Diploma of Government (PSP50122)

Nationally recognised training for the Australian Public Service

Build advanced public sector capability with the nationally recognised Diploma of Government (PSP50122). This qualification is designed for APS, ACT Government and public sector staff who need stronger skills in governance, compliance, communication, leadership and workplace decision-making.

McMillan delivers practical government training for individuals and workplace groups, with learning linked to real public sector tasks rather than generic theory.

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Who the Diploma of Government is for

The Diploma of Government is suited to people working in or alongside the public sector who are ready to take on more complex responsibilities. It is a good fit for staff who need to strengthen their judgement, communication, compliance, governance and leadership capability in a government environment.

This course may suit:

    • APS and ACT Government staff moving into higher-level duties
    • team leaders, coordinators and supervisors in public sector workplaces
    • staff involved in governance, compliance, policy, programs or service delivery
    • experienced public servants seeking formal recognition of their skills
    • workplace groups that need consistent capability across a team or branch

The qualification is especially relevant where staff need to apply public sector values, communicate with influence, support inclusive practice, promote compliance with legislation and contribute to effective government operations.

Not sure if this is the right level? The Certificate IV in Government may suit staff building foundation public sector capability, while the Diploma of Government is generally better suited to staff with broader responsibility, more independent work or supervisory duties.

APS Career Outcomes After Completing the Diploma of Government

The Diploma of Government (PSP50122) equips APS staff with practical, workplace-ready skills designed to support leadership, compliance, and governance across the public sector.

Successful participants of this program are well-suited for roles such as:

The program supports agency capability-building and team development. APS organisations seeking to enhance staff skills with the Diploma of Government can contact McMillan for tailored group delivery options.

Diploma of Government Modules and Units

McMillan’s Diploma of Government (PSP50122) is delivered as a capability program for APS staff. The qualification is structured into five modules that develop advanced skills in leadership, compliance, governance, communication, and career management.

Each module combines applied theory with workplace practice, giving APS agencies a practical pathway to strengthen workforce capability at APS5–6 and managerial levels.

Public Service culture and conditions

This module builds understanding of the APS environment. Participants explore the values, legislation, and behavioural expectations that guide public service practice. The focus is on:

  • Applying the APS Values and Code of Conduct in daily work

  • Recognising legislative and compliance responsibilities

  • Understanding how agency work contributes to broader government priorities

The outcome is a strong foundation in APS culture and conditions, preparing staff to operate with integrity and awareness in their roles.

Units of competency

  • PSPETH008 Promote the values and ethos of public service (core)
  • PSPLEG007 Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector (core)
  • PSPGEN115 Uphold and support inclusive workplace practices (core)

Leadership and Management in the APS

This module develops leadership capability in the public sector context. Participants build self-awareness and emotional intelligence while applying practical leadership skills. The focus is on:

  • Understanding leadership expectations in the APS

  • Developing emotional intelligence and its impact on workplace relationships

  • Building effective teams and managing group dynamics

  • Practicing feedback and communication strategies that support staff performance

The outcome is stronger leadership and management capability, preparing participants to guide teams and contribute to organisational success.

Units of competency

  • PSPGEN118 Provide leadership (elective)
  • BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence (elective)

Risk Management and WHS

This module strengthens risk awareness and safety practices within the public sector. Participants learn to:

  • Understand organisational risk, appetite, and tolerance in the APS context

  • Apply risk management principles to real workplace situations

  • Identify and evaluate risks across projects, teams, and operations

  • Support Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements and safe work practices

The outcome is practical capability to manage risk and contribute to a safe, compliant, and effective APS workplace.

Units of competency
  • BSBWHS311 Assist with maintaining workplace safety (elective)
  • PSPGEN135 Manage risk (elective)

Complex communication

Strong communication is central to effective APS performance. This module builds advanced communication and conflict management capability for public sector staff. Participants will:

  • Explore advanced communication models suited to APS environments

  • Practice strategies for managing workplace conflict constructively

  • Strengthen skills in writing complex documents such as briefs, reports, and minutes

  • Apply communication approaches that support collaboration and accountability across teams

By the end of this module, learners are equipped to handle complex communication tasks and maintain professionalism in high-stakes APS contexts.

Units of competency
  • PSPGEN101 Use complex workplace communication strategies (core)
  • BSBWRT411 Write complex documents (core)
  • PSPGEN100 Manage conflict (elective)

Career management and personal growth

Career development is a key part of building long-term APS capability. This module helps participants take ownership of their career direction while supporting the development of colleagues. Learners will:

  • Build the skills needed to manage their own APS career pathways

  • Set professional goals and align them with organisational priorities

  • Support others by identifying strengths, opportunities, and career options

  • Develop and monitor career plans to encourage sustained growth

This module strengthens both individual career confidence and workforce capability within the APS.

