Life at Education

At Education, we are committed to building a positive and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Empowering you

As a culturally inclusive environment, the department offers a positive workplace culture and strives to be an employer of choice. We offer successful candidates:

  • attractive salaries and employer superannuation
  • flexible work arrangements
  • generous leave entitlements
  • a range of allowances
  • salary packaging, and
  • a closedown period over Christmas.

For more information about what we offer:

Read the Department of Education Enterprise Agreement 2024-27

Our culture

Making sure every member of our community feels empowerED is at the heart of our workplace. By underpinning our actions and interactions with the Australian Public Service Values, we create a workplace environment that supports our development, where we bolster each other, embrace our differences, and unite behind our purpose.

Our values in action

  • We are impartial
    The APS is apolitical and provides the government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.
  • We are Committed to service
    The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the government.
  • We are Accountable
    The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
  • We are Respectful
    The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.
  • We are Stewards
    The APS builds its capability and institutional knowledge and supports the public interest now and into the future, by understanding the long-term impacts of what it does.

Creating better futures through education starts with us, and by being respectful, celebrating our achievements and helping each other, we have what it takes to sustain our efforts and achieve our potential and our purpose. This is who we are. We are EDucation. Learn more:

Learn more about APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles

Integrity

The APS is committed to a culture of integrity, It is the foundation upon which trust is built in the public service and encompasses a commitment to high standards of professionalism, both in what we do and in how we do it.  For integrity culture to thrive in the APS, we should feel empowered and safe to speak up. 

Learn more about Building a speak up culture in the APS

Work Health and Safety

At Education, we are committed to providing our people with a supportive and respectful workplace focused on prioritising physical and mental health and safety (in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988). This commitment to Work Health and Safety is integrated into all we do.

Our integrated systems ensure health, safety and wellbeing is compliant with legislation and embedded into everyday business. When you join us, you will learn about more about our commitment, and your health and safety obligations.

Working WELL

At Education, we provide a comprehensive suite of tools, resources, and a wide range of support services designed to help you work WELL and thrive in your role. From the moment you join our team, you’ll be introduced to dedicated services and support networks, as well as engaging programs aimed at preventing harm, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and fostering positive mental health and wellbeing.

Psychosocial safety

Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work which have the potential to cause psychological harm.

At Education, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive and respectful workplace that prioritises physical as well as psychological health, safety and wellbeing. This unwavering commitment is to foster a safe, supportive and respectful workplace where both physical and psychological health, safety and wellbeing are championed every day.

We empower our people by providing education, fostering open conversations, and proactively identifying and addressing psychological hazards. By actively managing these risks, we not only protect our team, but also create a vibrant environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to perform at their best. Together, we’re building a culture where every individual is encouraged to work well and flourish.

Learn more about Psychosocial hazards

Child Safe Policy

The department is committed to promoting and maintaining a culture that does not permit or tolerate child abuse, neglect or exploitation. The Child Safe Policy (PDF) establishes the department’s expectations of all staff to provide a safe environment for children and sets out our approach to managing risk to children and young people arising through the day-to-day work of the department.

Our collective commitment is to create an environment where every child who interacts with the department—whether through our employees, contractors, consultants, officials or service providers—feels safe, supported and empowered. We strive not only to protect their welfare, but to actively promote their wellbeing through respectful, attentive engagement and robust safeguards, ensuring every child is given the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and secure setting.

Staff who work in child safe roles are required to obtain and maintain a Working With Child Check administered by the relevant state or territory government.

Learn more about the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework

Learn more about the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

Indigenous Business is Everyone’s Business

At Education, Indigenous Business is Everyone’s Business. This is a guiding principle that enriches our workplace, transforms government, contributes towards reconciliation and the success of First Nations initiatives to improve education outcomes, including the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms. This guiding principle shapes how we collaborate, partner and empower First Nations colleagues, stakeholders, people and communities through education.

We champion Indigenous Business is Everyone’s Business through genuine collaboration, partnership and the empowerment of First Nations colleagues, stakeholders, families and communities. Through these actions, we can open doors to opportunity and inspire lasting change.

Learn more about our Reconciliation Action Plan

Inclusion and Diversity

Our department is a place where our people feel included, safe, valued, and respect each other. We work together to foster and strengthen our inclusive workplace by ensuring diversity is at the heart of our values and culture. At Education, everyone belongs. We welcome people of different backgrounds that bring new perspectives to enrich workplace and contribute to our purpose.

Learn more about the Department of Education Inclusion and Diversity Strategy

Learn more about the Department of Education Reconciliation Action Plan

Employee Networks

Our Employee Networks form an essential part of our inclusive and diverse workplace. They bring colleagues together to connect, find support and thrive. Our Employee Networks help drive and promote diversity and inclusion and recognise days of significance important to our people.

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Ability & Carers Network logo
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network logo
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Deadly Crew logo
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Gen Network logo
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Pride Network logo
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Neurodiversity Network Logo

Get in touch

If you have any questions on working with the department, or the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@education.gov.au or 02 6240 6973