The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is the Australian public sector’s most attractive employer, according to a new survey.

The second most attractive public sector employer is Transport for NSW, followed by NSW Health at number three, according to a survey by global recruitment and HR company Randstad.

DCJ, which employs 25,000 people, is among four government agencies to rank in the top ten desirable employers overall.

Australia Post, Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Queensland Government also ranked in the top ten most sought after employers.

Fifty-one per cent of Australians – up from 48 per cent in 2023 –  believe the public sector is an attractive place to work, according to results of the study of more than 6,000 Australian workers released on Tuesday.

The public sector ranked number five among the top 10 most desirable sectors.

DCJ rated highly for long-term job security, career progression and attractive salaries and benefits.

The findings have  been welcomed by DCJ.

Chief People Officer Catherine Carvolth said the results showed DCJ was a trusted employer of choice.

“We want to acknowledge the 25,000 staff who make DCJ an engaging and purposeful place to work,” she said in a statement.

“We’re determined to maintain our reputation as an attractive employer and strive to make DCJ an even better place to work in the years to come.”

The survey showed the number one thing prospective employees are looking for is work-life balance, followed by attractive salary and benefits, job security, good training and equity.

The full list of top 10 most desirable employers for 2024, according to Randstad: 

1. Deloitte
2. IAG Australia
3. NSW Department of Communities & Justice 
4. Virgin Australia
5. G8 Education
6. Australia Post
7. Transport for NSW
8. NSW Health 
9. Healthscope
10. Queensland Government