Salary at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Pay is generally good and there's a good balance between pay point progression and hitting ceilings where you get a bonus instead of career progression.

There are no bonuses. I feel the pay is entirely reasonable.

Pay is great for the amount of work and responsibility and there are multiple pay point increases and baseline raises without having to apply for promotion.

While entry level pay is good by comparison to other departments or organisations, the slow pace at which we move up the APS pay scale is depressing. DFAT soon loses any competitive edge it had over other institutions, meaning the pull of staying at the department for much longer than a few years will begin to wane. Bonuses are not paid.

The starting salary for graduates is not very high, and I had to take a substantial pay cut to accept this job. I don't think pays the main attraction for applicants, although the opportunities to earn are significantly enhanced on overseas posting.

My wage is adequate but not amazing compared with other options that I could pursue. However I am working in the Public Service that's to be expected. And there are many other amazing aspects to my work separate to the pay.

Pay is lower than would be the case in the private sector, and career progression is slow so the salary won't increase for a while. No bonuses in government.

Competitive pay, although progression through pay grades is slow. Trade off are the perks.

Allowances for language proficiency.

Postings to Australian missions overseas and opportunities to travel.

Additional allowances when on posting, many training opportunities.

Free language training, amazing professional development, the opportunity to live and work all over the world and take your family with you.

When on post there are several allowances available. There are also opportunities for travel in the role.

Working on interesting, relevant topics that matter - no further incentive is required.

Diplomatic postings - generally for 3 years at a time, accompanied by generous allowances, immunities, and rent-free housing.

International work trips and three months of high-quality training in the first year of the graduate program.

Flex-time, which is essentially time in lieu for hours worked over a standard 7.5 hour day. Better superannuation contributions than most private sector employers. Overseas opportunities and training.

You will meet some incredibly interesting people.

There is some access to travel opportunities through work but its the public sector - perks like free tickets/free dinners are against policy!

Work based travel with ministers is outstanding for learning