Inside the Department of Home Affairs: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Home Affairs? We’ve dissected their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the department—from its core missions and finances to the skill sets it values in new recruits. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you chart a course toward a fulfilling government career in Australia.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department: Department of Home Affairs
Location: Australia-wide (plus 44 overseas posts)
CEO (Secretary): Stephanie Foster PSM
Total Revenue: AUD 18.92 billion
Total Number of Employees: 15,207
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Public Administration – Builds strong foundations in policy-making and governance.
Law – Essential for legislative interpretation and compliance.
Information Technology – Crucial for digital transformation and cyber security.
Accounting & Finance – Integral to budgeting, auditing, and financial controls.
International Relations – Enhances diplomatic and global engagement skills.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) – Ensures efficient oversight of large-scale initiatives.
Cyber Security (e.g., CompTIA, CISSP) – Guards Australia’s critical digital systems.
Human Resources (e.g., AHRI certification) – Manages and supports a diverse workforce.
Government Investigations/Compliance – Aids in uncovering fraud and maintaining accountability.
Procurement and Contracting – Helps oversee service agreements and regulatory contracts.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
IT Specialists – Provide tech-driven solutions for immigration, border control, and more.
Policy Officers – Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic government policies.
Border Force Officers – Ensure security at Australia’s borders and facilitate lawful travel and trade.
Financial Analysts – Manage sizable budgets and resources efficiently.
Communications Officers – Keep the public informed and engaged with departmental programs.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking – Dissect and address multi-layered policy and security issues.
Collaboration – Coordinate seamlessly across agencies and sectors.
Stakeholder Management – Nurture and align diverse relationships and interests.
Risk Management – Preempt, mitigate, and track potential threats in high-stakes contexts.
Digital Literacy – Leverage technological tools to streamline services and data handling.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Government Compliance Roles – Familiarity with regulatory frameworks enhances program delivery.
Policy and Research – Turns evidence-based insights into measurable outcomes.
Customer Service – Translates into effective client handling in visa and immigration centers.
Emergency Management or Security – Sharpens crisis response and resilience.
Project Coordination – Keeps initiatives on track and under budget.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Home Affairs
Name of CEO (Secretary): Stephanie Foster PSM
Location: Australia-wide (including regional offices and overseas posts)
Year Founded: 2017 (in its current form)
Main mission and purpose:
Protect Australia’s sovereignty via robust border management, law enforcement, and national security coordination.
Real-World Example: The Australian Border Force conducts maritime patrols to deter illegal activities, ensuring public safety and economic stability.
Main duties:
Oversee Australia’s immigration, citizenship, and multicultural affairs.
Govern customs and trade facilitation.
Direct security policies, including critical infrastructure and cyber strategy.
Real-World Example: Accelerating skilled migration applications to fill vital roles in health and technology industries.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Strengthening cyber security regulations and capabilities.
Modernising cargo and passenger processing systems.
Investing in community cohesion via settlement programs and citizenship pathways.
Did you know?
The Department of Home Affairs has a global footprint, operating across 44 cities abroad, offering unique international career opportunities.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 15,207
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (ongoing + non-ongoing):
APS 1: 15
APS 2: 830
APS 3: 2,152
APS 4: 2,119
APS 5: 2,807
APS 6: 3,810
EL1: 3,075
EL2: 926
SES: 181 (including SES Band 1–3)
Salary Bands:
APS 1: AUD 52,165–56,115
APS 2: AUD 56,774–63,695
APS 3: AUD 64,392–73,981
APS 4: AUD 74,049–79,871
APS 5: AUD 80,748–87,572
APS 6: AUD 90,199–103,770
EL1: AUD 110,788–129,928
EL2: AUD 131,272–170,827
SES Band 1–3: AUD 215,693–436,109
Average Salary in the Department (approx.): ~AUD 119,000
Total Revenue: AUD 18.92 billion
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 1.24 million
GETTING A JOB AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after and of value?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Security Operations, Business Administration, IT Support, Public Safety
Offers practical, hands-on skills for security, tech, and administrative roles.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Accounting, Cyber Security, Public Policy, International Relations
Equips you to drive policy, ensure compliance, and tackle emerging threats.
PhDs:
Advanced Research in Policy, National Security, Data Science
Contributes innovative research, analytics, and specialized insights.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Technical Professionals (e.g., electrical, mechanical) – Maintain specialized infrastructure and equipment.
IT Technicians – Enable smooth, efficient digital operations and support.
Investigators & Compliance Officers – Strengthen integrity through thorough oversight and audits.
Project Managers – Streamline complex programs under tight deadlines and budgets.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Public sector or Regulatory Compliance – In-depth knowledge of governmental processes is invaluable.
Military or Emergency Services – Cultivates discipline, leadership, and crisis-handling skills.
Customer Service in High-Volume Settings – Transferable to visa processing and departmental frontlines.
Data Analysis & Research – Fuels evidence-based policy formation.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills: Adaptability, persuasive communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, critical thinking.
Technical skills: Proficiency in data analytics, cyber protocols, policy drafting, IT troubleshooting.
General skills: Problem-solving, project coordination, time management, intercultural competence, resilience.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Tech Enthusiasm (coding, cybersecurity clubs) – Reflects the growing digital backbone of the department.
Community Engagement (volunteering, local governance) – Demonstrates public service ethos.
Outdoor Exploration (travel, maritime activities) – Cultivates a real-world grasp of border and environmental aspects.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Department of Home Affairs
PO Box 25, Belconnen ACT 2616, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6264 1111
Email: annual_report@homeaffairs.gov.au
Website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
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