Tom Bastin-Ross
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
The graduate program called to me because it offered a chance to apply my university degree while contributing to the work of government.
Darwin is like nowhere else, and you can really make it your own.
For Tom, his move to the Territory was exciting and is one of the best decisions he felt he has ever made.
“The graduate program called to me because it offered a chance to apply my university degree while contributing to the work of government, and offered the chance to try something new and live somewhere completely different!”
Settling in a new city always takes some time, but Tom said yes to as many opportunities as he could.
“I made some incredible life-long friends and did the things that I enjoy, like exploring nature, swimming, camping and partying. Darwin is like nowhere else, and you can really make it your own.”
Tom completed the graduate program in 2023 and joined the Budget Development team the following year as a budget analyst. The 2025-26 Budget will be his third budget process, which he is still super excited about.
“I’ve found working in the Territory really rewarding, particularly getting to contribute meaningfully to the Territory budget development each year as part of an incredibly supportive and hardworking team. I am always learning and developing as an analyst at DTF.”
“While the process is enriching, it still offers an unmatched work-life balance that allows me to experience and enjoy so much of the Territory with some of my best friends, most of whom I met through the graduate program!”
The Graduate program with DTF has been an incredible experience for Tom.
“I feel the graduate program has equipped me well with the necessary skills for a career in the public sector. The work rotations gave me the opportunity to build relationships across Treasury and other government agencies, and the work is varied and challenging but (again) very rewarding.”
His advice to all those who are considering applying for the Graduate program is simple but straightforward, “just go for it! I don’t regret it, and I don’t think you will either.”
Work in the Northern Territory
Explore more testimonials
The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
Communications Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
The NTG promotes a flexible working environment and generous leave entitlements.
Senior Finance Manager, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
We have been made to feel so welcome by everyone.
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Department Tourism and Hospitality (DTH)
The Northern Territory Government is an environment that fosters continuous growth.
Graduate Finance Officer at the Department of Health
If you have the right skill sets, you will get the job.
Senior Project Officer in the Priority Reform Implementation Team, NT Regional Health
The Territory has given me better education and more job opportunities.
Trainee, Business & Workforce Division
Working in the Big Rivers Region has significantly broadened my capabilities.
Senior Regional Project Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Big Rivers
Work has allowed me to become an active member in the community through the healthy work/life balance.
Social Media Officer, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
I am a proud Katherine girl- Our family arrived in 1946 and have been here ever since.
Artist
Towns like Darwin and Alice Springs have everything you need, including shopping centres, healthcare, and schools.
Migration Support Programs Officer
“The Territory will work its magic on your heart- and change you for the better.”
Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Business Consultant and Yoga Teacher
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, Darwin City
“The Territory gave me amazing opportunities such as starting a few of my own businesses."
Restaurant Owner - The Last Supper, Darwin City
“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but the Territory"
Founder of ARC Fitness, Palmerston
“Living in the NT it's a life changing experience"
Café Owner - Yaye's Cafe, Alice Springs
“The Territory has truly been a game-changing experience for me. "
Managing Director of Triptic, Alice Springs
“The Territory has offered me the perfect work life balance."
Owner - Marketing by Paige
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Owner – Star Barber
Nick is a Senior Psychologist who is currently working on new programs to change people’s lives.
Tanya is a Psychologist with Department of Corrections. She gets a great lifestyle and a way to make real change.
Jennifer is a psychology graduate who jump-started her career with a role in Department of Corrections.
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Assistant Director Client Services, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
School Counsellor, Darwin Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.
Occupational Therapist, Top End Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
From university placements to Assistant Principal - explore what opportunities you can achieve in our Northern Territory schools!
Assistant Principal in Ngukurr
I moved with my family from overseas. The culture in Alice Springs reminds me of home.
Special Education Teacher Centralian Senior College Alice Springs
If you've got a sense of adventure and you like being outdoors why not try teaching in Alice Springs.
PE Teacher Gillen Primary School Alice Springs
Remote teaching has been the best experience I have had since starting my career.
Principal at Robinson River School, Big Rivers region at Education NT
Lured in by the fishing and relaxed lifestyle Brad stayed for a multifaceted teaching career.
Design and Technology Teacher
It’s beautiful out here and I have a great group of friends which makes it all the more better!
Classroom Teacher at Tennant Creek Primary School
"Only in the NT do flies flock to the coolness of the fridge."
Year 5/6 teacher at Zuccoli Primary School
From South Africa, to New Zealand, to Jilkminggan - a road less travelled, but a teaching adventure like no other.
Middle Years Teacher at Jilkminggan School
Because there is such a diverse range of jobs available I could choose where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to be doing.
Teacher at Palmerston College
The people up here have been amazing and the culture that you get to experience is like nowhere else.
Teacher at Palmerston College
In the Northern Territory we have lots of different roles in the teaching industry. You will have that support.
Teacher at Taminmin College
If you want that career progression there are so many more opportunities in the Northern Territory
Teacher at Taminmin College
I have experienced multiple opportunities to attached professional learning, that has enhanced my learning as a teacher.
Teacher at Moulden Park Primary
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
Being a Trainee with NTG has given me stability and growth opportunities.
Trainee at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Business and Workforce division.
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
The graduate program helped me find my place in policy and public service.
Policy Support Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
I stay in the Territory because it offers abundant opportunities for those who are passionate.
Project Manager
The NT has a way of opening doors to opportunities you might never have expected.
Digital Marketing Professional
Working in the NT dispelled myths about securing government roles on a visa.
Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Department of People, Sport and Culture
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
The NT is the perfect place for me to continue growing and making a difference.
Aspiring scientist, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) at CDU.
The sense of community in the Territory is truly special.
Master of Science and Technology student at Charles Darwin University.
The NT is such an exciting and diverse place and the community feel here is amazing.
Primary School Teacher, St Paul's Primary School
The Territory has provided an abundance of opportunities for career growth.
Master of Information Technology student with a focus on cyber security at CDU.
My experience in the NT has been incredibly rewarding.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The beauty of the Territory and the warmth of the close-knit community will surprise you.
Bachelor of Information Technology student at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Moving to Darwin has been a seamless and enriching experience.
CDU Student currently studying Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development.
Moving to the Territory has been an incredibly enriching experience.
Charles Darwin University student, pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Working in the Territory allows me to connect with like-minded people.
Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Living in the Top End has been about enjoying everything it has to offer.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
With the work tasks assigned, I felt like I was able to make an actual contribution.
Principal Analyst, Royalties and Assurance, Department of Treasury and Finance
The Graduate program equipped me with all the necessary technical and soft skills to succeed in my future role.
A/Senior Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance