Graduate Program Indigenous Affirmative Measures (Feb 2027) in Newcastle upon Tyne

We have exciting opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to grow in our 2027 ATO Graduate Program. With opportunities available across law, accounting, commerce, data, IT, design, HR, marketing and communication and more, you can shape your ideal career.

Why join the ATO

At the ATO, you’ll work on projects that matter, driving change across one of the world’s leading tax administration agencies. You can shape your career alongside a community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals and other industry experts. Be part of a team where you know you belong and are supported by career development managers. Our 12‑month graduate program will help you achieve your goals and build professional skills and knowledge.

About the ATO

The ATO manages Australia’s tax and super systems to help build a better Australia by funding services and infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Our graduates are empowered to think big, turn ideas into action and work together to deliver results that matter, like:

• making it easier for people to manage their tax and super
• helping businesses understand and meet their tax responsibilities (like lodging returns and paying the right amount)
• delivering ATO services that are simple, clear and easy to use.

What you’ll do

At the ATO, your degree is just the beginning. With our broad range of careers, you can explore different roles and projects and shape your future. Whether you’re interested in influencing policy, driving smarter decision‑making, building cutting‑edge systems or creating innovative content, this is where your career soars. As part of the program, you’ll work alongside industry professionals and have access to all the resources and guidance you need to thrive in your career.

Salary and super

During the program: $75,431 + 15.4% super
After completion: $84,028 + 15.4% super.

Work/life balance

Your health and wellbeing in and outside of work are important. We want you to feel your best so you can be your best. That’s why we support a healthy work‑life balance, including flexible work options, hybrid work‑from‑home arrangements, generous leave entitlements and wellbeing initiatives. We’ll also provide lots of opportunities for you to socialise with other graduates to build your professional networks.

Diversity at the ATO

With a Gold level status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index, the ATO strives to be a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace that celebrates workers from all backgrounds. With the ATO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees have access to:

• Cultural leave, NAIDOC leave and ceremonial leave.
• Moondani, an ATO network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
• Kawutilin, an ATO ally network for employees who actively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and initiatives in the workplace.
• The Inclusion and Diversity team, responsible for leading the ATO's Diversity and Inclusion goals.
• Indigenous Liaison Officers who provide specialist advice and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and managers.
• Career development and leadership initiatives tailored to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can thrive and lead change. We’re taking action to achieve this through our 2024-27 Reconciliation Action Plan.

Ideal candidates

We’re seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples eager to shape their careers in a nurturing and fulfilling environment. If you’re an innovative thinker, have big ideas to help drive real change, and you’re dedicated and ready to deliver meaningful solutions, this is the opportunity for you. Apply today!

Eligibility

You can apply for our graduate program if you are an Australian citizen and have completed your university degree in the last 5 years (1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026). To work at the ATO, all candidates must successfully complete Pre‑Employment Integrity Checks (PEIC) before starting. These checks include verifying your background and residency history. If you have lived outside Australia for more than 2 years and 6 months in the past 5 years, we will not be able to complete these checks to the standard required. This means you will not be cleared for work, and your application may not proceed. Some roles require additional security checks once the PEIC has been completed. We recommend reviewing your residency history before applying to ensure you meet this requirement. If you’re still studying, you can apply for a paid internship through our University Partnership Employment Program.

Confirmation of heritage

To be eligible for employment under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affirmative measure, you need to provide your Confirmation of Heritage before we can issue a job offer. This means confirming that you:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• are accepted by your community as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

We understand this can take some time to organise and we’re committed to ensuring this does not become a barrier for candidates. Please get in touch with us at entrylevelprograms@ato.gov.au if you have any questions, we’re here to support you. If you're having trouble getting a confirmation, there are resources to assist you:

• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
• Link‑Up
• Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
• National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

Locations

We have positions available in Adelaide, Albury, Box Hill, Brisbane (including Upper Mount Gravatt), Canberra, Dandenong, Geelong, Gosford, Hobart, Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Newcastle, Perth, Parramatta, Penrith, Sydney, Townsville and Wollongong.

Next steps

Apply for the 2027 ATO Graduate Program today. Apply for the Data and HR streams via the Australian Government Graduate Program. Applications close:

• ATO Graduate Program: 9 April 2026
• AGGP Data and HR streams: 13 April 2026

To find out more, please visit our website ato.gov.au/grads or email entrylevelprograms@ato.gov.au.

Note: While merit remains the basis for selection, engagement and promotion, these positions are available through our Indigenous affirmative measures process and only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.