Unlocking the Secrets of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI): Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about ASPI—from their key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will give you the insights you need to explore a rewarding government career in Australia.

Read on if you’re curious about one of the most dynamic, policy-focused organisations under the Australian Government umbrella. Let’s dive in! 🌏

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AT-A-GLANCE

• Name of Department / Council: Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)

• Location: Headquartered in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (with an office in Washington, D.C.)

• CEO (Executive Director): Mr. Justin Bassi

• Total Revenue: AUD 14,046,000 (most recent reporting)

• Total Number of Employees: 67

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

🎯 Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:

1. International Relations / Political Science – A strong foundation for understanding geopolitical landscapes and public policy.

2. Economics / Finance – Crucial for analyzing budgets, performing cost–benefit assessments, and providing financial insights.

3. Strategic or Security Studies – Equips you to tackle defence and national-security research projects.

4. Communications / Journalism – Key to producing clear, engaging publications and managing stakeholder engagement.

5. Data Science / Analytics – Useful for data-driven research, open-source intelligence, and evidence-based policy recommendations.

⚡️ Top 5 certifications most suited:

1. Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2®, PMP®) – Essential for coordinating complex research programs and events.

2. Cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP) – Vital for tackling policy issues around digital threats and tech security.

3. Government Procurement and Contracting – Helps navigate grants, partnerships, and compliance in the public sector.

4. Policy Analysis and Evaluation – Ensures rigorous approach to drafting policy briefs and measuring strategic outcomes.

5. Public Administration (e.g., Certificate IV) – Builds core knowledge of government processes and regulations.

🛠 Top 5 trades / professions most suited:

1. Research Analysts – Conduct both qualitative and quantitative research central to ASPI’s policy work.

2. Policy Officers / Advisors – Translate government frameworks into actionable strategies for defence and security.

3. Communications Specialists – Craft messages, reports, and outreach programs to broaden ASPI’s impact.

4. IT / Cyber Technicians – Strengthen ASPI’s digital infrastructure and data security efforts.

5. Event & Logistics Coordinators – Ensure seamless execution of conferences and strategic dialogues.

💡 Top 5 skills most suited:

1. Policy Writing & Analytical Skills – Turn complex data into clear, implementable advice.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building – Collaborate effectively with government, academic, and industry partners.

3. Research & Critical Thinking – Identify emerging security trends and provide data-backed insights.

4. Technology Acumen – Keep pace with rapid developments in cybersecurity and digital transformation.

5. Project & Time Management – Balance multiple briefs and deliverables under tight deadlines.

🏆 Top 5 work experiences most suited:

1. Government Policy or Program Experience – Familiarity with APS processes, project lifecycles, and grants administration.

2. Defence or National-Security Background – Provides an insider’s view into military capabilities and intelligence frameworks.

3. Academic / Research Roles – Indicates the ability to conduct in-depth studies and write for publication.

4. Think-Tank or NGO Exposure – Adaptability in multidisciplinary environments and stakeholder networks.

5. Corporate or Industry Consulting – Brings fresh approaches to operational efficiency, financial analysis, and resource planning.

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THE KEY FACTS

• Name of Department: Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)

• Name of CEO (Executive Director): Mr. Justin Bassi

• Location: Australia-wide scope (HQ in Canberra), plus an office in Washington, D.C.

• Year Founded: 2001

• Main mission and purpose of the department:

  • Provide independent, non-partisan strategic policy research to support government decisions on defence, national security, and more.

  • Real-world example: ASPI’s impartial research can inform national debates around Australia’s defence budgets, alliances, and foreign policies—helping shape where and how national resources are allocated.

• Main duties of the department:

  • Conduct rigorous policy-oriented research.

  • Publish reports and policy briefs, fostering public and government awareness.

  • Engage stakeholders across agencies, academia, and industry.

  • Real-world example: Hosting international forums with leading think tanks, enabling Australia and its allies to coordinate responses to common security threats.

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

  • Deepening cyber readiness and tech leadership.

  • Research into Indo-Pacific defence and security.

  • Building global partnerships through its Washington, D.C. office.

  • Expanding research on emerging threats (e.g., climate, disinformation, critical minerals).

• Did you know?

  • Although wholly owned by the Australian Government, ASPI operates independently. This arrangement ensures impartiality in its research and advice.

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THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE

• Total Number of Employees: 67

• Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Not publicly disclosed.

• Salary Bands: Not publicly disclosed. Expect salaries to range from entry-level research assistants up to senior executive packages.

• Average Salary in the Department: Not publicly available.

• Total Revenue: AUD 14,046,000

• Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD 209,633

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GETTING A JOB AT

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

• Certificate / Diploma Level:

  • Business Administration – For administrative support and project coordination.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals – Helps with basic IT support and cybersecurity tasks.

  • Government (Cert III or IV) – Builds essential knowledge for working in the public sector.

• Bachelor / Master Level:

  • Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies – Core for policy and strategic insights.

  • Computer Science / Cybersecurity – Addresses rapidly evolving digital threats and data analysis.

  • Economics / Finance – Necessary for budget analyses, financial projections, and cost–benefit studies.

• PhDs:

  • Defence, Strategic, or Policy Studies – In-depth expertise for advanced research projects.

  • AI, Machine Learning, Emerging Tech – Crucial for forward-leaning research and technological policy leadership.

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

• IT technicians, research analysts, communications officers, policy advisors, and project coordinators—each vital to delivering ASPI’s mission.

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

• Government policy or APS roles, defence or intelligence backgrounds, academic research, think-tank or NGO exposure, and private-sector consulting.

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

• Soft skills: Communication, adaptability, collaboration, critical thinking.

• Technical skills: Data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, report writing.

• General skills: Digital literacy, stakeholder engagement, time management.

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

• Reading about geopolitics & current affairs, debating & public speaking, tech and coding side projects, and community volunteer work—these can deepen your perspective and shape your policy lens.

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Want more information on this department?

Contact the department:

• Address: Level 2, 40 Macquarie Street, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia

• Telephone: +61 2 6270 5100

• Email: enquiries@aspi.org.au

• Website: http://www.aspi.org.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.