Inside Screen Australia: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing a Government Role 🎬

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at Screen Australia?
We’ve dissected their Annual Report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this Australian Government agency—from its key functions and financials to the qualifications and skills they value most. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide offers a head start on your path to a rewarding career. Let’s begin!

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AT-A-GLANCE

• Name of Department / Council: Screen Australia

• Location: Head office in Ultimo, NSW; additional office in South Melbourne, VIC

• CEO: Deirdre Brennan (appointed in 2024)

• Total Revenue: ~AUD $98.88 million (2023/24)

• Total Number of Employees: 113 (as at 30 June 2024)

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THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO

Top 5 academic qualifications most suited

1. Business / Commerce / Finance
   Handy for overseeing budgets, grants, and financial accountability.

2. Media / Communications / Journalism
   Helps with content analysis, storytelling, and PR initiatives.

3. Law / Legal Studies
   Useful for contract management, co-production agreements, and compliance oversight.

4. Information Technology / Computer Science
   Crucial for digital solutions, IT support, and the growing demand in interactive content.

5. Project Management / Public Administration
   Key for coordinating government programs, policies, and large-scale screen projects.

Top 5 certifications most suited

1. PRINCE2 / PMP (Project Management Certifications)
   Ideal for managing multiple screen or digital projects within set budgets.

2. CPA / CA (Accounting Certifications)
   Valuable for tracking complex grants and monitoring recoupments.

3. Contract Management Certification
   In-demand for drafting, negotiating, and administering funding agreements.

4. Digital Marketing Certification
   Helps elevate brand presence and audience engagement with funded projects.

5. Information Security / Cybersecurity Certifications
   Protects sensitive production data and intellectual property.

Top 5 trades / professions most suited

1. Administrative Professionals
   Keep daily operations moving efficiently, from documentation to scheduling.

2. IT Specialists
   Facilitate digital workflows, data security, and online platform management.

3. Audiovisual Production Technicians
   Offer on-site expertise for screenings, events, and content production.

4. Marketing & Communications Officers
   Amplify the brand, promote Australian screen culture, and foster stakeholder relationships.

5. Research / Policy Officers
   Conduct deep dives into market trends, audience data, and government policies.

Top 5 skills most suited

1. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
   Essential for coordinating with industry partners, broadcast platforms, and government bodies.

2. Analytical & Research Abilities
   Crucial for interpreting performance data and ensuring taxpayer funds create maximum impact.

3. Project Coordination
   Maintains on-time, on-budget progress across multiple screen projects.

4. Financial Acumen
   Assists with budgeting and accountability to government stakeholders.

5. Adaptability & Problem-Solving
   Vital in a rapidly changing screen industry affected by global market shifts.

Top 5 work experiences most suited

1. Media or Creative Industry
   Understanding industry dynamics helps in evaluating project proposals.

2. Government or Public Service
   Familiarity with public accountability and compliance is a major plus.

3. Project Management Roles
   Shows capacity to keep projects on track with multiple deliverables.

4. Financial / Budget Oversight
   Ensures transparent, rigorous use of public funds.

5. Client Relations / Partnership Management
   Demonstrates you can handle stakeholder needs and international co-productions.

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THE KEY FACTS

• Name of Department: Screen Australia

• Name of CEO: Deirdre Brennan

• Location: Australia-wide (Head office in Ultimo, NSW, and an office in Melbourne, VIC)

• Year Founded: 2008 (under the Screen Australia Act 2008)

• Main mission and purpose of the department:
  Screen Australia exists to inspire, inform, and connect audiences with compelling Australian stories across all screens. In real terms, that means offering funding, promotional support, and guidance to projects that shape Australian culture and showcase local talent on the world stage. For instance, they might co-finance a new film that highlights Indigenous culture, ensuring both creative and financial resources are in place for success.

• Main duties of the department:

  • Invest in and fund Australian film, TV, online, and documentary projects

  • Administer the Producer Offset and the International Co-Production Program

  • Provide research, data, and market insights on screen production

  • Support initiatives to boost skills development in the screen sector

  • Market Australian screen content via festivals, international promotions, and audience engagement
    Real-world example: A newly graduated filmmaker with a promising documentary idea can apply for development funding, enabling them to refine the concept and create a compelling pitch for future production investment.

• Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:

  • Funding a diverse slate of Australian content (film, TV, online, and games)

  • Administering targeted programs like Enterprise to bolster local screen businesses

  • Leading research to guide audience outreach strategies and measure industry impact

  • Supporting below-the-line (BTL) workforce development to address skills shortages

  • Growing digital games funding initiatives in line with government policy priorities

• Did you know?
  Screen Australia contributed funding to the breakout horror film Talk to Me, which became the highest-grossing Screen Australia–funded title worldwide in 2023/24, earning over $140 million at the global box office.

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THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE

• Total Number of Employees: 113 as at 30 June 2024

• Employee Breakdown: 101 ongoing and 12 non-ongoing staff (no detailed pay-level breakdown was published)

• Salary Bands

  • APS-equivalent levels: ~$60,000 to $90,000+

  • Management / EL-level roles: $90,000 to $130,000+

  • Senior Executive Service (SES) and above: $130,000+ upwards

• Average Salary in the Department: Typically in the $90,000–$120,000 range (varies by role)

• Total Revenue: ~AUD $98.88 million (FY 2023/24)

• Average Revenue per Employee: Approx. $875,000 (i.e., $98.88 million / 113 employees)

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GETTING A JOB AT SCREEN AUSTRALIA

Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

Certificate / Diploma Level

• Certificate III/IV in Business or Administration
  Allows you to handle operational tasks, from data entry to essential client liaison.

• Diploma of Screen and Media
  Offers foundational skills in film/TV production—useful when working in program administration or grants.

• Diploma in Digital Marketing
  Helps promote funded projects and engage audiences effectively.

Bachelor / Master Level

• Bachelor of Film, Television, or Screen Studies
  Provides insight into the creative process—helpful for evaluating content proposals.

• Bachelor of Commerce / Finance
  Essential for those reviewing production budgets, ROI, and recoupments.

• Master of Public Administration
  Equips you with skills in policy, governance, and stakeholder management—a big asset in the public sector.

PhDs

• PhD in Cultural Studies or Screen Studies
  Invaluable for policy development and deep-dive research that shapes funding decisions.

Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• Administrative & Clerical Roles
  Keep the gears running by handling approvals, scheduling, and compliance documentation.

• IT Specialists
  Manage systems and processes that enable streamlined funding, data security, and online content distribution.

• Accounting & Finance Roles
  Track and report on where government funding is spent, ensuring accountability.

• Marketing & Communications Officers
  Spread the word about Australian screen projects and build relationships with potential partners.

• Project Officers / Coordinators
  Oversee project milestones from initial application to final reporting.

Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• Prior Government or Public Sector Work
  Demonstrates readiness for bureaucratic processes and public accountability.

• Media / Creative Industry Experience
  Provides valuable context on how content is produced, distributed, and financed.

• Policy or Research Background
  Helps in shaping funding guidelines and managing data-driven decisions.

• Financial / Budgeting Roles
  Indispensable in a grant-giving organization that manages millions of dollars.

• Project Management in Complex Environments
  Shows you can juggle multiple stakeholders, strict timelines, and evolving scopes.

Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

Soft skills

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Work across diverse teams—from content assessors to government liaisons.

• Negotiation & Influencing: Important for building long-term co-production deals and partnerships.

• Clear Communication: Translate creative language into concise government briefings and vice versa.

Technical skills

• Data Analysis / Research: Use metrics and surveys to gauge a project’s market potential.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Monday.com): Keep track of deadlines and deliverables.

• Basic Contract Law Knowledge: A plus for reviewing funding agreements and IP clauses.

General skills

• Report Writing: Summarize project highlights, outcomes, and ROI for stakeholders.

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Vital for maximizing public funds and ensuring sustainable investments.

• Digital Literacy: From social media to cloud-based tools—essential for modern government operations.

Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?

• Film & TV Appreciation
  A strong passion for storytelling helps in championing local productions.

• Creative Writing / Blogging / Podcasting
  Fosters narrative understanding—valuable in script assessment or creative briefs.

• Gaming & Interactive Media
  Reflects Screen Australia’s increasing support for digital game development.

• Event Volunteering & Community Engagement
  Demonstrates a commitment to cultural enrichment and local outreach.

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Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:

• Recruitment/HR Team

  • Phone: +61 2 8113 5800

  • Email: info@screenaustralia.gov.au

  • Address: 45 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007; 290 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205

  • Website: www.screenaustralia.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.