Why trust Pinaka to find your next role
We know the Canberra government ICT market, we're easy to deal with, and always keep things straightforward and less complex.
What to expect from us
We take time to understand your background, your goals and the type of role that suits you. We believe transparency is about more than rates and our margins are fair and always disclosed.
We are:
- Honest about fit.
- Clear about next steps.
- Transparent throughout the process.
We will:
- Tell you when your profile has been submitted.
- Let you know where things are up to.
- Say whether a role is a genuine vacancy, a market test or part of a broader sourcing process.
We offer:
- Fair, disclosed margins.
- Clear communication at every stage.
- Honest advice on fit and competitiveness.
- Visibility on submissions and process status.
- A professional and respectful experience.
Where your skills can fit
We recruit across a broad range of ICT and digital roles within Canberra's federal government sector and beyond.
Strategy, Governance and Architecture
Enterprise Architecture, Business Architecture, Solution Architecture, Governance and Roadmaps.
Application Delivery Services
Software Engineering, Integration, DevOps, Testing, Release Support, Data Migration and Implementation.
Program, Project and Change Delivery
Project and Program Delivery, PMO, Scrum, Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA), Change and Stakeholder Engagement.
Business, Systems and Process Analysis
Business Analysis, Systems Analysis, Discovery, Requirements and Service Improvement.
Business Case Development
Digital and ICT Investment Oversight, New Policy Proposals (NPPs) and Business Case Development.
Modern CRM and ERP
Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, ServiceNow, Workday and related Platform Roles.
User Research and Human-Centred Design
Service Design, User Research, UX, Accessibility, Digital Experience Policy (DXP) and Content-Focused Roles.
Data, Analytics and AI
Data Analysis, Reporting, Data Engineering, Analytics, Governance and AI-Related Roles.
Get paid your way
We have 3 payment options designed for you.
PAYG through Pinaka
A simple option for candidates who want straightforward onboarding, basic payroll support and fortnightly pay cycles. PAYG is usually the easiest path if you want convenience and fewer admin tasks.
Third-party payroll
If you want extra flexibility such as rainy-day arrangements, novated leasing or other payroll benefits, we can connect you with our partner payroll provider at a preferential rate.
Self-employed (own ABN)
If you are self-employed and prefer to contract through your own ABN or company structure, that is fine too. This can offer greater tax efficiency and liability protection, but it also comes with more admin on your side.
Our Margins
Sole Traders
Operating as a sole trader is generally treated as labour hire, which can trigger ATO PAYG withholding requirements. If you are not sure which setup is right for you, we can talk you through the options.
Online Systems
Although we are an SME, we have invested in automated, Australia-based platforms that give contractors a smoother and more professional experience.
Our online timesheet and payroll system handles the admin for you, with timesheets flowing directly to your manager for approval and secure access to past timesheets, payslips and related records through an online portal.
For ABN contractors, we also generate recipient created tax invoices on your behalf, removing the need to prepare and send invoices manually and saving you time and effort.
Insurances
Typical insurances in contractor arrangements may include:
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
- Workers Compensation cover
Rates
Rates can vary depending on the role, contract term, project intensity, complexity, experience level and broader market conditions.
Refer a friend
Better Together™ is our referral program for people who introduce strong candidates to us.
1. Refer a friend
2. We submit their profile
3. They are successfully placed
Refer. Reward. Repeat
We believe great people know great people. You can earn an income from your network by referring a friend to us. No limits. No gimmicks. Just ongoing rewards.
This isn’t a handshake and a one-time bonus – it’s an ongoing income stream, built to reward relationships. As long as you and your referral are part of the Pinaka family, you keep earning.
The fine print
Applies to both ABN-based contractors and PAYG employees. We’ll amend your contract to include the additional $1/hour
in your rate.
There’s no limit on referrals or earnings.
We track referrals in our CRM to ensure fairness.
Referrals are valid if the candidate has not been active in our systems in the last six months.
We will honour the referral even if the candidate is placed in a different role than the one originally referred.
Payment continues for as long as both parties are employed through Pinaka.
Already in a role but not happy with the setup?
Port in your contract to Pinaka. Some contractors are already engaged through another vendor but are unhappy with the arrangement. Common reasons include poor communication, lack of transparency, higher margins, or layered subcontracting.Port in your Contract gives you a simpler and more transparent alternative. If you already have a role or are on an existing arrangement, we can talk through whether a move to Pinaka makes sense.
We're here to help
Our job is to help you make the calls that move your career forward.
Should I move from the private sector to the public sector?
Newly gained citizenship or simply looking for a change?
Government can be a strong next step.
You do not need years of public sector experience to be competitive. Many clients value strong private sector candidates who bring delivery discipline, commercial experience, platform knowledge and clear communication.
We help candidates position their experience for government roles and explain the differences in process, pace and stakeholder expectations.
Do I need Australian citizenship?
Do I need a security clearance?
Not always. Some roles do not need one, while others require Baseline, NV1, NV2 or PV. In some cases, being eligible to obtain a clearance is enough.
If a role requires a clearance pathway rather than an existing clearance, we can explain what is involved. If you are looking for sponsorship for a security clearance, we also have a partner who may be able to assist depending on the opportunity and your circumstances.
Can Pinaka help with security clearance sponsorship?
Where sponsorship is possible, we can discuss options with you. We also have a partner who may be able to assist with sponsorship depending on the role and your circumstances.
Will I have to relocate to Canberra?
Not necessarily. While many Federal Government ICT roles have traditionally been Canberra-based, that has changed a lot in recent years. Many agencies now offer roles across Australia, with hybrid working common and some opportunities even available fully remote depending on the role and client.
There are still some roles that need to be performed onsite in Canberra, particularly where higher security settings, classified environments or specialised facilities are involved. However, many agencies also have offices in most capital cities, so relocating to Canberra is no longer required for every government opportunity.
Do I need government experience?
Not always. Strong private sector candidates can be very competitive, especially where they bring relevant technical, delivery, platform or transformation experience.
What kinds of opportunities does Pinaka offer?
We support labour hire, professional services, outcome-based programs and permanent roles across a wide range of government ICT functions, primarily serving agencies across the ACT.
How transparent is Pinaka?
We believe in transparency from start to finish. Our margins are fair and always disclosed, and we keep candidates informed throughout the process. That includes letting you know when you have been submitted, where things stand and whether a role is a genuine vacancy, a market test or part of a broader sourcing process.
Can Pinaka help me move from private sector to government?
Yes. We can help you understand the market and present your experience in a way that better aligns with government roles.
When is the best time to port a contract
A mid-contract move can be possible in some cases, but the cleanest time is usually when your current contract term is ending, there are no extension options left, and the Department needs to go back to market.
That is often the best point to reset the commercial arrangement and move to a more transparent and better-value setup.
How can I improve my chances of getting the job? - CVs
Clear, relevant profiles stand out.
Your CV should show outcomes, not just responsibilities. Be clear about the environment, platforms, project size and results you helped achieve. If you are applying for government roles, it also helps to clearly state your citizenship and clearance status.
For criteria responses, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This helps clients quickly understand the context, what you did and the outcome you delivered.
If you are moving from private sector to government, highlight:
- Delivery in complex organisations
- Work in structured or regulated environments
- Stakeholder management
- Project outcomes and business impact
- Relevant tools, platforms and methods
Whether you are an experienced contractor based in Canberra or elsewhere, a private sector professional who has recently gained citizenship, or someone looking for meaningful work across the ACT's federal government sector, we would be glad to hear from you.