DFAT is working to create inclusive and culturally safe workplaces where First Nations people can thrive. To foster a culturally safe environment, DFAT implements a Reconciliation Action Plan and an Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy. We promote cultural awareness and capability across our workforce through, for example:

• our in-person Understanding Indigenous Australia course
• in-person Ngunnawal culture and language training
• six-week Jawun Program secondments to contribute to First Nations organisations in communities across Australia
• AIATSIS Cultural elearning
• the APS-wide Cultural Capability learning hub.

Cultural protocols are in use and we observe First Nations days of significance, Nation Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. A Deputy Secretary officer serves as First Nations Champion and is a direct conduit for First Nations staff to senior management. Our Indigenous Employees Network supports peers and is represented on our Workplace Relations Committee, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group and Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Committee. A First Nations Careers Advisor is available to support staff and candidates who are onboarding. We are part of efforts across government to advance reconciliation and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

How First Nations people can apply for roles at DFAT

DFAT applies Affirmative Measures (Indigenous) to all our bulk recruitment processes and for specific roles. We encourage suitably qualified First Nations people to apply for vacancies, which are advertised on our website, via APS Jobs and in the National Indigenous Times and the Koori Mail.

DFAT values First Nations knowledge and experience

DFAT values First Nations knowledge and experience across our workforce. We also recognise that many First Nations job applicants are passionate and motivated about making a difference on First Nations policy issues. DFAT has a range of areas where First Nations cultural knowledge, communication and capabilities are specifically required and highly valued. Staff can contribute directly to engaging First Nations communities in Australia and advancing Australia's engagement on international indigenous issues:

• leading and supporting First Nations foreign policy, human rights, development and international engagement, including through the Office of First Nations International Engagement;
• promoting awareness and appreciation of First Nations cultures and histories on the world stage through public diplomacy;  
• expanding First Nations international trade and business opportunities;
• overseeing the Torres Strait Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea;
• supporting DFAT’s procurement of goods and services from First Nations businesses;  
• supporting stakeholder outreach from our State and Territory Offices;
• developing and implementing cultural capability training for our workforce;
• supporting First Nations employment and career development; and
• advising on reconciliation and cultural protocol within the department.

If you are a First Nations person interested in a career at DFAT, or a First Nations / Indigenous Higher Education Unit or high school careers adviser seeking information on DFAT careers, please contact the Inclusion and Diversity Policy Section via workplacediversity@dfat.gov.au. 

DFAT Graduate Program

The DFAT Graduate Program is the main entry level pathway for a career in DFAT. Since 2023, DFAT has provided Affirmative Measures pathways to the Graduate program to attract First Nations applicants. We encourage First Nations people to apply. Read more information on the DFAT Graduate Program.

Indigenous Graduate Pathway (Whole-of-Government)

DFAT participates in the Indigenous Graduate Pathway (IGP), a recruitment pathway specific to First Nations applicants. The IGP is run by the Department of Defence and supports recruitment across the Australian Public Service (APS). First Nations applicants complete one application and are considered for multiple Agencies and Departments within the APS.

Contact the Indigenous Graduate Pathway team via indigenous.graduates@defence.gov.au for more information.

Support for ongoing professional development

Once onboard, First Nations staff play an active role in developing their careers with the support of their supervisor and our People Division. Examples of career development and progression initiatives available to staff include:

• tertiary study through our Study Bank provisions
• the Pat Turner Scholarship for Masters or PhD level study at ANU or Charles Darwin University
• NIAA ANU Graduate Certificate of Management program 
• Whole-of-government leadership development initiatives
• secondment to the Lowy Institute
• secondments to First Nations organisations through the Jawun Program
• participation in global forums such as the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues  
• support and advice from a First Nations careers advisor.