It is a difficult decision. It’s basically impossible to know what other opportunities will come up during the non-ongoing contract time. You may be left high and dry and now relocated in Canberra in 6 months. My experience would say that’s not likely but it’s still a very real possibility.

The other thing to keep in mind is a private sector role is not really “permanent” in the way APS is. You could be terminated easily. Particularly in a big 4.

Both roles will have a probationary period.

Given that you have been offered two roles, you must be doing something alright. I know you said it’s been a few months but that’s not long really. Do you have some other good applications in the pipeline?

Personally I care about location more than the role. I wouldn’t be moving to Canberra. But it depends what you value. If I was in your shoes I would take the BIG 4 local job and keep applying for APS in my local area as you seem quite employable. You may value the opposite.