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State Government Resources

Your Guide to the NSW, VIC & QLD Capability Frameworks

This comprehensive resource provides everything you need to understand the key state government capability frameworks, how they differ, and how to apply them effectively in your interview preparation.

See Framework Comparison

Understanding Government Capability Frameworks

Capability frameworks are structured systems that define the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for effective performance in government. For interviews, they are the assessment benchmark. Understanding your target state's framework is fundamental to success.

While many state frameworks draw concepts from the federal APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS), critical differences exist in terminology, structure, and emphasis that you must be aware of.

NSW Public Sector Capability Framework

Structure: A comprehensive model with 16 Core Capabilities (in 4 groups) and 4 People Management capabilities, each with 5 proficiency levels (Foundational to Highly Advanced).

How to Use It for Your Interview:

  1. Identify Focus Capabilities: Your role description will list 3-6 "focus capabilities." Prioritise these.
  2. Determine Proficiency Level: Match your classification (e.g., Clerk Grade 7/8 = Advanced) to the expected level.
  3. Review Behavioural Indicators: Study the specific actions listed for your level in the official framework.
  4. Develop Targeted STARs: Create examples that explicitly demonstrate those behavioural indicators.
View Official NSW Framework

Victoria (VPS) Capability Framework

Structure: 5 capability categories with 4 proficiency levels (Foundational to Leading). This framework has a very strong emphasis on integration with the Victorian Public Sector values.

How to Use It for Your Interview:

  1. Study Descriptors: Review the detailed capability descriptors at your target proficiency level.
  2. Integrate Values: Ensure your STAR examples explicitly demonstrate values like Responsiveness, Integrity, and Accountability.
  3. Prepare a Development Narrative: Be ready to discuss your self-awareness of strengths and areas for growth.
View Official VPS Framework Get VPS-Specific Coaching

Queensland Leadership Competencies (LC4Q)

Structure: A streamlined model with 3 Core Competencies (**Vision, Results, Accountability**) applied across 5 leadership streams (from Individual Contributor to Chief Executive).

How to Use It for Your Interview:

  1. Master the Three Competencies: Deeply understand Vision, Results, and Accountability.
  2. Develop Strategic Examples: Prepare one powerful STAR example for each core competency, as required by the 2-page written application.
  3. Understand Your Leadership Stream: Study the behavioural indicators for your stream (e.g., Team Leader for AO6-AO7).
View Official QLD Framework (PDF)

Framework Comparison at a Glance

Aspect NSW Victoria (VPS) Queensland (LC4Q)
Capabilities 16 core + 4 management ~15 across 5 categories 3 core + 11 nested
Proficiency 5 levels 4 levels 5 leadership streams
Focus Comprehensive, detailed Values-integrated, holistic Streamlined, leadership
Written Application Varies by agency Varies by agency Typically 2-page max (3 examples)

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