Safe Work Australia Graduate Programs & Internships

Government & Public Service

The Safe Work Australia Story

We are a national policy body responsible for driving improvements in work health and safety (WHS) policy and workers' compensation outcomes in Australia. We work in partnership with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and employer and worker representatives on a range of policy, evidence and communication initiatives. The work we do has a big impact on the lives of 13.5 million working Australians and their families, as Australia continues to experience a decrease in workplace fatalities and injuries.

Located in the NISHI building in Canberra, we are an engaged workplace of around 100 employees that prides ourselves on our commitment to safety, diversity and inclusion. We provide generous terms and conditions, access to flexible working arrangements, a range of health and wellbeing initiatives and access to professional development. We also like to get involved and participate in a range of corporate and charitable activities.

The Recruitment Process

We welcome graduates from multiple disciplines who are motivated to contribute to healthy and safe Australian workplaces. If you believe you could be a good fit within the Agency, then our graduate program is for you. This year we will be recruiting via multiple streams of the 2023 Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) including:

Generalist
Data
Legal
STEM, and
Indigenous Graduate Pathway

We may also run our own targeted recruitment process later in the year. We will update this page and our website with all of the details should this occur. If you have any queries in the meantime please email graduates@swa.gov.au.

Remuneration & Career prospects

Here are a few things you can expect in our graduate program:

generous remuneration package and employer superannuation contributions
attractive working conditions including generous leave entitlements and flexible work arrangements
access to a range of health and well-being initiatives
participation in the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) Graduate Development Program
three workplace rotations designed to develop your capabilities and broaden your understanding of the Agency
completion of a major project, as coordinated through the Graduate Development Program
a mentoring program
ongoing employment once you complete the graduate program, and
relocation assistance if you live outside of Canberra.
We're committed to diversity and inclusion, driven by our very active and award-winning employee-led Workplace Inclusion Network.
Starting level and salary: APS 4, $79,478
Level and salary on completion: APS 5, $87,781
Length of graduate program: 12 months
Location(s): Canberra
Number of rotations (and duration of each rotation): up to 3 rotations of approximately 16 weeks each
Security clearance: National Police Check and be able to maintain a minimum Baseline level security clearance
Relocation assistance (how much/what is provided): Relocation assistance is provided for reasonable costs up to $10,000. This may include travel by air, travel by car, temporary accommodation, relocation and/or storage of goods.

Recruitment Process

Successful applicants outside of Canberra will be required to relocate by early January to commence the Program.

To be eligible for the program you must:

have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution) within the last 5 years with a credit average. You will be required to submit an academic transcript during the application process.
be an Australian citizen
return a clear National Police Check (coordinated by SWA)
be able to obtain and maintain a minimum Baseline level security clearance (further information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

There is the option to commence employment earlier than the anticipated program start date by request.

Remuneration & Career Growth

Upon successful completion of the Program, Graduates may progress to the APS Level 5 within the Agency. Further broad banding opportunities may be available in the future.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score

4.4

Overall score based on 5 reviews

They Score Best in…

8.6

Management

9.5

Office Work Environment

8.2

Recruitment

8.8

Work Hours

What Graduates Say About Them

The fact that the Agency is small means that the culture is close knit and, you feel supported. Additionally, WHS is an incredibly important area of law relevant to all workplaces across the country and you'll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful work - especially in the context of emerging working arrangements, rising rates of psychological injuries.
Ability to pursue learning and development opportunities.
The friendly and supportive work environment
Everyone is very friendly and approachable.
I have enjoyed the opportunities at my workplace, as well as the supportive and respectful work culture. All of the supervisors I have had during my graduate rotation have been supportive to work with, along with the different teams I have been part of. I also enjoy the engagement with other staff at the agency due to social club activities, as well as the promotion of inclusivity and diversity through WIN networks.
As it's a small Agency, you are really able to collaborate and understand the functions of other teams. You also get plenty of hands on work and support from all areas. The work is interesting, and forces you to think about directions and perspectives you haven't before. There is also plenty of opportunity for problem solving and thinking outside of the box - and it's an open environment to air any ideas you have.

At times, the work is fast-paced while at other times projects can take longer to progress.
There are also very limited travel opportunities too due to the nature of the work.
Decisions are made by SWA Members, you don't really get that direct engagement or direction by a Minister, so the arrangement may feel different to APS staff who are more familiar with that arrangement.

All reviews