Moving to Canberra for DFAT/APS role – worth uprooting your life for APS6 vs EL1?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working as an APS6 in Sydney in a policy/governance role within the APS and have recently been speaking with DFAT about potential opportunities.
I’d really value hearing from people who have:
- moved interstate (especially to Canberra) for an APS/DFAT role
- worked at DFAT specifically
- made the jump from APS6 to EL1
A few things I’m trying to understand realistically:
-Was moving to Canberra worth it for your career and lifestyle overall?
-Did DFAT or your agency provide any relocation assistance or support with moving/housing?
-What’s the current expectation around days in the office/hybrid work?
-How difficult did you find adjusting to Canberra socially and professionally if you moved from another state?
-If you were already an experienced APS6, would you move for another APS6 role or hold out for an EL1 opportunity?
For context, I’ve been operating at APS6 level for around 3 years now in policy/governance and stakeholder-heavy work, so I’m trying to work out whether moving interstate makes the most sense for the right APS6 role or whether it’s better to aim for EL1 before making that jump. I’m looking to gain more international policy exposure and go down the diplomatic route, but wondering whether the lifestyle change would be worth it ( I have read on some forums that DFAT offers very little flexibility /burnout culture due to the hanging carrot of international postings).
Would really appreciate any honest insights or experiences — especially from people who’ve done the move recently.
Thank you :)