How to apply
Applications for the 2027 ABARES Stream are now open!
Submit your application via our job vacancies portal.
You will be required to submit both your CV and your academic transcript as a part of the application process.
Applications close at 11pm (AEST) on Saturday 25 July 2026.
Andrea:
ABARES is the department's research bureau. We conduct independent research and analysis to deliver insights and evidence to inform government and industry decisions across Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. We invest heavily in our graduates. We support them to develop and grow through on the job experience and exposure to a range of different areas and teams within the bureau.
Evi:
Starting my career at ABARES has been a really exciting time. Everyone's been really inclusive and is open to talking about my questions or like genuinely being interested in me learning as much as I can. As a graduate economist at ABARES, I've been able to work on meaningful work and contribute to team projects, participating in data-driven research and being able to inform important policy has been really exciting.
Curtis:
One of the most rewarding parts about being an ABARES graduate was the fact that I was able to help and deliver on publications and even get to see my name on some of those publications. So the culture at ABARES is fantastic. Coming in, you get to meet such a range of people with diverse backgrounds, and some of which who have been here for decades and have a wealth of knowledge that has contributed to ABARES' long history.
Andrea:
If you're interested in joining us, check out our website for more information.
About the stream
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is a research bureau within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The ABARES Stream is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research and policy, applying what you have learnt at university or the workplace to interesting and challenging problems.
Ideas matter at ABARES!
From your first week, you will work in a supportive and challenging environment that helps you build skills, gain experience and progress your career.
ABARES gives you the opportunity to work on high impact issues in Australian agriculture, from trade protectionism to emerging biodiversity and carbon markets. You will join a team of experts helping to shape policies that improve outcomes for Australians.
We are seeking graduates from a broad range of backgrounds, study areas, work and life experiences. We are interested in high achieving and motivated candidates and early career economists, mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists and physicists. Applicants do not need to have a background or experience in agriculture, fisheries or forestry industries.
Graduates will have an opportunity to undertake 3 workplace rotations; 2 within the ABARES stream and one within another area of DAFF to broaden your experiences. We aim to ensure you work with the best in the field and are integrated into a team that is passionate about making a difference.
Your role
As a graduate in the ABARES Stream:
Dynamic and Collaborative: Engage as a valued member of a team in a dynamic and collaborative environment, while gaining valuable experience working alongside and learning from experts in their respective fields.
On the Job Learning: Showcase your work to both internal and external stakeholders and gain invaluable firsthand experience by visiting Parliament during Question Time and Senate Estimates.
Australian Graduate Development Program: Participate in Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) graduate events, enhance your expertise through both formal and on-the-job training, complete the personalised graduate development program offered by the APS Academy, and build valuable connections within our ABARES and graduate networks.
Exposure: As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to actively engage in ABARES seminars and conferences, including the National Outlook. You will present your work within the department and to external audiences while contributing to research publications that are highly regarded and eagerly anticipated.
Benefits
Benefits of the ABARES stream include:
Combine Research and Policy: Do meaningful research that shapes national policies and helps manage Australia's precious natural resources. Your research and advice will directly influence decisions that matter, from climate change to international trade.
Comprehensive Support and Networking: Benefit from a dedicated support team, access to a graduate network, and formal training through the Australian Public Service Commission Academy, fostering professional growth and cross-agency collaboration.
Competitive Benefits and Flexibility: Enjoy a competitive remuneration package, relocation assistance, and flexible work arrangements, ensuring a balanced and rewarding work-life experience.
For more information on the department's workplace conditions, refer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Enterprise Agreement.
Meet our ABARES graduates
Hear from economists who began their careers as ABARES graduates, explore various career paths, and take a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day entails for an ABARES graduate.
Learn more:
Straight from ABARES mouth
If you have difficulty accessing this file, please email ABAREScommunication@aff.gov.au for help.
ABARES Outlook Conference 2026 Commodities Spotlight Session
Curtis
Economist
2025 Graduate
At ABARES, I have been supported in developing my skills as an economist and encouraged to challenge myself. I have had the opportunity to work on impactful research, with agriculture providing a rewarding real-world application of economics.
Throughout the graduate program, I completed 3 rotations – 2 within ABARES and one out of stream rotation within DAFF. In my first rotation within ABARES, I developed commodity market forecasting skills and contributed to the quarterly Agricultural Commodities Report. In my second, I worked with ABARES survey data, conducting analysis on issues such as the use of natural resource management practices on farms.
Tirza
Economist
2024 Graduate
What I enjoyed most about working at ABARES was the broad range of learning opportunities and the flexibility to explore different areas.
Starting as a Graduate provided a great introduction to the APS, and coming straight from university, I had the opportunity to contribute to ABARES’ analytical and forecasting work during the program.
Jeremy
Economist
2024 Graduate
Joining ABARES as a graduate has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work on data-driven research that informs real policy decisions has been both exciting and fulfilling.
What I enjoy most is the collaborative environment- working alongside experts who are passionate about Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors has accelerated my learning and enabled me to apply my economics and statistics background to help shape Australia’s future.
Location
Our Graduate Development Program provides opportunities across various locations in Australia including:
- ACT: Canberra
- VIC: Melbourne
Eligibility requirements
Eligible candidates will:
- Be an Australian Citizen
- Hold a degree in one of the following fields:
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Obtain and maintain an Australian security clearance
We strive to create a diverse workplace that embraces differences, promotes inclusiveness, and empowers all employees, regardless of gender, cultural heritage, disability, sexual orientation, or caregiving responsibilities to reach their full potential.
Contacts
Have more questions? Speak with our team by emailing us at entryprograms@aff.gov.au.
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