On 24 March, the APS HR Professional Stream celebrated the advancement of the 2025 Australian Government (AG) HR Graduate and School Leaver cohorts and welcomed the 2026 AG HR Graduates and Career Starters as they begin their APS careers.
The event was held in person and by livestream, from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Canberra Amungula office. It was hosted by Susan Moriarty, ATO Assistant Commissioner, Learning, Development and Inclusion, and attended by ATO Commissioner Rob Heferen, Chief People Officers, HR professionals, and managers and teams who support program participants across the APS.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet, followed by an opening address from Jacqui Curtis, ATO Chief Operating Officer and Head of the HR Profession. Jacqui emphasised the importance of entry level programs as a deliberate investment in APS capability and future leadership. She highlighted the central role that HR plays as a strategic partner in delivery, shaping workforce capability, culture and decision making to support outcomes for the Australian community. Jacqui also spoke to the increasingly complex operating environment, encouraging participants to build strong foundations early, lean into learning and take advantage of the APS-wide HR professional network of more than 6,500 HR practitioners.
Secretary of the Department of Finance, Matt Yannopoulos was the keynote speaker for this event. Matt spoke about the importance of curiosity in professional development, sharing insights from across his APS career and the real-world lessons gained through working in different agencies. His reflections reinforced the value of broad experience, adaptability and continuous learning.
Graduate and School Leaver voices were front and centre. Maddison Scott, 2025 AG HR Graduate from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), shared her journey from initial hesitation about joining the public service to developing a strong sense of pride in serving the Australian community. Her reflections gave the incoming graduates an authentic and encouraging picture of the opportunities ahead.
Maddison Scott, 2025 AG HR Graduate, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Michael Yang, 2025 AG HR School Leaver from the Department of the Treasury, spoke about the meaningful impact of the School Leaver Program on his professional growth. He reflected on building a strong network, gaining practical HR experience, developing confidence and balancing work while completing his Certificate IV, providing genuine and relatable insight for the 2026 Career Starters.
Michael Yang, 2025 AG HR School Leaver, Department of the Treasury
Together, the stories shared throughout the day recognised both progress and new beginnings, reinforcing that APS HR careers are built step by step. Congratulations to all participants recognised and a warm welcome to those joining the HRPS community.