Productivity Commission Internships

Internships for economics and public policy students (Summer Round)

About the Commission

The Productivity Commission (PC) is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians. It contributes by providing quality, independent advice and information to governments, and on the communication of ideas and analysis.

Read more about the PC

About the program

As Australia’s leading policy research and advisory body, the PC tackles critical issues that affect the living standards of all Australians. Our work is wide-ranging and topic areas vary year to year and can include analysis of social issues, health and ageing, the environment, regulation, competition, economic infrastructure, resources and trade

The PC also monitors and reports on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services, and undertakes significant work on policy of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including reporting progress on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

We are offering internships in our Canberra and Melbourne offices for high achieving students who are interested in working on public policy issues affecting the welfare of Australians.

Successful interns will join an inquiry or research team. They will receive guidance and training from experienced colleagues and have opportunities to contribute to research on public policy issues. Work may include comprehensive desktop research, data analysis and participation in meetings with key stakeholders.

Applications are sought from students who are in their penultimate year, or final year (equivalent) of studies working towards academic qualifications in economics, commerce, mathematics and statistics, public policy, law, social sciences, Indigenous studies, environmental science and other fields relevant to public policy.

Be yourself at the PC

We welcome and celebrate diversity, and value the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experience that each person brings to our workplace. Parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all cultures and faith are encouraged to apply.

What we offer

We have a supportive, respectful and engaging work environment underpinned by:

• a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and supporting staff wellbeing
• a flexible work environment that supports employees to balance work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments
• a culture of conversation and real-time feedback, to support a team and individual performance
• a range of learning and development opportunities tailored to individuals’ needs at different points in their careers.

The PC offers a competitive salary plus generous superannuation and leave provisions.

We also offer reasonable adjustments for applicants on request, and ensure all staff receive the support and tools they need to thrive at work

Eligibility

To be eligible for the PC's Internship Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be an Australian citizen.
• Are currently enrolled at university in your penultimate year, or final year of studies, and you want to pursue an honours, masters or PhD in:
  • economics
  • commerce
  • mathematics and statistics
  • public policy
  • law
  • social sciences
  • Indigenous studies
  • environmental science
  • other fields relevant to public policy.
• Performed well over the course of your studies.
• Be willing to:
  • complete the internship placement in either Canberra or Melbourne
  • undergo any fit to work checks including police, character, or other checks required.

Application process

There are a few things you need to know about the application process.