Indigenous employment
Further information
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) recognises the benefits of employing a diverse workforce.
DAFF recognises the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the unique skills and knowledge that Indigenous staff bring to our workplace. DAFF demonstrates its commitment to the improvement of social and economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians by providing exciting employment and development opportunities in a range of fields and locations.
There are a number of opportunities available for Indigenous Australians to work within DAFF including through the:
- National Indigenous Cadetship Program
- Graduate Development Program
- Traineeship program
- Indigenous Entry Level Recruitment Program
- General employment
- Further information
Indigenous Cadetship Support
The Indigenous Cadetship Support (previously National Indigenous Cadetship Project) is an Australian Government initiative that improves the professional employment prospects of Indigenous Australians. It links Indigenous tertiary students with employers in a Cadetship arrangement involving full-time study and work placements.
This program is open to Indigenous Australians who are currently enrolled or plan to enrol in an undergraduate, advanced diploma or diploma level course at an Australian tertiary institution. This is an opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience during your semester break.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an Indigenous Cadetship, students must:
- Identify and be accepted in the community as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- Be enrolled to study full-time (or plan to study full-time) at:
- an Australian university (or equivalent) in an undergraduate degree course, or
- a TAFE institution in information technology at the diploma level, or
- a TAFE institution offering undergraduate degree courses.
DAFF actively participates in the NICP and utilises its recruitment process to find suitable Cadets. At this stage, Cadetship positions are only available in the Canberra Office.
For more information or to register you interest in gaining a Cadetship please visit the Indigenous Cadetship Support program website at www.nicp.dewr.gov.au
- Profile – Martin Dallen
Graduate Development Program
The goal of DAFF is to increase the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian agriculture, fisheries and food industries, while enhancing the natural resource base on which these industries rely. We also help build and promote the whole food and fibre chain from paddock to plate for domestic and international markets.
All graduate positions are based in our Canberra office. As a DAFF graduate you will have a busy first year, with regular training and development opportunities, three diverse work rotations, a graduate leadership development residential and assistance from trained supervisors and previous graduates.
Indigenous Entry Level Recruitment Program
This program is designed for applicants with limited experience in government and no formal qualifications. Successful candidates undertake a combination of on the job and formal training that is designed to develop the key skills and knowledge needed to operate in the public sector environment.
The Indigenous Entry Level Recruitment Program is currently utilised by a number of our regional offices including New South Wales, South East Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
More information on the Indigenous Entry Level Recruitment Program
General Employment
DAFF offers a range of exciting employment opportunities in a range of fields and locations. We are committed to the principles of workplace diversity and actively encourage applications from all diversity groups.
Vacant positions are advertised on the Jobs section of the DAFF website and in national newspapers.
DAFF also has a Temporary Employment Register for people to register their interest to work with DAFF. Completing an application allows DAFF to contact you when relevant temporary contract positions arise.
Link to Profile
- Joe Schmidt - Principle Veterinary Officer
- Miriam Canning – Veterinary Officer
- Christine Hoy - Human Resource Officer
- Hannah Wood – Quarantine Officer
Further Information
Reconciliation Action Plan
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a tool that helps organisations to build positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It provides organisations with a format for exploring how reconciliation can advance their business and organisational objectives.
Workplace Diversity Strategy
DAFF aims to foster a supportive and understanding environment that promotes our values of respect, integrity, professionalism, openness and fairness, and we strive to assist all individuals to realise their maximum potential, regardless of their differences. To achieve this, a Workplace Diversity Strategy has been developed to set goals to progress diversity issues.
DAFFs Workplace Diversity Strategy 2009-11 is currently underdevelopment and will be available here once it has been endorsed.
Our Stories - Career Profiles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Australian Public Service (2002)
- This document, produced by the Australian Public Service Commission (ASPC), acknowledges the contribution made to the Australian Public Service by Indigenous Australian employees - Our Stories
PDF [274kb]
Getting a job in the Australian Public Service (ASPC - 2006)
- This booklet aims to help Indigenous Australians apply for and get jobs in the Australian Public Service - Getting a job PDF [558kb]
Not just a job (APSC - 2006)
- This booklet explains the variety of jobs available in the Australian Public Service and includes commentary from current Australian Public Service Indigenous employees - Not just a job PDF [2mb]
If you have any further queries regarding Indigenous Employment at DAFF, please email Indigenous Employment.