Information and guidance following the outcome of an Australian Public Service (APS) job application with Defence.
Successful application
The preferred applicant must meet certain employment requirements before they can be appointed to the position. These requirements may include some or all of the following:
- Australian citizenship status
- security clearance
- character check (including a previous employer check)
- health clearance.
The preferred applicant must also provide appropriate identification documents, and will be subject to a period of probation (generally 6 months).
Security clearance
All Defence employees must have a security clearance.
A security clearance includes pre-employment and background checks. These checks help Defence assess whether an applicant is suitable to access national security and sensitive information, and whether they can meet the required security responsibilities and obligations.
There are a number of security clearance levels, that will differ based on the requirements of each position.
The security clearance process will commence after an applicant is offered a position. The timeframe for starting a Defence job may be impacted depending on the level of security clearance and the processing duration.
A start date cannot be confirmed until a security clearance has been granted.
Further information on the security clearance process can be found on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.
Character check
Defence will seek to verify the prospective employee is of good character and capable of adhering to the Defence and APS Values through a character clearance. The clearance involves checking police records for unspent criminal convictions and findings, confirming details given in the employment application (including employment history, employment references and educational qualifications).
Health check
A health assessment may be required as part of the condition of engagement to the APS in Defence. A health assessment may also be required for existing APS employees who are commencing employment in certain positions within Defence.
The health assessment helps determine whether the preferred applicant is fit to perform the duties of the role. It also helps identify any reasonable adjustments needed to support the employee in the workplace.
Offer of employment
Once the preferred candidate has met all the requirements and conditions, they will be offered the position (usually by phone) and encouraged to make a decision as quickly as possible. If accepting the position, a formal 'Letter of Offer' will be sent to the applicant, listing the required commencement pack documents.
The formal offer of employment needs to be accepted within 5 days of receiving the Letter of Offer.
If the job is an affirmative measures position, proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Heritage is a requirement.
The successful applicant should not resign or leave their current employment until Defence APS Recruitment have advised that all checks / clearances have been completed.
Once all the paperwork has been processed by Defence APS Recruitment, the applicant will receive a ‘Confirmation Letter’ advising on the date of commencement.
Unsuccessful application
Once the successful applicant has been notified, unsuccessful applicants will be advised in writing as soon as possible.
Unsuccessful applicants may contact the chairperson to request feedback on their application.
Current APS employees which are unsuccessful for a position within Defence may request a review of the selection process and outcome. For more information on the APS review process, refer to the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Merit pool
Upon the conclusion of a recruitment round, suitable applicants may be placed in a merit pool.
A merit pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed as suitable for the advertised vacancy. However, they may not be considered the preferred applicant or immediately appointed to the vacancy.
A merit pool can be used to fill similar vacancies in the future if it becomes available within 18 months from the date the original vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette.
The candidate's data may be shared with other areas of Defence or other Commonwealth departments, to assess suitability for similar vacancies. Candidates may be contacted to determine their interest in being considered for a vacancy.
Being in a merit pool does not guarantee that a candidate will be contacted regarding similar vacancies in the future.