Graduates can bring their unique skills and experiences to make their mark in a world of opportunity at Defence. The Policy and Corporate Pathway roles work on:
- business management and administration
- accounting and finance
- legal (legal practice and legal policy)
- personnel
- policy
- procurement and contracting
- program management
- research and analysis.
Degrees
Refer to the degree disciplines list located on the Eligibility requirements page.
Salary
All successful candidates will commence the Graduate Program on a salary of $79,176 plus 15.4% superannuation (increasing to $81,868 in March 2026).
Graduates advance to a higher salary after successfully completing the program. The salary increase depends on which training pathway is completed.
Defence is committed to enabling an enjoyable work-life balance through:
- a generous remuneration package
- conditions of service
- flexible work arrangements
- leave benefits.
Location
Roles in this pathway are based in Canberra with a limited possibility of an interstate rotation placement during the program.
Duration
12 months
Roles
Policy and Corporate Pathway applicants need to choose one of these areas of interest in their application:
Accounting and Financial Management
Note: to apply for the Accounting and Financial Management Stream, applicants must apply through the Australian Government Graduate Program – Accounting and Financial Management Stream.
Accounting and Financial Management graduates will:
- Be part of the largest finance function across the entire Commonwealth and be at the forefront of financial innovation.
- Contribute to an ambitious modernisation program that's reshaping every facet of Defence’s budget management and financial operations.
Analyst
The Analyst role will:
- Provide commercial management and procurement advice. This role helps facilitate Defence’s investment to develop innovative technologies.
- Advise and influence decision-making and strategy on real-world Defence capability investments.
Commercial (Procurement and Contracting)
The Commercial role will:
- Work on complex and challenging commercial activities.
- Assist in managing commercial risk across the capability and procurement life cycle to deliver optimal outcomes. Read more at Defence Commercial Division.
Corporate
The Corporate role will:
- Work in communication, finance, marketing and strategic planning.
- Support government to develop innovative corporate solutions.
Legal Streams
Note: to apply for the Legal Stream, applicants must apply through the Australian Government Graduate Program - Legal Stream.
- Legal Practice:
Practical legal training will be funded for Legal Practice graduates who are yet to complete the following training:- Design and draft legislative requirements.
- Conduct legal research and draft relevant court documents.
Defence Legal Practice brochure (PDF, 1.37 MB)
- Legal Policy:
- Provide advice on administrative or departmental policy and frameworks.
- Prepare written briefs, submissions and reports.
Policy
The Policy role will:
- Produce and apply strategy to influence the policy frameworks that govern Defence operations and international engagement.
- Guide industry to deliver capability.
- Ensure quality outcomes and optimum impact of government investment.
Project and program management
The project and program management roles will:
- Work in project planning, procurement, management and contract administration.
- Deliver nationally significant infrastructure or environmental projects.