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Policy Futures graduate program

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open!

Applications close 9am, Wednesday 9 April 2025.

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Want to learn more about how we support candidates from diverse backgrounds? Register for one of our Pathways application information sessions.

Join our award-winning 2-year graduate program and discover where a career in public policy could take you.

As a Policy Futures graduate, you'll get to explore a wide range of opportunities to find your purpose, unleash your potential and create a better Queensland.

You'll rotate across Queensland Government, gaining exposure to diverse and complex policy environments where you will be free to explore your interests and learn from experts in the field.

Your work can impact how health, education, transport, infrastructure, police and emergency services impact and benefit Queenslanders.

[Ubong Ntuk, 2018 Graduate]

For me, being a policy officer is all about bringing your skill like your background to bring to find the best solutions to societal issues.

[Sindy Banh, 2019 Graduate]

I think policy is not only about taking ideas and turning them into reality, but also solving the real challenges that people are facing.

[Amanda Acutt, 2019 Graduate]

I see working in policy as a way for me to make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders.

[Mia Reimers, 2021 Graduate]

Public policy itself is diverse. It's everything from national parks to educational standards to even seat belt requirements. All of that is public policy, and it's the government making decisions for the public good.

[Adel El Eid, 2018 Graduate]

Having the opportunity to work across 3 different departments and to really get an idea of different line agencies or central agencies and how you can contribute, I think that's definitely what set it apart for me.

[Matthew Natoli, 2022 Graduate]

So I chose the Policy Futures Graduate Program because I'd been interested in policy for a long time through my studies and with the rotations across different government departments, it was a unique opportunity to get a broad experience rather than just being in one department.

[Matt Holmes, 2022 Graduate]

I was really surprised as to the breadth and scope of what policy is and it's been really enjoyable to be a part of.

I'd really like to stay in government at the conclusion of the program and I know that being a part of the program gives you a really good step up when it comes to advancing your career options in the policy space with the Queensland Government.

[Gabriella Barnett, 2020 Graduate]

My favourite part of the Policy Futures graduate program has been the network of other graduates that I've been able to become friends with. I have made connections both professionally and personally that I'll keep for many years and has been fantastic to be alongside a cohort of inspiring, intelligent and supportive peers.

[Nick Sibree, 2021 Graduate]

For me, my favourite part of the Policy Futures program has been the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from various backgrounds, but all of whom wake up in the morning with the goal of affecting positive and purposeful change in the community.

[Mia Reimers, 2021 Graduate]

Starting with a really intensive week that gets you ready and excited to get at your desk, the program is followed up by one-off days that really get you thinking about deep policy issues, the skills you can develop, and the benefits that you can bring to the Queensland community.

[Jaymin Pratt, 2022 Graduate]

The one piece of advice that I would have for someone who's interested in the program is to keep an open mind. Policy can just really spread across so many facets of things you wouldn't even consider. So I think really keeping an open mind and having an attitude of giving everything a go is essential.

[Sindy Banh, 2019 Graduate]

As a policy professional, I think being able to actually contribute back to society and have and make and produce meaningful work is definitely something that inspires me to continue in this role.

About our program

Why Policy Futures

  • Great employee benefits – competitive pay, superannuation and flexibility are just the beginning.
  • Unique and diverse career opportunities – explore your interests. Follow your passion. The career possibilities are endless.
  • Inclusion for all – be valued for your authentic self. Diversity is embraced and celebrated.
  • Opportunities for you to develop and grow – our program builds the future of policy leaders of Queensland.

Who we're looking for

We recruit graduates from all backgrounds and disciplines with a genuine desire to make a difference to Queensland.

If you're a collaborative team player, have strong communication skills, are passionate about our community, are adaptable and resilient, and have a passion for learning then we want to hear from you!

Our selection process

Our selection process is as much an opportunity for us to get know you, as it is for you to get to know us!

Throughout each phase of our selection process, we aim to understand more about you as a person and what you will bring to the program.

Career pathways

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

First Nations pathway

We offer specific pathways for First Nations candidates.

Disability pathways

For candidates living with disability, there are specific career pathways.

Our graduates

Hear from some of our grads on what it's like working for Queensland Government and what a career as a Policy Futures graduate could mean for you.

Meet our graduates

Meet some of our graduates and hear about their experiences with the Policy Futures graduate program.

A day in the life of our graduates

Find out what a day is like as a graduate in the Policy Futures program.


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