Pathways for First Nations candidates

As the state's largest employer, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

'Our vision for reconciliation is to foster and maintain respectful, trusting and mutually beneficial relationships based on an understanding and acknowledgment of past hurts that Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have endured, and moving forward on a shared journey toward reconciliation where all Queenslanders are equal.'

Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan

Building a more skilled and diverse workforce is a key part of Queensland's Moving Ahead strategy to improve economic participation outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

We have allocated multiple positions for our 2025 intake for graduates from First Nations communities, strengthening our commitment to building a more skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of the Queensland community.

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is inclusive and aims to provide all candidates the best opportunity to demonstrate suitability for the program.

Complete an online application form and tell us about you and what you studied. At this stage we will ask you to upload a copy of your resume and academic transcript.

Once we receive your application, we will ring you for a chat to talk through next steps and what you can expect in more detail. We will also offer you a mentor who will be available to support you through the recruitment process.

Once we have confirmed your eligibility for the program, we will invite you to share your story with us. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about who you are and what makes you, you! We want to know your story, your motivations for applying for the program and how you think your skills and experiences align with who we are looking for.

The final stage of the process is an assessment centre where we will invite you to come and meet us, participate in a yarning circle style group activity and undertake an individual interview. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about us, the program and fellow candidates as well as gain insight into some of the policy issues you might tackle as a Graduate Policy Officer.

Following assessment centres, we will contact your referees and aim to make offers by late June. If you are successful, we will ask you to complete a pre-employment check (including criminal history check) and commencement paperwork.

Our 2025 program will begin in mid February 2025.

Support during employment

If you get into the program, we’ll chat to you before you commence to understand what support you may need on the job. This might include:

  • regular catch ups with the Policy Futures team
  • cultural leave
  • flexible work arrangements
  • access to sector wide networks and support groups
  • access to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mentor.

Queensland Government also offers a career pathways service which supports First Nations employees to develop and progress their careers into leadership and decision-making roles. Learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander career pathways service.

Meet our First Nations graduates

Meet our graduates and read about their experiences with the Policy Futures program.

Hear from our graduates on what it's like to be part of Policy Futures:


Transcript of video

Contact us

We're here to support you through every step of the process. If you have any questions or if something isn’t working or making sense, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime at policyfuturesyarning@premiers.qld.gov.au.

Connect with us

Can't find the information you're looking for? Contact the Policy Futures Graduate Team at policyfuturesgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au.