SES100

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About the initiative

The SES100 initiative supports the Government's commitment to boost First Nations employment across the Australian Public Service (APS) by increasing representation at the Senior Executive Service (SES) levels to 100 by 2024-25.

Representation is critical at senior levels to ensure First Nations voices, perspectives and participation in the decision-making process, bringing a flow-on effect of cultural capability and awareness from the top down.

Through directly contributing to Closing the Gap Priority Reform Three, to transform government institutions and organisations, the SES100 initiative aims to:

  • attract First Nations leaders into senior executive positions
  • retain First Nations leaders
  • support First Nations leaders to be successful within their SES roles
  • position the APS as an employer of choice for First Nations peoples.

With cultural safety and participant care embedded across all stages of the initiative, applicants are provided with extensive support through the SES100 journey.

Recruitment Process

Applications for SES100 Band 1 and Band 2 Round 2 are now open.

Applicants have the opportunity to attend information sessions throughout the recruitment process:

  • application information sessions
  • pre-interview information sessions
  • post-interview feedback sessions.

Merit pool

Suitable candidates will be placed in a merit pool that will be available for 18 months from the date of advertisement. Candidates are provided with support from the onset:

  • one main contact within the First Nations Unit
  • tailored and individual job matching assessment.

Commencing within the SES

Once candidates commence their SES roles, they are provided with extensive and tailored support:

  • maintain their one main contact within the First Nations Unit
  • professional career development coaching sessions
  • candidates commencing from external to the APS are assigned a First Nations SES buddy
  • yarning circles led by the Indigenous SES Network
  • agencies are invited to nominate their leaders promoted through SES100 for Yawarra.

SES100 Round 1

The First Nations Unit at the Australian Public Service Commission, in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, successfully led Round 1 of the initiative. Read from successful Round 1 candidates who have been promoted into SES roles across the APS.

Rob Blanch – National Indigenous Australian Agency

“My name is Rob Blanch, a proud Gomeroi man. I recently joined the National Indigenous Australians Agency as the Communications Branch Manager through the SES100 initiative.

This new role is a change for me, moving from an Executive Level 2 position into the Senior Executive Service. This change is an exciting one for me, where I am able to influence decisions that directly impact First Nations peoples, shape organisational culture, and share my knowledge, both cultural and technical.

The move has been made significantly easier with the support of the SES100 program, facilitated by the Australian Public Service Commission.

The support from the SES100 has been continuous, from the moment I called them to get some more information about the program they were there each step of the way. Offering information on the application process and how applying for government roles differs from other industries; providing exceptional care through the interview process and keeping me informed while candidate suitability was being assessed.

Following my appointment as the Communications Branch Manager, I have been offered professional coaching, support from a dedicated person in the APSC, and an opportunity to talk with other successful candidates about their transition into the SES.

If you are thinking about applying for the SES100 - do it!

This is an opportunity to develop your skills further and deliver outcomes for our community. Even if you aren’t successful, this will be an opportunity to receive valuable feedback on your application and applying for SES roles, which could be helpful for your career in the future.”

Ben Bolt – Services Australia

“My name is Ben Bolt, and I’m a proud Bundjalung man from Northern NSW. Currently, I serve as the National Manager for Recruitment and Onboarding at Services Australia. My career has spanned various Executive and Governance roles in organisations dedicated to social cohesion, such as SBS, Relationships Australia, and Multicultural Australia. Joining Services Australia presented a unique opportunity to make a difference on a national scale.

The support I’ve received from leaders, colleagues, and my team has been phenomenal. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with First Nations people across the public sector and actively contributed to discussions about issues affecting First Nations communities both in the APS and more broadly. The role has been incredibly rewarding, and I can already see a long and fulfilling career within the Australian Public Service.

The recruitment process at Services Australia was relatively stress-free. While it was somewhat challenging to understand at first, coming from outside the sector, everything started to make sense once I began meeting people. The people I met were genuine, inspiring, warm and professional.

One of the highlights from SES100 has been the access to coaching, which has provided invaluable guidance and support. For anyone considering applying for a role at Services Australia, my advice is: just do it. The journey may have its challenges, but the rewards of contributing meaningfully and being part of a supportive team make it worthwhile.”

For further information please contact SES100@apsc.gov.au.

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