Government IT Jobs Australia - Everything You Need to Know
Hiring in government is complex, but finding the right recruitment partner doesn’t have to be.
At Emanate Technology, we understand the unique requirements of public sector recruitment. From security clearances and policy compliance to long procurement cycles and in-demand skill sets, we work closely with government agencies to deliver quality IT teams with speed, care, and precision.
Whether you're a hiring manager navigating workforce planning or a candidate hoping to secure your first government contract, this page will guide you through everything you need to know about working in Australia’s public sector tech space.
What Government IT Jobs Are There in Australia?
Firstly, a government IT job is any technology role that is employed directly by, or contracted to, a federal, state, or local government department or agency in Australia. In Australia, like other leading tech markets, there is a variety of government opportunities for skilled candidates.
These roles can include:
- Cloud Engineers
- ICT Project Managers
- Software Developers
- Cyber Security Analysts
- Data & Analytics Consultants
- Infrastructure Support Officers
- & More
Many of these roles require compliance with government frameworks, including active security clearances, and must be filled through approved procurement panels. That’s where specialist recruitment partners come in.
Fuelling Innovation Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our Diversity, Equity And Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement
At Emanate, we believe that diversity and inclusion go far beyond quotas—they are intrinsic to creating excellence. With our unique focus on the Australian tech industry, we have gained valuable insight into what makes high-performing teams truly excel. Our data shows that diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to success.
Diversity brings unique perspectives, challenges the status quo, and pushes boundaries to set new standards. A team that draws from varied experiences and backgrounds can achieve unparalleled results. After all, if we’re all sitting around the table with the same thoughts and ideas, we aren’t innovating. In fact, it suggests we may not need that repetition in the first place.
But what does this mean in practice?
At Emanate, our mission is clear: quality. To us, quality isn't just a concept; it’s a commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for every business and project, no matter its form. We aim to actively educate ourselves and the market we work in, taking diligent steps to uncover and support true quality in every team we engage with.
Emanate is committed to representing CALD, LGBTQIA+, disabled, aging, and other underrepresented groups—not only within our own team but across all the teams we collaborate with. Diversity isn’t only a goal for us; we believe it’s a vital force that forms the canvass for creating something extraordinary.
Looking to strengthen your workforce with diverse hiring? Partner with us to review your recruitment processes and practices.
Do I Need a Security Clearance?
Many government IT roles require an active AGSVA security clearance, especially if you're working on sensitive systems, defence-related projects, or high-trust data infrastructure.
You
cannot apply for a clearance independently. You must be sponsored by a government agency or an approved employer. Our team understands these requirements and work with clients and candidates to manage clearance levels, assess timelines, and ensure smooth onboarding.
Learn more about the clearance process here:
Our Ongoing DEI Initiatives
Emanate Technology is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech and cyber security recruitment industries. We actively sponsor and participate in national events, but we also invest in initiatives with long-term impact and aspire to continually grow in what we do:
- Internal DEI Working Group: We meet monthly to assess our practices, review progress against our goals, and brainstorm new initiatives.
- Women for STEM Support: We actively support and promote Women for STEM, helping drive more representation of women in tech.
- WIC Work Experience Connections: We participate in programs that provide work experience opportunities for women in tech, creating real pathways into IT careers.
- Bias-Free Recruitment Training: We run regular training sessions, including Dismantling Unconscious Bias in Recruitment, to continuously improve our internal and external hiring practices.
How Do I Get a Job in Government Tech?
For candidates, breaking into the public sector often requires more than just technical skills. You’ll need to demonstrate:
- The right clearance (or the ability to obtain one)
- Familiarity with government frameworks or Agile delivery methods
- Soft skills like adaptability, stakeholder engagement, and process alignment
Working with a recruitment agency like Emanate gives you an edge. We help tech candidates understand the landscape, refine their CVs, prepare for government interviews, and match them with roles that suit their background and clearance level.
Learn what it’s like to work with Emanate:
Our Commitment To Community & Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving back to the communities in which we operate is very important to us here at Emanate Technology. Learn more about how we give back
How Can a Recruitment Agency Support Government Hiring?
If you're a public sector hiring manager, you already know that internal recruitment teams are often stretched (especially when it comes to niche technology roles or rapid project ramp-ups).
Emanate is trusted by federal and state government departments across Australia because:
- We understand the procurement process and work within panel requirements
- We maintain relationships with pre-cleared, ready-to-go talent
- Our consultants are tech specialists who speak your language
- We prioritise compliance, integrity, and long-term partnerships
Whether you're hiring contractors for a major transformation program or looking to fill a critical permanent role, we can support your public sector recruitment needs with a streamlined, consultative approach.
