Salary at Victorian Government

The salary is quite low for the program. I say this noting that I am overall happy to have taken this offer as an entry way into the VPS but I would like to see better pay or alternatively better training and rotation programs if the pay continues to stay at this level.

While the pay is generally reflective of a graduate program salary, it is nonetheless an entry level salary that is about $10K lower than the ACT Graduate Program. Amidst rising costs of living and rent, it is felt by many graduates that the salary has not increased to match 2023 economic conditions.

Pay for the graduate position is much lower when compared to other similar graduate roles in government around Australia.

The only minor complaint i have for the program is that the pay is quite low compared to other graduate level jobs, including entry level administrative jobs that I have held previously. I am aware we all signed up for this pay level, but this is more a comment for future iterations of the program. Although VPSC has said that the work we should be given is of a VPS2 and therefore the pay is equivalent, I don't think this supports or motivates people to work towards higher vps levels/ standards of work, which is beneficial for a workplace more broadly. I have consistently been given work, and performed at a VPS4 level throughout the year, and have struggled with the fact that I am getting significantly less pay that peers working on the same tasks, at the same standard. Despite this I am very grateful to have worked on such tasks and gained this experience. I do recognise the tight fiscal environment at the moment, and the fact that not every graduate role is equal, so the pay must match across the board. Overall, it might be good for future graduates if the pay could be increased to vps 3.1 and grads move into a vps 3.2 role upon completion of the program. This would be more equal to the standard of work most people complete.

Entry level pay is quite low, but many opportunities to progress.

Grad salary is average. Looking forward to the pay increase once off the grad salary. Received a mobility payment mid-year.

Salary is fixed and there are no bonuses in the public sector. This is outweighed by a satisfaction of being at work.

Could be better, especially since other government grad roles are higher paid.

There's no bonuses due to the nature of the government which i'm happy with. But we would love the pay to be higher to be compatible with the inflation rate.

Pays more than my field in private sector

The grad pay is not very high but they were very transparent with it when I was applying for the job so I can't really complain.

I don't think the grad salary is competitive. The public service is for people not profit. I don't think people should be paid huge amounts of money, but I also don't think the pay incentives smart people to stay. I think the grad program salary should be adjusted with inflation. It is also $10,000 less then to the commonwealth grad program. There is a mobility payment each year, this is nice.

As a graduate, pay could be better. The 'movement bonus' was a nice surprise.

Generous leave flexibility

There are supporting leave policies and flexible working arrangements to support public servants at all levels.

No perks, but this is fine given it is a public sector job, not expecting anything.

Flex to work in one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne. Getting 3 emails and laptops in a year as we move organisations. Seeing ministers occasionally.

Almost no perks. And Department of Education's salary packaging service provider doesn't allow for mortgage deductions which is upsetting.

No real perks. Good leave policies

There are no 'perks' but the leave is good. We are able to take leave without pay or half pay which enables you to take more time off.