 

Unit of competency
  • PSPGEN087 Undertake and promote career management (elective)

More Information about How the Diploma of Government is Delivered

The Diploma of Government is delivered through a blend of learning modes, making it accessible to both individuals and employer groups.

  • Facilitated Online Workshops: Interactive sessions delivered via MS Teams. Recordings are available for review.

  • Workplace Practice: Apply learning directly in APS roles to reinforce capability.

  • Public Course Option: APS employees can enrol individually in scheduled public programs.

McMillan Staff Development offers scheduled public intakes for APS employees wishing to complete the Diploma of Government (PSP50122) individually.
Each module includes live, facilitated online workshops via Microsoft Teams. Sessions are interactive and recorded for review.

Program duration: 10 months
Total training days: 8 days (09:00am – 4:30pm AEST)
Delivery mode: Live online via Microsoft Teams

2026 Workshop Dates:

  • Module 1 – Public Service Culture and Conditions: 16–17 February 2026

  • Module 2 – Leadership and Growth: 25–26 May 2026

  • Module 3 – Risk Management and WHS: 3–4 August 2026

  • Module 4 – Complex Communication: 19–20 October 2026

  • Module 5 – Career Management: Available from 1 August 2026 (self-paced)

Recordings of each session are available for participants who cannot attend live.
Attendance at the scheduled workshops is encouraged, as sessions are interactive and form part of the applied learning experience.

For agencies seeking tailored delivery, custom timetables are available for group enrolments.

  • Participants must be employed in a Commonwealth public sector role (APS).

  • Access to a computer with internet and webcam is required.

  • Recommended: Year 12 or equivalent education, plus strong workplace communication skills.

  • No prior qualification is required—just the motivation to learn and apply skills in APS contexts.

The Diploma of Government is available as a workplace program for APS agencies, as well as a public course for individual APS staff.

Assessment is practical and workplace-focused, designed to reflect APS requirements:

  • Workbooks and learning journals

  • Presentations, case studies, and role plays

  • Quizzes and knowledge checks

  • Third-party workplace reports

This ensures participants can immediately apply their skills in APS roles.

McMillan provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all participants.

  • Trainers are accessible via the LMS portal, with responses within two business days.

  • Where participants face learning challenges or personal difficulties, support may include:

    • Flexible delivery options

    • Learning assistance

    • Additional time to complete assessments

    • Referrals to external services

Reasonable adjustments are available for staff with a disability or health condition. McMillan is committed to culturally safe learning, supporting First Nations participants and those from diverse backgrounds.

  • Standard course rate: $5,950 per participant

  • Flexible payment plans: Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments available over the 10-month program

  • Employer group bookings: Tailored quotes available based on cohort size, delivery format, and scheduling needs

Graduates receive a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):

This qualification is recognised across Commonwealth Government agencies and supports APS workforce development and career progression.

McMillan offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer in line with the AQF.

  • RPL: Staff can have existing workplace skills and knowledge assessed against qualification requirements, reducing duplication of training.

  • Credit Transfer: Available for participants who have completed equivalent units with another RTO.

Agencies and individuals can discuss RPL and Credit Transfer options with McMillan at enrolment.

Who is this course for?
Public sector professionals working in independent, generalist, or supervisory roles, typically at the APS5–EL1 level.

Is online delivery available?
Yes. We offer live virtual workshops via MS Teams, workplace-based delivery for groups, or enrolment into a scheduled public course.

How long does it take to complete?
The standard duration is 10 months, with 9 training days across five modules.

Is the qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. PSP50122 is a Nationally Recognised Training qualification delivered by McMillan Staff Development, an ASQA-registered RTO.

What pathways are available after this course?
Graduates often progress to higher APS roles or pursue qualifications in leadership and management, project management, or governance specialisations.

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Certificate IV in Government training Canberra

Take the Next Step in Building APS Capability

The Diploma of Government (PSP50122) is a nationally recognised qualification designed to build higher-level capability and prepare APS staff for leadership, compliance, and governance roles.

McMillan Staff Development delivers this program through both public courses and agency-based cohorts, giving APS employees and teams flexible pathways to enrol. For agencies, it’s a practical way to lift workforce performance and align with APS capability frameworks. For staff, it’s a chance to take on more responsibility, gain confidence, and apply advanced knowledge directly in APS roles.

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