Learn more about our public sector capabilities here:
What Do Government IT Salaries Look Like?
Government technology salaries vary by role, clearance level, and state. While they can differ slightly from private sector benchmarks, many public sector roles offer:
- Competitive daily contract rates
- Strong long-term engagement opportunities
- Stable environments and work-life balance
We publish up-to-date salary trends and benchmarks for Australia’s tech sector, including public sector data, in our guide:
Why Emanate Technology?
As a specialist tech recruitment agency, Emanate Technology is structured around eight verticals, including Cloud & DevOps, Project Services, and Infrastructure Support, giving our consultants deep expertise in the markets they serve.
We work nationally across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne, with consultants embedded in each market. Our public sector team is experienced in placing cleared professionals into high-trust environments, and we’ve built lasting partnerships based on delivery, not volume. That’s why our clients come back, and that’s why we were awarded
Sourcr’s IT & Telecommunications Agency of the Year in 2025.
Explore how we can support your hiring:
FAQs About Government IT Jobs in Australia
Can I apply for government IT jobs without a clearance?
Yes, but you must be sponsored by an eligible agency or employer. We can advise on roles where sponsorship is possible.
Do contractors need to be security cleared?
Often yes. For most contract roles in the public sector, especially federal, an active AGSVA clearance is required.
What types of tech roles are most in demand in government?
Right now, software developers, business analysts, cyber security specialists, cloud engineers, and data professionals are in high demand across government, especially for projects involving legacy system upgrades, digital transformation, and national security.
How long does it take to get placed in a government role?
Timing can vary based on clearance status and agency timelines, but our team moves fast, especially for in-demand roles with pre-qualified candidates.
Understanding The Australian Tech Landscape
The Australian tech industry still has progress to make:
- 28% of the tech workforce are women, with even lower representation in senior leadership roles.
- 8% of tech workers identify as having a disability, highlighting the need for more inclusive hiring practices.
- CALD individuals make up 42% of tech professionals, yet barriers to leadership remain a challenge.
These statistics drive our determination to be part of the solution.
Our Aspiration Is To Learn From The Best
We actively study and implement practices from industry leaders who are making tangible progress in DEI, and look to formally introduce programs based on:
- Blind Hiring & Anonymised Resumes: Reducing bias by removing names, ages, and other identifiers during initial screening.
- Diversity Panels for Hiring Decisions: Including diverse voices in the hiring process to mitigate bias and broaden perspectives.
- Flexible Work Policies: Supporting better work-life balance, which has been shown to improve retention of underrepresented groups.
Our Commitments
- Representation & Advocacy: Actively promoting diversity in all its forms within our internal teams and across the industry.
- Education & Awareness: Continuously learning, evolving, and sharing knowledge to drive meaningful change.
- Equity & Accessibility: Breaking down barriers to ensure equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.
- Community Involvement: Participating in and sponsoring events, programs, and initiatives that champion underrepresented voices
Latest Insights With A Diversity & Inclusion Lens:
By Emanate Technology
•
July 31, 2025
Learn why culture fit is important, how to hire for culture fit, and what culture fit questions to ask when building or joining a high-performing team.
By Emanate Technology
•
March 16, 2025
Understand what neurodiversity is and how the tech workforce is changing. Why is support important? And how to build inclusive tech teams in Australia.
By Emanate Technology
•
October 11, 2024
From our perspective in tech recruitment, we see age diversity increasing within organisations with the rise of multi-generational teams, creating both challenges and opportunities for effective collaboration, engagement and workplace culture. Today’s multi-generational teams now have Baby Boomers (born between 1955 and 1964), Generation X..
By Emanate Technology
•
February 27, 2024
Discover effective strategies to enhance gender diversity in technology industry workplaces – read about gender equality in Australian tech here.
Our Actions & Goals
- Diverse Talent Pools: Building and maintaining talent pools that reflect the true diversity of the tech landscape.
- Bias-Free Recruitment: Implementing structured, bias-conscious hiring processes to support fair decision-making.
- Pathway Programs: Expanding work experience and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Regular Reporting & Reflection: Tracking DEI metrics, gathering feedback, and holding ourselves accountable for ongoing improvement.
This is just a starting point, and we know there will always be more to do. But at Emanate, we are unwavering in our dedication to influencing a tech industry where everyone, no matter who they are, has the opportunity to thrive.
Looking for a technology recruitment partner? To discuss your recruitment requirements or the next step in your career, get in touch with our team.
Work For Us
Sound like an organisation you would like to be part of? We offer a fun, flexible and trusting working environment with all the tools and support for your career to really excel. Learn more about life at Emanate.
