Transition to VPS5 or APS6?

Hi all,

I currently work in the Victorian DPC as an ongoing VPS4, but have been acting as a VPS5 for ~1 year in both a secondment and higher duties internally. I’m at the stage where I’m ready to progress, and want to find an ongoing role at the Senior Officer level.

I’ve applied and interviewed for several VPS5 and APS6 positions, but haven’t been able to really decide what path would be best.

Acknowledging that it’s very subjective from department to branch to team, for someone who is looking long term for an APS role (and lives in Victoria and unlikely to move permanently to Canberra), would the best step be APS or VPS Senior Officer role?

It would mean an approx. 15k pay cut, around 10k if extra super is considered. But do the benefits/opportunities outweigh this? Especially this close to an election?