DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY AND FINANCE
2016
Department of Treasury and Finance
Graduate Program
Application Handbook
Vacancy Number: 25150041
www.treasury.nt.gov.au/Careers/GraduateCareers
Table of Contents
Eligibility ............................................................................................. 3
How to Apply ...................................................................................... 3
Graduate Program.............................................................................. 4
What Does Treasury Do? ................................................................... 5
As a Place to Work ............................................................................. 6
Treasury Output Groups ..................................................................... 7
Related Statutory Authorities and Associated Entities ...................... 10
Generous Employment Conditions ................................................... 11
Application Process .......................................................................... 12
Application Checklist ........................................................................ 13
Application........................................................................................ 14
Tertiary Qualification(s) .................................................................... 15
Work Experience .............................................................................. 15
References ....................................................................................... 16
Selection Criteria (essential) ............................................................. 17
Additional Information about Yourself ............................................... 20
Treasury Output Groups of Interest .................................................. 21
Publication Details
Department of Treasury and Finance
2016 Graduate Program Application Handbook
19 The Mall, Charles Darwin Centre, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800
GPO Box 1974, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801
Last updated November 2015
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Eligibility
Vacancies are open to any person who has graduated with a degree in
accounting, business, commerce, law, finance, economics or a related field in the
last three years.
Please note that to be eligible for an ongoing appointment at the end of the
program in January 2017, applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent
Resident of Australia.
How to Apply
Once you have completed the Application Handbook apply online for the Graduate
Program by following the instructions below:
1. Log on to http://www.careers.nt.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx and click the
“begin search” button. This will take you to the Employment Opportunities
Careers in Government vacancy search page.
2. Enter in Vacancy Number: 25150041
3. At the bottom of the vacancy description screen you should see a button
titled 'Apply Online' click this button to register on eRecruit for the Graduate
vacancy and follow the prompts to complete your application (eRecruit is an
online application system used for all employment opportunities within the
NTPS).
Use the Application Checklist on page 12 to ensure that all the required
documentation has been attached to your online eRecruit application.
Note: Your application will not be considered if the required documentation from
the checklist has not been uploaded to your eRecruit online application or if this
Application Handbook has not been completed.
Closing date
30 November, 2015
Contact:
Human Resources
Email: HumanResources.DTF@nt.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8999 6280
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Graduate Program
Objective To provide a comprehensive and extensive package of training and
development opportunities for graduate trainees, which will serve to
strengthen the Department of Treasury and Finance’s (Treasury’s) and the
Government’s business and finance capabilities and resources.
Graduate Program The Graduate Program is specifically for tertiary graduates and involves:
 formal training in the processes of government and regular workshops and
seminars detailing the functions of Treasury;
 rotating work placements across various Treasury business units;
 having the opportunity to be mentored by a member of Treasury’s Senior
Management Group; and
 is a fixed-period position for 12 months but with the opportunity for ongoing
employment upon successful completion of the program.
Formal Training
The training includes a selection of practical courses that will complement the
hands-on experience gained through employment placements. Seminars and
workshops cover various aspects of Treasury’s role in government and its
operations and will be presented by Treasury Directors and experienced
senior staff. Other sessions cover processes within the Northern
Territory Public Sector and focus on developing communication skills.
Seminars and workshops include:

Mock Budget;

Reviewing and writing Cabinet comments;

Processes of Legislative Assembly and processes of Cabinet;

Cross-cultural awareness training;

Territory budget and financial management;

Funds management;

Economic statistics;

Australian Bureau of Statistics;

Sources of revenue (own source/Commonwealth);

Economic reform and the role of government;

Clear writing and presentation skills; and

Commonwealth revenue, intergovernmental relations and social statistics.
Please Note: Additional studies during the Graduate Program are not
recommended due to the learning and development nature of the program.
Graduate Work Graduate work placements provide hands-on work experience in various
Placements areas of Treasury.
During the 12-month program, graduates will be placed in various work units
within Treasury for three to four months at a time.
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What Does Treasury Do?
Treasury has a reputation for providing high quality, expert advice to the Northern
Territory Government on fiscal, economic and commercial issues. It is a reputation that
we are proud of and work hard to maintain.
Our primary role is to provide specialist financial, economic and commercial policy advice
and services to the Government to assist it in its responsibility to deliver services and
infrastructure for the benefit of Territorians.
We report to the Treasurer through the Under Treasurer. We employ approximately
170 staff who are located in Cavenagh House, Darwin.
Treasury provides a range of services including advice, analysis and administration of
matters relating to:

