Australian National Internship Program (ANIP) - Semester 2, 2024 (July to November)

ANIP is a one-semester research-based internship for academic credit. It is usually a 10-week placement within which students must complete their required amount of days (this depends on which ANIP course they choose).

Where do ANIP interns go?

• Commonwealth Parliament
• ACT Legislative Assembly
• Embassies and High Commissions
• Government Departments
• Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) and Think Tanks
• Research Centres
• Peak Industry Bodies

About Commonwealth Parliament

Work of the Parliament

The Parliament consists of the Queen (represented by the Governor-General) and two Houses (the Senate and the House of Representatives). In 1901 the Australian Constitution established the Australian Parliament, also known as the federal Parliament or the Commonwealth Parliament.

The Australian Parliament has four main roles:

• Making and changing federal laws.
• Representing the people of Australia.
• Providing a place where government is formed.
• Keeping a check on the work of the government.

Law-making

To make or change a law, a bill must be introduced into the Parliament. Bills are then debated and voted on by members of parliament. To become a law a bill must be agreed to by a majority vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and be given Royal Assent by the Governor-General. Laws are also known as an Act of Parliament.

Parliamentary committees

Parliamentary committees investigate specific matters of policy or government administration or performance. Committees provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.

Representing Australians

Members of parliament represent the views and interests of Australians.

There are 151 members of Parliament elected to the House of Representatives. Each member represents 1 of the 151 electorates in Australia. There is approximately the same number of voters in each electorate. Seventy-six senators are elected to the Senate to represent Australian states and territories. There are 12 senators from each state and 2 senators each from the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Members of Parliament represent their electorates or states/territories by finding out about people's interests and concerns and by speaking about them in Parliament. Members of parliament assist constituents who may be having difficulties with issues such as pensions, migration and taxation. Members of parliament also represent Australians by considering how bills and decisions of Parliament will affect those in their electorate or state/territory.

Formation of government

The Parliament forms government from the party (or coalition of parties) which achieve a majority in the House of Representatives following a federal election. The senior members of federal and state governments are also known as the Executive or executive government.

Application

The following documentation is required for your ANIP application: Resume

• With your ANIP application, please upload a two page resume outlining your educational qualifications (including high school), work history, awards, and other interests. Do not include a personal statement or referee details as part of your resume.
• ANU students can received feedback on their two page resume via the ANU Careers Dashboard.

Academic Transcript

• With your ANIP application, please upload a transcript of your academic performance. ANU students can download an "unofficial transcript" from ISIS. The pathway to for this is: ISIS > Compass Needle > ISIS > Academic Record > Statement of Results. Non ANU Students and students who have completed university level studies elsewhere should email a scan of original transcripts of all academic results to date. If applying to a postgraduate course please also provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript.

Referee Reports

• One referee report is required, and it must be from an academic referee (lecturer or tutor). The report must be written on the ANIP Referee Report form or a letter of reference can be provided. It is the applicant's responsibility to download the form, provide a copy to the referee, and ask the referee to email the form directly to internships@anu.edu.au. Forms are to be returned by the closing date for applications.

ANIP Application Form

• As well as being asked for your contact information and a series of questions on your placement preferences, the final section of the form requires you to answer four question on research skills, professional skills and career aims to support your application. You should aim to write no more than 200 words per question.

Further information

• Applicants are responsible for ensuring the classes in which they enrol will count towards their program requirements. If you are not sure of your program requirements please check with your College, School or Program office. More information can be found at 'Managing your Program' on the ANU website.
• Entry to the ANIP program is competitive and places are limited. Offers will made according to the strength of the application including academic merit and placement availability.
• Supporting documents should be submitted electronically to internships@anu.edu.au by the due date.
• Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.