Inside Treasury: Your 60‑Second Guide to Landing a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at The Treasury? We’ve got you covered! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this department—from their key responsibilities to their finances and the skills they’re looking for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this guide will help you chart a path to a rewarding government career.
AT‑A‑GLANCE
Name of Department: The Treasury
Location: Headquartered in Parkes, Canberra, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth
CEO: Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM
Total Revenue: AUD 194.6 billion (administered resourcing in 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 1,666 (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Economics – Drives macroeconomic and fiscal policy work.
Finance or Accounting – Crucial for budget analysis, financial oversight, and revenue forecasting.
Commerce or Business – Ideal for market-based and policy advice.
Law – Helps in legislative drafting, regulatory compliance, and governance.
Public Policy or Public Administration – Core to understanding government processes and crafting national policies.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
CPA or CA (Accounting) – Essential for in-depth financial analysis and budget management.
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK) – Valuable for overseeing policy initiatives and cross-agency programs.
Data Analytics / Data Science – Amplifies evidence-based decision-making and economic modelling.
Financial Planning Certification – Useful in shaping retirement income and superannuation policy.
Risk Management Certification – Aids in identifying and mitigating economic and market risks.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Information Technology Specialists – Needed for digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data projects.
Policy Officers – Central to developing and implementing government policies.
Business Analysts – Bridge technical solutions with policy outcomes.
Project Managers – Coordinate large-scale reforms and departmental initiatives.
Administrative Officers – Keep day-to-day departmental operations on track.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Analytical Thinking – Key for economic modelling and data-driven forecasting.
Collaboration – Fosters teamwork within the department and across government.
Communication (Written & Verbal) – Critical for crafting reports, briefings, and legislation.
Adaptability – Enables quick responses to shifting economic or policy landscapes.
Strategic Problem-Solving – Powers long-term, high-impact policy development.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Government or Public Sector Exposure – Familiarity with APS processes helps you contribute right away.
Corporate Finance or Accounting Experience – Transfers directly into budget and financial policy roles.
Economic Research or Academia – Offers depth in evidence-based policy thinking and analysis.
Consulting or Advisory – Provides broad stakeholder engagement and problem-solving expertise.
Project Delivery in Complex Environments – Shows you can handle large-scale, cross-agency initiatives.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: The Treasury
Name of CEO: Secretary, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM
Location: Australia-wide (primarily Canberra-based)
Year Founded: 1901, alongside the Commonwealth of Australia
Main Mission and Purpose:
The Treasury provides economic analysis and policy advice on issues like the economy, budget, taxation, financial systems, superannuation, housing affordability, and structural policy. For example, Treasury’s macroeconomic forecasts shape decisions on public spending and community services across the nation.Main Duties:
Delivering the federal budget and economic updates
Managing financial legislation and frameworks
Advising on tax, superannuation, and other fiscal policies
Overseeing foreign investment processes
Conducting economic research and analysis
For instance, Treasury helps maintain financial stability by monitoring global markets and recommending policy measures.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Implementing the Government’s economic and fiscal agenda
Strengthening Australia’s foreign investment framework
Supporting housing affordability initiatives and investments
Driving small business policies and regulatory reforms
Did You Know? Treasury manages Australia’s key financial relationships with international institutions, promoting both the nation’s competitiveness and economic stability.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 1,666
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranging from APS 1–4 up to Executive Level and the Senior Executive Service (SES).
Salary Bands (AUD, minimum to maximum)
APS 1: 53,043 – 57,600
APS 2: 61,138 – 65,188
APS 3: 69,233 – 73,275
APS 4: 77,328 – 81,373
APS 5: 86,940 – 92,507
APS 6: 98,072 – 118,813
EL 1: 127,925 – 146,743
EL 2: 156,255 – 179,326
SES 1: 228,250 – 265,279
SES 2: 279,751 – 327,434
SES 3: 362,538 – 424,589
Average Salary in the Department: Varies by APS or SES classification.
Total Revenue: AUD 194.6 billion (administered resourcing, 2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD 116.8 million per staff member (based on total administered resourcing divided by number of employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE TREASURY
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level
Business Administration – Great for administrative and office support roles.
Information Technology – Addresses tech support, data entry, and cybersecurity essentials.
Project Administration / Project Support – Helps coordinate departmental projects efficiently.
Bachelor / Master Level
Economics / Econometrics – Crucial for macroeconomic, budget, and policy analysis.
Commerce / Accounting / Finance – Supports revenue forecasting and financial regulation.
Law – Required for legislative drafting and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Data Analytics or Data Science – Fuels evidence-based policymaking.
Public Policy / Public Administration – Key for mastering government processes.
PhDs
Advanced Economic Research – Ideal for deep macroeconomic and microeconomic modelling.
Financial Systems & Risk – Shapes oversight of financial markets and system stability.
Taxation Law & Policy – Contributes to high-level tax legislation and reform.
Which Trades and Professions?
IT Technicians and Infrastructure Specialists – Keep the department’s digital environment secure and efficient.
Data Visualisation and Graphic Design – Translate complex economic data for broader audiences.
Policy & Research Analysts – Turn raw data into actionable government policy.
Finance and Accounting Specialists – Manage revenue tracking and budget analysis.
Administration and Clerical Professionals – Drive smooth day-to-day operations.
Which Work Experiences?
Government or Public-Sector Roles – Adapt quickly to the Australian Public Service context.
Corporate Accounting or Financial Analysis – Syncs perfectly with budgeting and financial policies.
Management Consulting – Provides stakeholder engagement and diverse problem-solving skills.
Research and Academic Projects – Demonstrates critical thinking and thorough analysis.
Community or Nonprofit Sector – Brings a grassroots perspective on policy outcomes.
Which Skills?
Soft Skills
Communication: Drafting and delivering clear, concise policy briefs.
Collaboration: Aligning Treasury’s goals with other government agencies.
Adaptability: Managing change in shifting economic conditions.
Technical Skills
Data Tools (Python, R, Stata): Vital for quantitative analysis and modelling.
Project Management: Guiding initiatives across multiple teams and timelines.
Regulatory Compliance: Interpreting and applying complex rules in finance and taxation.
General Skills
Problem-Solving: Tackling Australia-wide economic challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinating with internal and external groups.
Reporting & Documentation: Documenting decisions, outcomes, and legislation with precision.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align?
Reading Economics & Finance Blogs 📚 – Keeps you on top of global trends.
Community or Volunteer Work ❤️ – Reflects a passion for public service.
Data Science & Programming Projects 💡 – Sharpens analytical thinking for real-world problems.
Debating or Public Speaking 🎙 – Builds confidence and clarity in policy discussions.
Want more information on this department?
Contact The Treasury
Address: The Treasury, Langton Crescent, Parkes ACT 2600
Telephone: +61 2 6263 1111
Email: media@treasury.gov.au (general inquiries)
Website:
https://treasury.gov.au/
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