financial management and fiscal initiatives;

economic frameworks and the Territory economy;

intergovernmental financial arrangements;

commercial infrastructure and service delivery projects in partnership with the private
sector;

own-source revenue, including taxation;

borrowing and investing on behalf of the Territory;

public sector superannuation; and

grants, subsidies and community service obligations related to our responsibilities.
Our business units are grouped into five output groups for budgeting and reporting
purposes.
Treasury is also responsible for two statutory offices: Northern Territory Treasury
Corporation and the Utilities Commission. Although each operates under its own
legislation, they are supported by Treasury for administrative purposes.
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As a Place to Work
As a key central government agency, Treasury is a trusted and influential adviser to the
Territory Government in areas including financial management, economic, commercial,
taxation and regulatory issues, government investment and borrowings, and public sector
superannuation.
As a place to work, Treasury values include integrity, respect, trust, fairness and
professionalism, and we support staff in balancing their work and personal priorities. Our
aim is to provide a challenging yet rewarding work environment that recognises the value
each individual provides in helping achieve Treasury’s goals.
Treasury services a smaller jurisdiction than our larger interstate counterparts. This
means there are much greater opportunities to gain experience in the broad range of
issues that Treasury deals with, across government. Depending on the business unit, you
will have the opportunity to work directly with highly sensitive and confidential information
involving leading-edge government policy issues and major government projects, be
involved in agency and whole of government financial information and planning, develop
and improve legislation, collect taxes or audit and investigate compliance with tax laws.
Working in a smaller jurisdiction also provides a unique opportunity to work in a variety of
roles, which means there are significant opportunities for internal advancement, career
development and networking. Treasury is a great agency for anyone to start a new career
or accelerate his or her career path in the public service.
We offer a range of career opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages
work/life balance, professional development and fast-tracked career progression. The
employment conditions are generous and there is also an attractive remuneration
package.
We are looking for bright, motivated people who are up for new challenges and eager to
contribute to improving our community’s economic and social wellbeing. We are looking
for people with potential for middle management and we are offering a range of
interesting and challenging work in policy development, research, analysis, tax
compliance and advising Government and other stakeholders. Positions are available in
fields ranging across business, accounting, economics, commerce, law and public
administration in the following Treasury areas:

Economic

Financial Management

Territory Revenue Office

Superannuation

Northern Territory Treasury Corporation

Treasury Services

Utilities Commission
Read on for more information about the opportunities on offer, the generous employment
conditions and how to apply for a Graduate position at Treasury.
You may also like to visit our website at http://www.treasury.nt.gov.au for further
information.
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Treasury Output Groups
Economic The Economic Group advises the Treasurer and the Government on economic
issues affecting the Territory. It comprises four business units: Economic Policy,
Commercial, Economic Analysis and Intergovernmental Relations.
Economic Policy advises the Treasurer, Government ministers and agencies on
microeconomic issues including competition policy, economic regulation,
government business divisions, insurance and economic policy development.
Commercial analyses and provides advice to the Treasurer, Government
ministers and agencies on commercial issues and major government projects,
primarily those that involve private sector, operation or delivery, and on public
private partnership policy issues.
Economic Analysis monitors and reports regularly to the Treasurer on the
performance of the Territory economy and undertakes analysis of associated
key macroeconomic indicators. It also undertakes economic modelling and
develops demographic projections.
Intergovernmental Relations has a primary focus on intergovernmental financial
relations between the Commonwealth and the Territory. This includes
representing the Territory’s interests in the Territory’s dealings with the
Commonwealth Grants Commission and in establishing funding agreements
with the Commonwealth. It also coordinates measurement and reporting of
government service delivery outcomes.
Financial
Management
The Financial Management Group is responsible for providing advice on and
management of the Territory’s whole of government budgeting and financial
matters. There are a number of business units in the group that work closely
together to develop, deliver and assess the Territory’s budget and fiscal
strategy.
The Budget Analysis business unit provides analysis and advice to Government
and agencies on strategic and policy issues that have financial implications.
This unit is actively involved in the development of major government projects
and initiatives through participating in government working groups, providing
officer level advice on policy and resource options and advice to Cabinet on
agency proposals. Budget Analysis is also responsible for the development,
coordination, analysis and monitoring of the Territory's infrastructure program.
The Financial Analysis area of the Financial Management Group prepares and
analyses both agency and whole of government financial statements to ensure
the Territory’s external reporting requirements are met. It monitors agencies’
financial performance, assists agencies in the development of their budgets and
is responsible for developing and maintaining the whole of government
budgeting and reporting system. The area is also responsible for the Central
Holding Authority, the Territory Government’s parent entity.
The Financial Policy area administers the Territory’s financial management
framework and policies, including the Treasurer’s Directions, and monitors the
Government’s commercial accountabilities and risks under the Financial
Management Act.
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Territory Revenue
Office
The Territory Revenue Office advises the Government on and manages collection
of the Territory’s taxes, mineral and petroleum royalties. It also administers home
owner incentive schemes including the first home owner grant. It comprises
four business units: Revenue Development, Revenue Collections, Royalty and
Advisory Services, and Revenue Information and Systems.
Revenue Development is responsible for ensuring the Territory’s taxation, royalty
and grants regimes are simple to administer and keep pace with changing
commercial practices. It analyses other Australian tax systems; consults with
industry and professional bodies; advises the Government on commercial and
legislative issues that affect the Territory’s revenue regime; reviews objections to
tax and royalty assessments and other decisions of the Commissioner of Territory
Revenue; and jointly manages and prepares the Territory’s case in appeals to the
Tribunal and Supreme Court.
Revenue Collections assesses and collects Territory taxes, and authorises and
pays tax-related grants and subsidies. It investigates the activities of businesses
and individuals and assists them to comply with their Territory tax and grant
obligations. It does so by providing advice on the operation of the relevant laws;
monitoring and receipting payments, including authorising instalment
arrangements; identifying tax avoidance schemes and changes in commercial
business practises that impact on Territory taxation revenue; and initiating debt
recovery actions. It also analyses and reviews property, business and commercial
transactions; examining financial and other business data; liaises with equivalent
interstate and Commonwealth revenue authorities; advises senior management
on compliance matters; and initiates prosecution actions in severe cases of
