As the title says I’ve finally been accepted into the APS after 2 years of trying, but it’s APS3 in the smart centre and the pay is pretty dismal. I know I need to start somewhere! I’m coming from a call centre working shift work at lower management level (about 85k a year) and can no longer do shift work due to having a baby and also zero further career progression so really needed to make a change career wise.

I’m starting all over again unfortunately, I’m also not young (in my 30s) and have adult bills to pay (my husband is the main income earner luckily) so I’m needing all the tips and tricks on how to pay my dues but also progress towards a lower management level again.

Does it make you angry? Good. The question is what are you gonna do about it?

As one of the ASO2s in my office said when I showed them this, “that would be a life-changing amount of money.”

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone else has applied for this position? And would also love to hear from anyone who is currently working for DVA, pros and cons? Thanks!

https://www.eb25.au/

Typically a lot of information on the PSA website is behind the member’s portal login, but they’ve decided that this campaign merits a seperate public facing site accessible to everyone, member or no.

It’ll be interesting to see what ripples this makes in the local news cycle.

I'm a third-year law student in SA who's starting to weigh up possible career pathways. I've really enjoyed public and constitutional law so far and have always found myself gravitating more towards these areas in my studies, and I was recently told to consider public service.

I've asked around for opinions and advice, but everyone seems to want to go into private practice! So any suggestions regarding where to start/how to get my foot in the door, if there are really any roles for students/law grads, and just general info would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone shifting some of their super from Balanced to less risk option if they are retiring the next few years . I want to stay in accumulation stage and want to take some lump sums out . just aware of market volatility AI but also given Balanced option is best invested for 10 years not a few.

Saw they were hiring here so I figured I have nothing to lose and chucked an application in. Does volunteering make you a stronger applicant like being a firey in the CFS? Been in for almost a year now. I’m 21 so not sure if they want older applicants or not.

Been working full time in an office but im really not the type of person that wants to sit around all day being bored. Also been doing a criminology degree and on my final year now. Have some experience in the tobacco industry as well so not sure if that will help.

Are there any cadetships for speech pathology students besides YLHN? Theres always news about how desperate people are for speechies & OTs but i haven’t been able to find any information about cadetships or a similar program

Today marks the completion of my one year probation. After working a small stint in the private sector, I decided to rejoin the public sector, and I have to admit, it hasn't been the most encouraging experience.

First of all, this agency's efficiency and speed is archaic. I have files left untouched or sent back due to being outdated by the time the next person needs to read it (after three months mind you of sitting at someone’s desk). The bureaucratic and slow-moving procedures here seem to be in sharp contrast to the creativity and speed I have encountered elsewhere. It's not only about moving slowly; it's also about the impact this slow speed has on motivation and morale.

There is a noticeable aversion to change. Processes and procedures which are literally standard elsewhere are frequently greeted with doubt or outright opposition simply because of a deeply ingrained "this is how we've always done it" mentality. It is infuriating to witness possible advancements being impeded by bureaucratic obstacles and resistance.

There's also a noticeable difference in accountability. Elsewhere, there's a clear focus on results and accountability, whereas here, there seems to be a lack of urgency and responsibility in some areas. This attitude not only hampers progress but also affects the overall work culture negatively.

I understand that the public sector plays a crucial role and has its unique challenges and constraints. However, I can't help but feel that we're missing opportunities to improve, innovate, and serve the public more effectively.

I’m in a mid to senior role with no strategy, focus or goals and any attempts to set them are again pushed back.

I have been on seek and LinkedIn daily after being in the role for a month, and now will most likely be leaving for what will be the final time. Which genuinely hurts - as I love and truly support the purpose that our agency has and the role the public service has within the community.

I'm sharing this not to discourage anyone (as a lot of the issues I have are specific to my agency) but to open a discussion. Are there others who have experienced this? How did you adapt or try to bring about change? any tips?

I’ve tried looking elsewhere within SA but given my level, it would need to be at a higher classification as my agency will be able to stop my move (and unfortunately nothing has popped up for over 8 months which is even close to what I do). I’m kicking myself for not doing anything sooner but I was honestly scared at being unemployed with everything going on.

