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 2010?
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 Vocational Employment Scheme (MVES), 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 2010.

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 2010?

There will be between 5 and 10 vocational employment positions available for 2010. These positions may be offered in various locations, including ACT, SA, NSW, VIC, QLD and WA.

What does a medical clearance involve?

The medical clearance is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in 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 Defence Materiel Organisation, am I required to wear a uniform and participate in Military exercises?

No. 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 CONFIDENTIAL level (as a minimum) to participate in the MVES. Some positions may require higher security clearance, and this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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

What do I need for a security clearance?

To obtain a CONFIDENTIAL 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 MVES 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 MVES may be withdrawn.