⚖️ Unlocking the Secrets of the Attorney-General’s Department: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Attorney-General’s Department? We’ve sifted through their 2023–24 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 key functions and finances to the academic qualifications and skills they seek in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will empower you to navigate your path toward a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Attorney-General’s Department (AGD)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra (ACT), with offices across various Australian states and territories
CEO: Secretary Katherine Jones PSM (akin to a CEO in public-sector terms)
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD $500 million for 2023–24 (sum of government appropriations plus the department’s own-source revenue)
Total Number of Employees: 2,396 employees as at 30 June 2024
(Note: $500 million is a rounded figure to reflect the department’s overall funding and resources available in 2023–24.)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Law (LLB, JD, Bachelor of Laws)
Vital for roles in policy development, legal analysis, and drafting of legislation.
Criminology / Justice Studies (Diploma, Bachelor, Master’s)
Enhances insight into criminal justice systems, aligning with AGD’s work in national security and federal offender management.
Business / Public Administration (Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master’s)
Essential for governance, management, and leadership across government programs.
Information Technology (Cert IV, Diploma, Bachelor, Master’s)
Indispensable for cybersecurity, data systems, and digital transformation initiatives.
Finance / Accounting (Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master’s)
Fundamental for budgeting, procurement, and financial oversight within a large government department.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile)
Ensures on-time and on-budget delivery of major legislative, policy, and ICT projects.
Government Investigations / Compliance Certificates
Critical for upholding integrity, addressing fraud, and meeting legal obligations.
Mediation / Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Highly useful in family law contexts, dispute resolution, and cross-agency collaboration.
Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g., CISSP, CompTIA Security+)
Increasingly relevant for safeguarding the department’s digital infrastructure.
Government Procurement & Contracting
For those managing tenders, grants, or complex procurement processes.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Legal Practitioners (Solicitors, Barristers)
Provide advice on complex litigation, constitutional law, and legislative frameworks.
Policy Officers / Analysts
Develop policy solutions, conduct research, and draft legislative reforms that impact national security and the justice system.
Financial Analysts / Accountants
Oversee departmental budgets, financial management, and ensure responsible expenditure of public funds.
Human Resources / Recruitment Specialists
Crucial for building and retaining a diverse, skilled workforce across Australia’s Public Service.
IT Specialists (Security, Systems, Development)
Drive innovation in digital services, protect sensitive data, and modernize the department’s tech infrastructure.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Legal Research & Analysis
A must for advising on intricate court matters and legislation.
Policy Development & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration is key when designing laws and programs.
Project Management
Efficiency in rolling out high-impact initiatives within set deadlines.
Risk Management & Problem-Solving
Essential for safeguarding the integrity of government processes.
Interpersonal & Communication
Critical for drafting briefs, negotiating across multiple agencies, and serving the public.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
APS Experience in Policy or Program Development
Familiarity with public-sector frameworks ensures smooth integration into AGD’s work.
Legal Practice (Private or Public)
Practical experience in litigation or advisory roles is hugely beneficial.
Financial or Budget Management
Helps in overseeing the department’s extensive funding responsibilities.
Investigation & Compliance
A background in law enforcement or regulatory roles supports the department’s accountability focus.
Project Coordination / Administration
Vital for cross-disciplinary projects spanning family law, crime cooperation, and national security.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Attorney-General’s Department
Name of CEO: Secretary Katherine Jones PSM
Location: Australia-wide (head office in Canberra)
Year Founded: 1901 (making it one of Australia’s oldest government departments)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Mission: To maintain and enhance Australia’s law, justice, security, and integrity frameworks to support a just and secure society.
Real-world example of community impact: Ensuring that families facing legal issues can access fair adjudication, and that local communities are protected through robust crime-prevention policies.
Main duties of the department:
Legal Services & Policy Advice: Constitutional law matters, legislative drafting, oversight of significant legal disputes.
Casework Management: Extraditions, family law, mutual assistance in criminal cases, and more.
Legislation & Reform: Designing and evaluating frameworks related to family law, integrity, and national security.
Program Delivery: Administering grants and initiatives to improve access to justice (e.g., funding community legal centers).
Real-world example of duties: Coordinating international legal requests so that justice can be served both at home and abroad.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
National Security Reforms: Enhancing legislation to address terrorism threats and foreign interference.
Family Law Reform: Streamlining family law processes to prioritize child safety and more efficient dispute resolution.
Justice Reinvestment & Closing the Gap: Funding initiatives for First Nations communities to reduce incarceration rates.
Integrity & Fraud Prevention: Implementing the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework to protect taxpayer interests.
Did you know?
The department tackles issues as varied as modern slavery, human rights obligations, AI regulation, and policy for nuclear-powered submarines.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 2,396 as of 30 June 2024
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Ranges from APS1 to the Senior Executive Service (SES), with most staff at APS and Executive Level classifications.
Salary Bands:
APS (entry): ~AUD $50,000–$70,000+
Executive Levels (EL): ~AUD $80,000–$140,000+
SES (Senior Executive Service): ~AUD $150,000 and beyond
(Actual salaries depend on the Attorney-General’s Department Enterprise Agreement and internal determinations.)
Average Salary in the Department: Typically around AUD $90,000–$110,000, depending on the role level.
Total Revenue: Estimated at AUD $500 million in 2023–24 (from appropriations plus own-source funds)
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD $208,500 ($500 million / 2,396 employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration, Government Investigations, or Information Technology—ideal for support officer roles, frontline service delivery, and operational support.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Public Administration, Criminology, Political Science, Finance—crucial for policy, legal, and analytical roles.
PhDs:
Law, Criminal Justice, Policy Research—advanced expertise for driving policy reform and undertaking in-depth analysis.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Legal Professionals (e.g. solicitors, in-house counsel)
IT Security Specialists (for cybersecurity and data integrity)
Policy Advisers (justice, security, administrative law)
Human Resources Professionals (for recruitment, workforce development)
Financial Managers & Grant Administrators
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Public-Sector Policy Roles
Legal Practice (litigation, advisory)
Project Management in Complex Environments
Regulatory/Compliance (e.g., oversight agencies, enforcement)
Community or Stakeholder Engagement
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Communication, negotiation, stakeholder collaboration
Technical skills:
Data analysis, legal drafting, cybersecurity, project management
General skills:
Critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, time management
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Debating / Public Speaking (sharpens argumentation skills)
Community Volunteering (demonstrates public-mindedness)
Research / Writing (shows strong analytical thinking)
Tech Projects / Coding (useful for digital policy and cybersecurity roles)
Leadership in Clubs / Sports (illustrates teamwork and responsibility)
Want more information on the Attorney-General’s Department?
Contact the department:
HR or Recruitment Team:
Phone: (02) 6141 3490
Email: AGDPerformance@ag.gov.au
Physical Office Address:
3–5 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia
Accurate Website URL:
https://www.ag.gov.au/
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