We are committed to empowering futures, ensuring rights and enriching lives. We are the department that supports people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future as we ourselves strive to be a model employer.
We provide the framework for fair and productive relationships between employers and employees. We also oversee skills development and training initiatives to support those entering the workforce or re-training to take advantage of emerging employment opportunities.
On this page:
A strong labour market creates secure jobs, vital for our nation to prosper—driving future economic growth and providing people with the certainty to achieve their life goals.
We focus on equipping Australians who are starting, advancing or changing their career with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to gain or regain employment to achieve their aspirations in life. This work includes filling skills gaps fundamental to Australia’s economic growth.
We support a world leading vocational education and training sector offering apprenticeships, cadetships, and traineeships to connect people to alternative pathways to employment. This work leads to local, stable, and secure employment, strengthened by work health and safety, and a safety net and conditions that help to define workplace rights and responsibilities that both employers and employees can have confidence in.
Strategic priorities include:
- Foster a productive and competitive labour market through policies and programs that assist job seekers into work, including secure work, to meet employer and industry needs.
- Promote growth in economic productivity and social wellbeing through access to quality skills and training.
- Facilitate job growth, including secure work, through policies and programs that promote fair, productive and safe workplaces.
Our 2023 APS Employee Census results demonstrate our commitment to setting the standard as a fair, safe and productive workplace and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, curiosity, openness and inclusion.
The department’s terms and conditions of employment are provided by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027.
Employee Value Proposition
We offer the opportunity to directly contribute to the shaping of the employment landscape while we ourselves, strive to be a model employer. With us, your efforts will have a tangible impact on job seekers, employees and the economy by giving them a framework to build a future anchored and realised through employment.
You’ll be supported to achieve concrete outcomes via dynamic career paths while working alongside highly visible and visionary leaders. You’ll have access to flexible working arrangements and be part of a diverse team that drives innovation through inclusion. The DEWR Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is underpinned by three key pillars:
- Work with purpose: You’ll work in a team that is motivated to help people realise their potential and that recognises the reward that comes when people achieve for themselves.
- Work together: We aspire to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. Our diverse and inclusive workplace encourages different perspectives, a sense of belonging and the exchange of expertise between peers.
- Put your career to work: You’ll direct your own career path through learning, development and professional growth. Our competitive salaries, benefits and flexible work options will support you to achieve the career goals that matter most to you.
Our employees also benefit from being part of the broader Australian Public Service (APS) – a community of strong, passionate and proud professionals driving outcomes for the benefit of the Australian community. A career in the APS offers you purpose and meaning, opportunities to learn and grow, a sense of community and belonging, flexibility and balance and great conditions.
For more information on what a career in the APS looks like, watch the APS EVP video below or visit the APS Jobs Work With us webpage.