Australian Labour Market Snapshot: How to attract candidates in the Government Sector

According to the ABS’s recent employment data, the Public Administration and Safety division employed 969,400 people as of August 2024 and is projected to grow to 991,100 by 2033, showing steady demand for professionals in this sector. 

Since February 2020, the number of job vacancies in Australia’s Public Administration and Safety sector has surged by 57.8% as of August 2024. 

As the data indicates steady growth of the government sector, we’re interested in understanding the key drivers that attract candidates to public sector organisations. But before we jump in, here’s a quick snapshot of the workforce. 

Demographics: Understanding the Government Workforce   

According to the ABS, the workforce is almost equally split, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female employees, highlighting the balanced representation in public administration roles. 

The median age of employees in the Public Administration and Safety sector is 43. 

The median weekly earnings for public administration employees are $1,750, with male employees earning $1,800 and female employees earning $1,724. 

Candidate Drivers for Government and Defence Jobs 

To address the industry’s 21,000 vacancies and ensure they attract the right talent, it’s essential for government employers to understand what motivates candidates. According to SEEK’s Laws of Attraction Lab, the top 5 drivers for candidates in the Government and Defence sectors include: 

• Work-life balance (16.4%): The flexibility to manage both personal and professional lives is paramount. Many candidates prioritise jobs that offer remote work options or flexible working hours 

• Salary & Compensation (14.9%): Government roles offering competitive salaries and paid overtime are critical factors for candidates considering public sector roles 

• Working environment (10.6%): Candidates value collaborative environments and the ability to work autonomously in the government sector  

• Management (10.1%): Respectful leadership, and supportive and transparent management practices are key to attracting top-tier candidates in this sector 

• Job location (9.4%): While less critical than other factors, location remains important, with most candidates preferring jobs that are easy to drive to, accessible via public transport or close to home 

Note: % is how candidates rank the driver on importance 

A Deeper Dive on Work-Life Balance 

A significant driver for candidates in government and defence roles is the level of flexibility offered. SEEK’s data highlights the percentage of job seekers surveyed who identified the following drivers as a ‘must-have’ or ‘delighted-if’: 

• Ability to work from home/remotely (80%) 

• Flexible working hours (89%) 

• Additional leave (77%) 

Wages and Earnings in the Public Sector 

With salary being the second most important driver for candidates in this industry, it’s crucial for employers in the government sector to offer competitive wages to attract top talent, especially since the sector is seeing lower wage growth than the private sector. 

The ABS has reported a steady rise in median weekly earnings in the public administration sector, reaching $1,750 in August 2023, up from $1,550 in 2019. However, despite this increase, the private sector still leads in wage growth, with private sector wages growing at 4.1% per annum, compared to 3.9% in the public sector. 

Where it is difficult to increase salaries, government employers need to focus on other strategies to remain competitive and address the challenges of vacancies and talent shortages.  

Strategies to Address Vacancies and Attract Talent 

By aligning job offerings with candidate priorities, the government sector can fill critical roles and support its ongoing growth. Below are some strategies employers in the public sector can implement that focus on factors that matter most to candidates: 

Emphasise Work-Life Balance and Flexibility 

Flexibility is a top driver for candidates in this sector, so promoting work-life balance through flexible working hours, remote work options, and additional leave policies can make government positions more attractive. Highlighting family-friendly policies, including parental leave and options for time in lieu, can also help differentiate these roles. 

Highlight Accessible Locations in Job Ads 

For roles requiring on-site work, highlight the accessibility of these office locations by advertising onsite parking, providing public transport advice or mentioning any major highways that may be close-by. Including maps or detailed directions can be useful here. 

Enhance Communication Throughout the Recruitment Process 

Implementing consistent and transparent communication throughout the recruitment process is a powerful way to showcase an employer’s supportive management practices. By providing regular updates on the status of applications, offering personalised feedback after interviews, and scheduling check-ins to address candidate questions, employers can demonstrate their commitment to openness and respect. These actions not only keep candidates informed but also reflect the company’s values of transparency and supportive leadership, which is one of the top drivers for attracting candidates in this sector. 

Promote Collaborative Workspaces 

Highlight the organisation’s collaborative spaces in job ads to attract candidates who value engaging workplaces. Emphasise features such as open spaces and ergonomic setups designed to promote teamwork. Show evidence with photos posted on social media and the company website. 

Fuse Recruitment specialises in connecting with talented professionals in the government sector. If you’re looking to fill crucial vacancies in the government sector, let our team of industry experts support you and contact us today.