Inside the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR): Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🎯
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)? We’ve dissected their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quick-fire overview, you’ll discover key functions, financials, skills in demand, and why this department could be your next big career move. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or just starting out, this guide offers essential insights to help you navigate a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE 📊
Name of Department: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, operating Australia-wide
CEO: Natalie James (Secretary)
Total Revenue: $846.97 million (Departmental revenue from Government plus own-source revenue in 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 4,299 APS employees as at 30 June 2024
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DEWR
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Bachelor of Public Administration – Key for policy development and public-sector frameworks.
Bachelor of Business or Commerce – Helpful in financial oversight, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB/JD) – Critical for interpreting legislation, drafting policy, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Diploma in Project Management – Essential for managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects.
Certificate IV in Government – Builds foundational knowledge of public sector practices.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Shows ability to plan and deliver complex projects.
Change Management Certification – Enables smooth implementation of organisational or legislative change.
CPA (Certified Practising Accountant) – Supports budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance.
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Useful for designing and delivering training programs in employment initiatives.
Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) – Helps maintain accountability and transparency in government operations.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
IT Professionals – Supporting complex digital services and analytics for employment systems.
Policy Officers – Driving strategy, legislation, and frameworks for employment and workplace relations.
Financial Analysts / Accountants – Managing multi-million-dollar programs and budgets accurately.
Legal Professionals – Advising on and enforcing workplace relations legislation.
HR / Talent Acquisition Experts – Crafting workforce strategies and recruitment plans within the APS.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Stakeholder Engagement – Building fruitful partnerships across government, industry, and community.
Data Analysis – Interpreting labour market trends to inform effective policies.
Communication – Conveying complex ideas in accessible language for varied audiences.
Problem-Solving – Creating solutions to emerging employment challenges.
Collaboration – Working seamlessly with cross-functional teams, service providers, and program participants.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Public Policy Roles – Designing and implementing large-scale initiatives.
Project Delivery – Managing timelines, budgets, and outcomes in a structured environment.
Financial Management – Ensuring public funds are allocated and spent responsibly.
Legal / Compliance Roles – Oversight of legislation governing workplace relations.
Community Outreach – Gaining insights into diverse groups, especially in employment contexts.
THE KEY FACTS 💡
Name of Department: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Name of CEO: Natalie James (Secretary)
Location: Australia-wide presence with a central office in Canberra
Year Founded: Established under this name in 2022, following a machinery-of-government change
Main Mission and Purpose:
To support people in Australia to have safe, secure, and well-paid work, underpinned by the right skills for a sustainable future. For instance, DEWR manages Workforce Australia Services, which connect individuals to jobs, training, and support .Main Duties:
Shape and deliver employment services so job seekers can find and keep meaningful work
Oversee workplace relations laws, protecting fair wages and conditions
Lead Australia’s vocational education, apprenticeships, and training initiatives
Provide evidence-based policy advice and labour market research
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Workforce Australia Services – Digital and provider-led services to connect job seekers with employers
National Skills Agreement (NSA) – Major investment to ensure accessible, high-quality vocational training
Closing Loopholes – Strengthening worker entitlements and addressing wage theft
AI Innovation – Harnessing AI-driven solutions for more efficient operational processes
Did You Know? DEWR facilitated the insourcing of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, supporting Australian employers and Pacific Island workers in addressing skill and labour shortages .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE 📈
Total Number of Employees: 4,299 APS employees as at 30 June 2024
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Senior Executive Service (SES): 95
Non-SES (APS1 to EL2): 4,204
Salary Bands: From around $55,000 (APS 1) to over $405,000 (SES 3) for the highest classifications
Average Salary in the Department: Typically falls between $100,000 and $120,000, depending on classification and experience
Total Revenue: $846.97 million (Departmental appropriations + own-source revenue) in 2023–24
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately $197,000 (total revenue ÷ total employees)
GETTING A JOB AT DEWR 📮
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Cert IV in Government – Foundations for public-sector career pathways
Diploma of Business / Finance – Preparing for support roles in finance and administration
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Public Policy, Economics, Commerce, or Law – Vital for policy, data-driven analysis, and compliance
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Equips future leaders with strategic and management capabilities
PhDs:
Policy Research, Data Science – Invaluable for advanced analytics and shaping evidence-based programs
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
IT / Digital Specialists – Managing sophisticated digital platforms
Financial Analysts – Overseeing significant appropriations and ensuring public funds’ integrity
Project Managers – Coordinating cross-government initiatives
Legal Officers – Providing counsel on workplace law, fairness, and compliance
Communications Specialists – Helping shape the public narrative around employment services
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Community Engagement – Interfacing effectively with local, regional, and national stakeholders
Policy Development – Crafting and interpreting legislation and program guidelines
Customer Service – Enhancing participant experiences in government programs
Research and Analysis – Driving data-led decisions for Australia’s labour market
Contract Management – Overseeing partnerships and provider agreements
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Empathy, time management, negotiation, adaptability, stakeholder engagement
Technical Skills: Advanced data analytics, legislative drafting, financial modelling, project scheduling, software development
General Skills: Report writing, critical thinking, risk assessment, strategic planning, compliance monitoring
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Volunteering or Mentoring – Demonstrates a community-focused approach
Public Speaking or Debating – Showcases confidence and clarity in communication
Data or Coding Clubs – Reflects a passion for problem-solving in modern, tech-driven contexts
Reading Policy Journals – Keeps you updated on key legislative and economic trends
Social Entrepreneurship – Encourages innovative approaches to public-sector challenges
Want more information on this department?
Contact the Department:
Address: GPO Box 9828, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6121 6000 (main switch)
Email: performance@dewr.gov.au
Website: www.dewr.gov.au
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