities.

Continuous cultural learning

You’ll have access to our award‑winning Footprints Program, which features an extensive library of resources designed to support meaningful and continuous cross‑cultural learning.

An inclusive, values driven workplace

You’ll join a workplace with active staff diversity networks and a strong focus on wellbeing, flexibility and belonging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates have access to a dedicated First Nations Mentoring Program, along with a range of cultural, learning and wellbeing supports.

Opportunities across Australia

Our national footprint means we can offer a range of locations designed to support meaningful work and community connection.

Primary locations: Canberra | Sydney (Parramatta) | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth

Expanded locations for First Nations graduates: Darwin | Alice Springs | Tennant Creek | Katherine | Nhulunbuy | Broome | Kununurra | Cairns | Townsville | Mount Isa | Rockhampton | Toowoomba | Hobart

Other NIAA office locations for First Nations graduates may be considered depending on individual circumstances.

Graduates may also have the chance to complete a rotation in a regional or remote community – a unique opportunity to:

• build community relationships
• gain on the ground experience
• see the direct impact of our work

Remuneration and career growth

NIAA Graduates enjoy competitive pay, excellent working conditions and clear pathways to a fulfilling career in the APS.

• An ongoing (permanent) APS4 role with a starting salary of $83,242 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
• Automatic progression to the next pay point upon successful completion of probation.
• Relocation assistance for graduates who are required to relocate.
• Continued access to technical, professional and leadership development to support long‑term career progression across the APS.
• Exposure to diverse roles and pathways across the Agency, with opportunities to work in policy, programs, operations, corporate functions and more.
• Strong, tailored support from day one through a graduate buddy, formal mentor, pastoral care and networking opportunities.
• An inclusive, culturally respectful and diverse workplace supported by active employee networks and a commitment to staff wellbeing.

Career progression and other benefits for Graduates completing the program

• You may be eligible for advancement to the APS5 or APS6 classification
• You’ll continue to receive a wide range of salary and employee benefits, including:
  • Four weeks annual leave
  • Annual salary increase*
  • Access to flexible working conditions.
• You may be able to access study assistance through financial support and study leave for further education, such as postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications.

* Annual salary advancement is subject to an employee’s performance being assessed as satisfactory.

At the NIAA, you’ll build a career with purpose, supported by great conditions, meaningful work and opportunities to grow and progress in a national Agency making real impact.

Our ideal candidates

We welcome graduates from all disciplines who are passionate about contributing to positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To thrive in the program, you will:

• have a genuine interest in supporting self-determination and positive change for First Nations peoples
• be proactive, curious and committed to continuous learning
• communicate clearly and build respectful, collaborative relationships
• think analytically and use evidence, data and good judgement to inform decisions
• bring creativity and fresh ideas to solving problems
• show resilience and adaptability in new or challenging situations
• demonstrate cultural awareness, communicate respectfully and commit to ongoing cultural capability development
• work well in diverse teams and embody the NIAA’s values and behaviours.