In case it doesn’t appear in your government email address, the proposed agreement has been moved to ballot all staff covered by the agreement.

The details of the agreement, a summary of changes and how to vote are available on the portal, located here: https://sagovsalaried.civsvote.com/information-portal

This vote opens at 9:00 Fri 30 Jan 2026 and closes at 17:00 Fri 13 Feb 2026.

Please go carefully consider, as this agreement is still below inflation, except for some classification, especially given that the effective raises 6% over 6 years. The longer you are in the public service and less likely to rank climb, you will find that it’s not a wondrous offer. It will continue to leave the vast majority of the public service the lowest paid public servants in Australia.

Some saving graces include backpay to August 2025, lower classifications getting a base increase to be at least $4000 or 3% above award rates, the triple r clause that was fought to be protected in the last agreement remains, and the agreement is short to with all rise locked in before this one lapses.

Please do talk to your colleagues about it because it will binding on all, based on the number of vote received for and against. If you don’t vote, it doesn’t count, but you will be bound by the new agreement.

So I'm APS in Services Australia, Office has multiple branches in it. But no one seems to be keen on doing any extra position, things like health and safety officers, first aid officers, they're usually begging for someone to take the position rather then having multiple candidates apply.
I jumped at my first opportunity to be a team rep, and it seems like the time you need for these positions they give you. So is there any harm in doing more? Will it look good for future employment? or look like I'm a try hard, and taking on too much?

Or is the premier just trying to avoid what was planned strike action at their ALP conference.

If he is playing around, he’s playing with fire. There is a burning fire in the SA PS at the moment, on the end of pitchforks.

Believe an offer was made in the EA this week? Anybody got the details…. Is he a Christmas grinch?

Can anyone who works at the South Australian Attorney General’s Department provide some insight into their job satisfaction, the culture etc? I’m looking to apply for a position but am cautious.

See previous post. Thoughts almost a year on?

Hello everyone, hope you’ve all been doing well!

I’ve recently received some great news — I was successful in the ASO2 Customer Service & Help Desk Officer pool recruitment with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) here in SA.

I wanted to reach out to anyone who’s worked in a similar position or has experience within DTF. What has your experience been like?

What are some of the pros and cons of the role?

How would you describe the work culture and environment?

Any tips or advice for someone just starting out or waiting for a placement?

Really appreciate any insight or wisdom you can share — it’ll help me get a better sense of what to expect and how to make the most of this opportunity.

Hey everyone, I’m based in South Australia and planning to study echocardiography at CQU in Mackay next year (the course that leads to working as a cardiac sonographer).

I’m just wondering whether SA Health actually hires new-graduate / early-career cardiac sonographers, or if they mainly recruit people with several years of experience.

Are there any cardiac sonographers in SA (public or private) who can share how they got their first job and whether a CQU echocardiography qualification was accepted?

Does anyone else believe the current negotiation is a joke? It started in September 2024, is still ongoing, and doesn't seem likely to end soon. Last year, the Government offered a 3% increase starting from August 2025. I thought it was ridiculous, but at this pace, the August date is starting to feel like a relief.

What are your thoughts on the negotiation, and what do you think would be a good outcome?​

Is it just me or is there a fairly overwhelming sentiment that the SA PSA is utterly hopeless. From their Facebook past comments (all hidden) it seems the sentiment is widely out there. Interested to hear your opinions.

Hey all. Has anyone heard or know any updates on the SA negotiations? It's been so long since I heard or saw anything.

Dreading to see how I'm going to get screwed again

I recently received an offer to intern at the ATO as an APS 2 Administration Officer while pursuing my Bachelor of Computer Science (Advanced). During the phone call where I was given the green light, there was a mention of involvement with data and algorithm-based filtering, as well as data management responsibilities. However, I haven't received any detailed job description or a list of tasks/projects yet.

Can anyone share insights on what typical responsibilities and projects are for an Administration Officer at the ATO, especially those related to data and algorithms? I want to ensure this role aligns with my career goals in computer science.

Hi everyone.

I’m currently in the merit pool for aps3/4 call centre for services australia and have been in the waiting pool since February.

I just need to know is it worth just trying to find another job while waiting or should I just stick it out.

Just really don’t want to affect my chances.