Eligibility and pre-employment screening
We are committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and inclusive workplace. To achieve this, all applicants must meet specific eligibility and screening requirements before joining our team.
All positions
To work with us, you must meet one of the following criteria under section 47 of the Public Sector Act 2022:
- be an Australian citizen
- be a permanent resident of Australia
- be a New Zealand citizen who has entered Australia on a valid passport
- be a non-citizen with a valid work visa which provides the right to work in Australia.
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. If you are a non-citizen, we will work with you to validate visa status and eligibility for employment to both temporary and permanent roles.
You can apply for permanent roles with the department as long as you have valid work rights. It’s your responsibility to let your supervisor know if your work rights status changes, as this may affect your employment.
For further information contact the person listed on the vacancy advertisement or position description.
Additional requirements for certain positions
Some roles have specific eligibility criteria. These will be outlined in the position description and may include:
Qualifications and professional registration
Some roles have a legislative, award or accreditation requirement for particular qualifications.
If this is the case for the role you’re applying for, you must provide certified copies of your qualifications or current registration certificates before appointment.
If your qualification is from an overseas institution, you must apply for official recognition through the Overseas Qualification Unit at the time of application and provide evidence of your application with your resume.
Drivers Licence
If the role involves travel or fieldwork, a current unrestricted drivers licence will be required. You may need to operate government vehicles, including four-wheel drives or vehicles with manual transmissions. For maritime roles, a Coxswain NSCV1 licence may be necessary.
A copy of your Coxswain and / or drivers licence will be requested and verified before you can be appointed.
Medical requirements
For roles that may expose you to vaccine preventable diseases, you must provide:
- evidence of vaccination
- proof that you’re not susceptible to these diseases
or - attend vaccinations arranged by the department.
This ensures the safety and well-being of all employees and complies with section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Disclosure of pre-existing condition
You may be asked to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury that could affect your ability to perform the role or may be aggravated by performing the role. This disclosure will be requested in writing if required. Providing false or misleading information under section 571C of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 may result in:
- ineligibility for compensation
- inability to seek damages for any aggravation of a pre-existing injury or medical condition.
Pre-employment checks
We’re committed to ensuring all employees are suitable for their roles. This helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for our staff, clients and the public, especially children.
Disciplinary check
If you’re the recommended applicant, you’ll be required to disclose any serious disciplinary action taken against you in public sector employment.
Criminal history
If you’re the recommended applicant, we may conduct a criminal history check. A criminal conviction or charge will not automatically exclude you from employment with the department. If any information is identified that may affect your suitability, you will have the opportunity to respond. Your response will be considered during the evaluation process.
Blue Card
If your role involves working with children or young people, you must provide a copy of your Blue Card.
Your Blue card will be validated before you start. For more information visit Blue Card Services.