non-compliance.
Royalty and Advisory Services monitors and investigates the activities of mining
companies to assist in compliance with the Government's mineral royalties
legislative requirements and policies. It also provides technical advice on more
complicated royalty and Territory taxation matters and assessments; develops
and issues mineral royalty guidelines to support compliance; and jointly manages
and prepares the Territory’s case in appeals to the Tribunal and Supreme Court.
Revenue Information and Systems designs, implements, enhances and maintains
the Territory Revenue Office’s information management technology systems. It
manages and maintains the Territory Revenue Office data warehouse, develops
economic and financial models to forecast the Territory’s own-source revenue and
the revenue impact of legislative and policy proposals; provides risk profiling and
intelligence gathering for compliance purposes; reports on inter-jurisdictional
benchmarking and statistical analysis; and provides information and data as part
of meeting the Territory’s reporting obligations.
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Superannuation The Superannuation Office provides services to members of the below schemes
Office and support services to the trustees and boards of the various schemes and is
responsible for superannuation policy and legislation that meets statutory
requirements of Territory and national superannuation legislation.
It currently administers six schemes: the Northern Territory Government and
Public Authorities Superannuation Scheme (NTGPASS); the Northern Territory
Supplementary Superannuation Scheme (NTSSS); the Legislative Assembly
Members' Superannuation Scheme (LAMS); the Northern Territory Police
Supplementary Benefit Scheme; the Northern Territory Administrators Pensions
Scheme; and the Northern Territory Government Death and Invalidity Scheme
(NTGDIS).
Treasury Services Treasury Services Group provides executive and corporate services to enable
Group Treasury to fulfil its role as the key central agency for the provision of fiscal,
economic, regulatory and resource management advice.
Senior Executive – the Under Treasurer, Deputy and Assistant Under Treasurers
have whole of agency responsibilities and accountabilities, providing strategic
direction and leadership for Treasury. They are also involved in high level whole
of government projects and policy development.
Secretariat provides support services to the Under Treasurer, Treasury senior
executives and the Treasurer’s office. The area provides central coordination
and liaison services for Treasury between the office of the Treasurer, other
Ministers’ offices, the Cabinet office, Legislative Assembly and other government
agencies on issues relating to Treasury responsibilities.
Corporate Support provides services to Treasury business units to enable staff
to concentrate on core business in their functional area. Services include
information technology; records management; finance; communications; and
human resources, which manages career development programs such as the
Graduate Program.
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Related Statutory Authorities and Associated Entities
The following statutory authorities also fall within the administrative responsibility of
Treasury, which provides resources for these entities to conduct their business
operations.
Treasury Corporation
Treasury Corporation is the Territory government’s central financing authority and
borrows, lends and invests on behalf of the Territory. The Corporation provides
loans to government, its agencies, government owned corporations and, in certain
circumstances, local governing authorities. It manages an average of $1 billion in
investments including investing the surplus cash balances in Government
accounts and the conditions of service reserve, and operates as a government
business division.
Utilities Commission
The Utilities Commission is the independent economic regulator established to
oversee the electricity and water supply and sewerage services industries. The
Commission is established as a separate administrative unit within Treasury, has
specific statutory powers and undertakes its considerations independently from
Treasury. The Commission is responsible for promoting and safeguarding
competition and fair and efficient market conduct or, in the absence of a
competitive market, simulating competitive market conduct and preventing the
misuse of monopoly power.
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Generous Employment Conditions
Salary
Northern Territory
Allowance
Taxation
Working Hours
Payable fortnightly, on Thursday, into your nominated account ($57 851 per annum).
For employees with recognised dependants ($960 per annum).
Zone A taxation concession is applicable.
36 hours 45 minutes per week.
Treasury core hours are 8am to 4.21pm, with a one hour lunch break.
Superannuation
Employer contributions will be paid at the superannuation guarantee rate (9.5%).
Employees can elect any complying superannuation fund, or use the (default)
scheme, AustralianSuper.
Recreation Leave
30 days (six weeks) per annum, which may be accessed on a pro rata basis after
completion of eight months’ service.
Flexible leave arrangements include:

