Inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role
⚖️ Inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🏛️
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C)? We’ve done the legwork and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this department—from its key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE 📊
Name of Department / Council: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Location: Primarily based in Canberra (Australian Capital Territory), with flexible working arrangements available.
CEO: Secretary Glyn Davis AC
Total Revenue: Approximately AU$337.3 million (for 2023–24, including departmental appropriations and other sources)
Total Number of Employees: Around 1,900–2,000 ongoing and non-ongoing staff combined
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Public Policy – Informs government decisions and policy development.
Law – Offers legal insights on legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Economics / Finance – Shapes fiscal policies and resource allocation.
Data / Computer Science – Drives evidence-based decision-making and digital innovation.
Political Science / International Relations – Provides critical analysis for diplomatic, strategic, and foreign policy matters.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) – Crucial for guiding high-profile government initiatives.
Change Management – Helps adapt departmental processes to new policies and structures.
Cybersecurity (e.g. CISSP, CISM) – Secures the government’s digital systems against threats.
Financial Management (e.g. CPA, CA) – Oversees compliance, budgeting, and spending efficiency.
Business / Data Analytics – Translates complex data into actionable insights for policymakers.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Administration Professionals – Manage day-to-day departmental functions and processes.
IT Technicians / Support – Keep essential systems up-to-date and secure.
Communications / Media Specialists – Craft public messages and coordinate announcements.
Human Resources – Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, and staff development.
Policy Advisers / Researchers – Shape, review, and refine policy recommendations.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Policy Analysis – Use evidence to develop and refine government policies.
Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborate with a wide range of partners and agencies for cohesive policy outcomes.
Critical Thinking – Evaluate new challenges and emerging issues in a rapidly changing environment.
Communication – Convey complex issues simply and clearly to diverse audiences.
Adaptability – Shift priorities to address urgent national and international developments.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Government or Public Sector Roles – Understand APS processes, Cabinet procedures, and legislative frameworks.
Project Delivery – Prove an ability to manage and complete complex initiatives on time.
Policy Implementation – Show you can translate government decisions into tangible results.
Stakeholder Relations – Build rapport across agencies, NGOs, and communities.
Research & Analysis – Gather and interpret data or evidence that informs strategic direction.
THE KEY FACTS 📝
Name of Department: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Name of CEO: Secretary Glyn Davis AC
Location: Australia-wide reach, but headquartered in Canberra
Year Founded: 1971 (in its modern form)
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
The central driving force behind government policy coordination, PM&C ensures the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and portfolio ministers receive top-tier advice on issues ranging from economics to national security.
Real-world example: Coordinating cross-agency responses during major natural disasters, thereby expediting help to affected communities.Main Duties of the Department:
Coordinate policy efforts across economic, social, and security portfolios.
Provide secretariat support to the Cabinet and its committees.
Drive national reforms in tandem with state and territory governments.
Mobilize and oversee swift crisis management arrangements.
Real-world example: Steering the response to pandemics or large-scale emergencies by uniting diverse teams under a single, coherent strategy.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Leading high-level taskforces on areas such as national security, economic resilience, and social reforms.
Supporting net zero and clean-energy transitions as part of broader economic strategies.
Collaborating with states and territories through National Cabinet to tackle housing, health, and cost-of-living challenges.
Did You Know?
PM&C plays a pivotal role in supporting the Prime Minister’s international engagements—from setting up official visits to coordinating summits like the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE 📈
Total Number of Employees: Around 1,900–2,000 staff in total (ongoing and non-ongoing)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
APS Levels 1–6: ~1,000+
Executive Level (EL) 1 & 2: ~600+
Senior Executive Service (SES) 1–3: ~100+
(figures are approximate and can change over time)
Salary Bands: Range from approximately AU$52,000 at APS 1 to around AU$433,000 for SES 3.
Average Salary in the Department: Tends to fall between AU$90,000–AU$130,000 for mid-level APS roles (APS 5–EL 1).
Total Revenue: Approximately AU$337.3 million for 2023–24.
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AU$170,000–AU$180,000 (calculated by dividing total revenue by ~2,000 employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely To Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration: Useful for administrative support and operational management.
Project Management: Essential for coordinating departmental initiatives and programs.
Community Services / Emergency Management: Vital for crisis-response teams and social policy programs.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Public Policy / Administration: Core for policy drafting, research, and implementation.
Economics / Commerce: Ideal for shaping budgeting and broader economic strategies.
Law: Key for legislative work, risk assessments, and legal advice.
PhDs:
Political Science / International Relations: Contribute nuanced perspectives to diplomacy and global strategy.
Data Science / Analytics: Transform raw data into forecasts and critical policy insights.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely To Be Most Sought After?
ICT Specialists: Keep government systems modernized and secure.
Communications / Design Specialists: Create public information campaigns and clear policy documentation.
Policy / Program Administrators: Ensure smooth day-to-day operations for major projects.
Legal Officers: Oversee compliance and legislative matters.
Finance & Procurement: Manage funding, grants, and large-scale purchasing.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely To Be Most Sought After?
Public Sector / Government Roles – Experience in APS or related fields.
Project Delivery & Coordination – Evidence of successful multi-stakeholder project rollouts.
Data & Digital Experience – Increasingly vital as government expands digital initiatives.
Research & Evaluation – Key for policy planning and outcome measurement.
Stakeholder Engagement – Effective communication and relationship-building across multiple sectors.
Which Skills Are Likely To Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy.
Technical Skills: Data analytics, IT security, advanced financial modelling, policy writing.
General Skills: Adaptability, resilience, leadership, and team coordination.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with This Department’s Work?
Reading / Research: Avid interest in current affairs and public policy.
Community Service / Volunteering: Demonstrates a commitment to improving society.
Tech Enthusiasm / Coding: Increasingly in demand for digital transformation projects.
Public Speaking / Debating: Builds confidence in explaining complex policies to diverse audiences.
Want More Information on This Department? 📧
Contact the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet:
Address: One National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6271 5111
Email: hr@pmc.gov.au (general inquiries)
Website: pmc.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.