DHA Graduate Development Program

Job no: 493852
Work type: Full Time, Full Time / Part Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra, Parramatta, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne
Classification: DHA Level 4

About DHA

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.  

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services, advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members.

To find out more about DHA, please refer to our website or read our latest Annual Report.

Australian Government Graduate Program 

The Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) is the Australian Government’s flagship APS-wide graduate recruitment program under the umbrella of the Career Pathways initiative. This program recruits and matches university graduates with roles in key capability areas in departments and agencies across the Australian Government.

Applicants to the AGGP can apply once to be considered for a diverse range of opportunities across all facets of government. With over 800 graduate jobs across the Australian Government each year, there are many opportunities. A career in the APS really does offer a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference to the community and a better Australia.

DHA Graduate Development Program

We are seeking motivated and high performing graduates to join the DHA Graduate Development Program (DHA GDP) 2027, delivered under the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP).

The DHA GDP is an 11-month development pathway for recent graduates, commencing in February 2027. The program offers a blend of practical experience, learning, and mentorship, as well as three structured rotations: a Home Rotation, a Service Delivery or Corporate and Governance Rotation, and an Elective Rotation. Graduates return to their 'Home' rotation upon successful completion of the program.

Graduates gain exposure to multiple business areas, build skills for a long-term career in the APS, and contribute to meaningful work that supports ADF members, their families, and the broader Australian community. They will be supported by experienced professionals, given opportunities to work on real projects, develop leadership capabilities, and expand both personal and professional networks.

DHA’s 2027 intake includes:

• Generalist Stream
• Accounting & Financial Management Stream
• Data Stream
• Digital Stream
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway

2027 is DHA’s inaugural participation in whole of APS graduate streams and we are welcoming participants to join us at a very exciting time of growth.  

Development and Support

DHA Graduates will receive comprehensive support, including DHA and APS specific induction programs, opportunities to visit frontline service delivery areas, Senior Executive shadowing days, and ongoing pastoral care from both DHA and APSC program coordinators.

As part of DHA’s GDP, graduates participate in the APS Academy Graduate Development Program, a whole-of-APS learning experience delivered by the APS Academy. The program builds core APS skills, behaviours and professional networks through a cohort-based model combining structured learning, interactive workshops, collaborative activities, mentoring, coaching and work integrated learning, complementing DHA’s internal development and on-the-job experience.

 In addition to the program-specific offerings, DHA employment conditions offer:

• Competitive salary ranges
• 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
• 20 days annual leave and 18 days personal leave per year
• Flexible working arrangements and strong work-life balance
• A supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace
• Career progression opportunities across DHA and the APS
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and families
• ADF partner employment support when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website. For specific details on our employment conditions including salary, please refer to the DHA Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:

• Australian citizens who have completed an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 qualification (bachelor's degree), or higher, within the past five years, or are in their final year of study and will have completed all degree requirements by 31 December 2026.
• Able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance, which will be sponsored by DHA.

In addition to the above, each graduate stream may have specific eligibility requirements. For details on each stream eligibility, please refer to APS Jobs – Graduate Careers.

Key Application Dates

Applications open 2 March 2026, with closing dates varying by stream. Take note of the specific closing dates on APS Jobs to avoid missing out!

Applicants apply once through the AGGP and can be considered for opportunities across the APS, including DHA - make sure to pop us down as your preferred agency!

All applications must be submitted through APS Jobs – Graduate Careers.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, currently service ADF members, veterans, ex-defence members, ADF family members, mature aged employees and carers.