Frequently asked questions

On this page:

Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Do you have age limits for applicants?
How many positions are available in 2013?
What does a medical clearance involve?
At Defence Materiel Organisation, am I required to wear a uniform and participate in Military exercises?
Why do I need a security clearance?
What level of security clearance do I need?
What do I need for a security clearance?
Does every applicant undergo a security clearance?
What if I am unsuccessful in getting a security clearance?

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Do I need to be an Australian citizen?

Australian citizenship is a condition of employment in the APS. To be eligible to commence the Materiel TAFE Employment Scheme (MTES), you must be an Australian citizen. If you are not an Australian citizen at the time of applying, you will need to provide evidence that you will become an Australian citizen by early January 2013.

See: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Do you have age limits for applicants?

No. All applicants are selected according to a merit based selection process.

How many positions are available in 2013?

There will be up to 20 trainee positions available for 2013. These positions may be offered in various locations including ACT, SA, NSW, VIC, QLD and WA. Check this website in August 2012 for further details.

What does a medical clearance involve?

The medical clearance is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). A Commonwealth medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in the Australian Public Service.

Note: Only the candidates successful in the final selection process undergo a medical clearance.

At the Defence Materiel Organisation, am I required to wear a uniform and participate in Military exercises?

No. The DMO is not a part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF); it is a civilian public service organisation. Given you will not be a member of the ADF, you are not required to wear a uniform and will not undertake any military exercises.

Why do I need a security clearance?

A security clearance is a condition of APS employment and is required to assess your reliability and trustworthiness with Defence information. If the availability, integrity or confidentiality of Defence information is compromised in any way, lives can be lost – it is as simple as that.

What level of security clearance do I need?

You will be cleared to a BASELINE level (as a minimum) to participate in the MTES. Some positions may require higher security clearance and this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Note: Most positions in the Defence Materiel Organisation require a minimum security clearance at the NEGATIVE VET 1 level. Some positions require higher levels of clearance.

What do I need for a security clearance?

To obtain a BASELINE level security clearance you will need:

• a verifiable personal background/history for last 5 years; and
• Australian citizenship.

Does every applicant undergo a security clearance?

Only the candidates who accept a position in the MTES undergo the security clearance process.

As part of your offer of a position you will be asked to:

• provide comprehensive information about yourself for the past 5 years;
• provide comprehensive information about your dependants/relatives; and
• give the Department the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police and financial institutions

What if I am unsuccessful in getting a security clearance?

If you are unsuccessful in getting a security clearance at the required level, your offer to join the MTES will be withdrawn.