Our 12 month program gives you the opportunity to apply your legal skills for meaningful outcomes.
Our legal teams support critical regulation and policymaking for Australia’s agriculture, aquaculture, native forests, biosecurity and exports. We work closely on matters that directly affect all Australians.
As a graduate, you will undergo 3 placements to provide you with a broad understanding of DAFF’s functions. You will work closely alongside experienced lawyers within the Legal Division who will support you to develop your legal skills.
Our work
As a part of our team you’ll be able to gain experience across a wide range of areas of law, including:
- advising on regulatory systems and ongoing operations for our frontline workers
- supporting the investigation and enforcement of biosecurity and export laws
- working closely with policymakers to put effective laws in place
- managing litigation
- advising on a range of legal issues including employment law, information law and commercial law matters.
We pride ourselves on providing a supportive and flexible working environment. We work with you to ensure you’re provided with the right tools to achieve your career aspirations.
Our program
- Runs for 12 months
- Includes 3 workplace rotations – 2 with the Legal Division and one in another area
- Includes attendance at Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) graduate events
- Provides targeted learning and development, including supervision from Senior and Principal Government Lawyers
- Includes access to our graduate network and a buddy
- Supports you to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice course
Hear from our former Graduates
‘The graduate program has been a rewarding and great experience. I have been able to explore my interests and enrich my career development. I've been able to meaningfully apply my legal skills in a diverse range of practical situations. I’ve gained a broad range of experience from advising on regulatory systems to progressing legislative change. I've loved the wide array of work the department engages. Our work includes biosecurity, exports, the environment, the agriculture industry and the impacts of climate change. The graduate program has also allowed me to receive ongoing professional training. I have expanded my professional network and engaged with meaningful mentoring to support my learning and career. It's been a great opportunity to gain insight into the priorities and objectives of the department. I have loved working in such a supportive and flexible workplace.’
Oda, 2023 Graduate
‘The graduate program at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been an amazing start to my career. It continues to provide me with opportunities throughout DAFF and the APS generally. Initially, the program helped me establish a network of friends and colleagues. They made my move to Canberra as seamless and enjoyable as possible. During our graduate program, we were given the opportunity to rotate through a range of areas and engage with a wide breadth of subject matter. I received constant encouragement and support throughout my 3 rotations. All of those I was privileged to work with ensured I was exposed to as many different things DAFF had to offer as possible.
I began as a generalist grad, initially hesitant to practice law after university. I was lucky enough to be offered a position in the Legal Division once the graduate program finished, for which I am extremely grateful.
At all times, my colleagues have engaged fully with me to find the kind of work I was interested in. They have worked with me to ensure my work was fulfilling, effective and valuable to the team. I am very grateful I chose to begin my career in the APS and that I work in a department with such important, interesting and varied subject matter.’
Olivia, 2022 Graduate
‘The graduate program provided me with the tools and knowledge to set me up for success as a government lawyer and public servant. Throughout my program, I was able to work across a range of interesting issues unique to DAFF’s portfolio. I was encouraged to seek out new and challenging opportunities through each different rotation. This included working on both policy and legal matters relating to everything from bees to wine! DAFF’s graduate program helped me build a solid foundation for my career. The program continues to provide me with a supportive and collegiate community as well as engaging work.’
Mia, 2022 Graduate
How to apply
We recruit for our Legal stream through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP). Applications for the 2026 AGGP will open on 3 March 2025.
You can find further information about this process on the APS Jobs Legal Stream page.