ability to use recreation leave at half pay; and

ability to purchase additional leave.
Leave loading of 17.5% of salary is payable up to a pre-determined maximum
($1411.10 for 2015).
Personal/Carer’s
Leave (sick leave)
Ongoing employees:

three weeks full pay per annum from date of appointment.
Fixed-period employees:

one week personal/carer’s leave available after each completed two months of
service with two days available on commencement;

maximum of three weeks within the first 12 months of service; and

three weeks per annum thereafter.
All personal/carer’s leave is cumulative.
Study Leave
Long Service Leave
Parental Leave
Paid study leave of up to 2.5 hours per week for an approved course of study;
compulsory course fees may be reimbursed. NB: As the graduate training schedule is
intensive, graduates are strongly discouraged from undertaking studies within the first
12 months of employment.
Three months of long service leave after 10 years’ service.
After a qualifying period of one year, paid parental leave of 14 weeks or after a qualifying
period of five years, paid parental leave of 18 weeks, with the remaining balance up to
three years as unpaid leave.
Partners may use up to two weeks paid leave from the date of birth or adoption depending
on length of service.
Workers
Compensation
Full coverage of paid compensation leave and reimbursement of medical expenses
for an injury attributable to employment.
For more details on the Northern Territory Public Sector’s employment conditions, visit:
http://www.ocpe.nt.gov.au/ntps_careers/working_in_ntps/pay_and_conditions
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Application Process
There are three stages to the application process.
Stage 1: To be considered for the Graduate Program applicants must ensure all sections of the
Application Form application included in this document are completed (unless stated ‘optional’) and
submitted with all required attachments (see page 13 for a checklist).
Stage 2: Treasury’s Senior Management Group reviews each application and identifies
Short Listing applicants who will be considered further.
Referees will be contacted for all applicants who are short-listed.
Stage 3: At interview, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their academic achievements,
The Interview work experience to date and personal qualities. Applicants will also have the opportunity
to ask questions about Treasury and potential employment with us.
Short-listed applicants may be required to complete a research task prior to their
interview.
All applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the selection process, but
due to the large number of applicants for this program, please allow adequate time for
us to process and review all applications. Thank you in advance for your patience.
Under the Public Sector Employment and Management Act (section 17) and the
Public Sector Employment and Management Regulations (section 5), the Northern
Territory Public Sector is required to retain records of all employees including
‘prescribed particulars’.
The information retained includes, amongst other things, personal and contact details,
next of kin, dependents and citizenship details as well as details of any disabilities
employees may have that are relevant to their employment with the Northern Territory
Public Sector. This legislation also enables details of an employee’s ethnicity or
aboriginality to be retained subject to his or her agreement.
This information is used by Treasury, the Department of Corporate and Information
Services and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment to assist in the
effective administration of employee entitlements.
Employees of Treasury are able to access any of the personal information provided
during their employment and this can be done by contacting
Human Resources on (08) 8999 7220.
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Application Checklist
Please use the checklist to ensure your application is complete.
Upload each of the following documents onto your eRecruit online application under the Response to
Criteria section drop down list (refer to How to Apply on page 3 of the Application Handbook). Your
application will not be considered without these documents:
a completed Application Form (complete all sections unless stated optional);
your resume or curriculum vitae providing details of your employment history outlining
position held and your major responsibilities and achievements. You should also note any
other relevant qualifications and education history;
a certified copy of your academic transcripts; and
a certified copy of your Birth Certificate or Passport.
If you are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia you must also attach
a certified copy of your current visa.
A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document that is certified as a true copy by a qualified
person – for example, justice of the peace, commissioner of oaths, or solicitor.
Applications will be accepted until midnight 30 November 2015
If you are unable to send your application via the eRecruit system please contact:
Human Resources
Email: HumanResources.DTF@nt.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8999 6280
We look forward to receiving your application.
*PLEASE NOTE – LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED*
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Application
(Please note – late or incomplete applications will not be considered)
Personal Details
Title:
Mr
Ms
Mrs
Miss
Given Names:
Surname:
Residential Address:
Postal Address (if different):
Contact Details
Home:
Work:
Mobile:
Email:
Date of Birth:
Birthplace:
Citizenship
Australian Citizen
Other*
Permanent Resident of Australia
Please specify:
*If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, you must provide a certified copy of
your passport and visa information.
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Tertiary Qualification(s)
Academic qualifications
Applicants must have graduated in the last three years with a degree in accounting, finance, economics,
business, commerce, law or other related disciplines.
(Please attach a certified copy of your academic transcript/s. Refer to Application Checklist)
Degree:
Year graduated:
University/Institution:
Do you have more than one degree?
Yes
No
If applicable, please specify other degree(s):
Degree:
Year graduated:
Institution:
Work Experience
(attach separate table if you wish to provide more information)
EMPLOYER
PERIOD
POSITION/DUTIES/ACHIEVEMENTS
(List in order, commencing
with most recent employer)
(Dates of employment)
(Provide a brief summary)
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References
You should provide two work and/or academic referees in this application. Any written work or academic
references may also be attached.
Work Referee(s)
Preference One
Name:
Position held:
Employer:
Phone:
Preference Two
Name:
Position held:
Employer:
Phone:
Academic Referee(s)
Preference One
Name:
Position held:
Institution:
Phone:
Preference Two
Name:
Position held:
Institution:
Phone:
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Selection Criteria (essential)
This is an essential part of your application and you need to demonstrate why you are suitable for the
vacancy. Stating that you can satisfy the criteria is not enough, you must provide examples of your
experience and knowledge. Your application should include details and relevant examples that demonstrate
the outcomes you have achieved for each criterion listed below.
1. Demonstrated analytical and research skills.
2. Ability to apply academic knowledge and concepts to practical situations.
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3. Ability to work as part of a team and organise own workload to meet deadlines.
4. Sound oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise and accurate reports.
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5. Sound experience with standard office computing systems (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) or similar.
6. An ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures.
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Additional Information about Yourself
In a page or less, discuss what interests you about joining the Northern Territory Public Sector, including
what values and skills you will bring to the agency and your career aspirations in terms of where you see
yourself in three years’ time.
Work Experience
Prior relevant work experience is not a pre-requisite for selection but any work experience before, during or
after graduating may be useful in demonstrating your abilities or qualities referred to above.
Personal Qualities
Personal qualities most desirable in applicants include initiative, integrity, enthusiasm, and a high degree of
personal motivation and commitment.
Applicants should be well organised, able to work both independently and as part of a team and work under
pressure to meet regular and often tight deadlines.
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Treasury Output Groups of Interest
Please nominate the Treasury output groups that you are interested in having a work placement by
numbering your preferences from 1 to 7. Details on the output groups are contained in pages 4-9 of this
handbook. (This does not guarantee automatic placement within the nominated areas but is used for
interview purposes.)
Economic Group
Financial Management Group
Territory Revenue Office
Superannuation Office
Northern Territory Treasury Corporation
Treasury Services Group
Utilities Commission
*This is the last page of your Graduate Application. Please refer back to the Application Checklist on
page 12 of this handbook to ensure your application is complete.
Advertising Survey
How did you find out about Treasury’s Graduate Program?
Word of mouth
Please provide their source if possible:
Internet advertisement / Facebook / Career Hub
Please provide website:
University noticeboard / presentation
Please provide name of institution or presentation:
Newspaper advertisement
Please provide name of paper:
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