The Australian Public Service is currently meeting its aim of achieving 3% representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Despite this overall success, employment remains concentrated at lower levels and relatively few are positioned at senior executive and executive levels. The research presented here, commissioned by the Australian Public Service Commission, seeks to understand obstacles to career progression, from the perspectives of those who have made it to the middle and senior ranks of the service. Drawing on analysis of 50 in-depth interviews we outline key barriers and enablers, offer insights for those wishing to progress their careers to executive levels and suggest ways forward for improving career progression at both individual and institutional levels.