Worried About a Federal Government Hiring Freeze? Here’s What You Can Do
Recent reports indicate that a number of Australian Government departments and agencies are introducing recruitment freezes for non-essential roles while others are offering voluntary redundancies as part of workforce planning and budget management. For many public servants, this creates uncertainty about career progression and future employment.
If you’re an APS employee, now is the time to prepare—not panic.
1. Update Your Resume Now
Don’t wait until a vacancy appears or a redundancy is announced.
Take the opportunity to document:
Major projects you’ve delivered
Policy development experience
Stakeholder engagement
Leadership responsibilities
Committees and working groups
Measurable achievements
Having an up-to-date resume means you’re ready if opportunities arise.
2. Look Beyond Your Current Department
A hiring pause in one agency doesn’t mean opportunities have disappeared across the Australian Public Service.
There are also opportunities in:
State Government
Local Government
Universities
Government-funded organisations
Private sector consulting
Not-for-profit organisations
Your government experience is highly valued across many sectors.
3. Invest in Your Professional Profile
Review your LinkedIn profile, reconnect with colleagues and maintain your professional network.
Many opportunities are filled through internal mobility, referrals and professional connections before they’re widely advertised.
4. Focus on Transferable Skills
Whether you’ve worked in policy, program management, procurement, finance, ICT, HR or administration, your skills are transferable.
Employers value people who can:
Manage complex stakeholders
Interpret legislation and policy
Deliver projects
Analyse information
Solve problems
Work in highly regulated environments
5. Be Prepared, Not Reactive
Hiring freezes don’t always lead to job losses, but they can slow recruitment and increase competition for available positions.
The people who prepare early—by updating their resume, identifying transferable skills and exploring new opportunities—are often in the strongest position if change occurs.
Career Planning Starts Before You Need It
A hiring freeze doesn’t have to stop your career progression. It can be the perfect opportunity to review your experience, strengthen your professional profile and prepare for your next move.
The Australian Redundancy Centre provides practical career guidance, resume writing, selection criteria assistance and interview preparation to help Australians confidently navigate career change, whether you’re considering your next move or responding to organisational change.