Policy Futures Graduate Program (Queensland Government) Graduate Programs & Internships

Government & Public Service

The Policy Futures Graduate Program is your first step to a fulfilling career in Queensland Government.

As a Policy Futures graduate, you’ll feel the connection your work has to our purpose - to improve the lives of Queenslanders through the development and implementation of innovative and effective government policy. Your work can impact how health, education, transport, infrastructure, police and emergency services impact and benefit Queenslanders.

Throughout the two-year program, you’ll get the chance to undertake rotations across Queensland Government, exposing you to diverse and complex policy environments where you will be free to explore your interests and learn from experts in the field.

You’ll receive comprehensive learning and development opportunities, equipping you with the skills to fast-track your career. You’ll also receive a professional mentor, peer support, e-learning, and a range of networking opportunities.

Why Policy Futures?

Unique and diverse career - Explore your interests. Follow your passion. The career possibilities in policy are endless.

As a Policy Futures grad, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in the policy issues of your host agency and be at the forefront of creating real change for Queensland communities.

Inclusion for all

Be valued for your authentic self. Diversity is embraced and celebrated.

As the state's largest employer, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We're looking for graduates with a range of skills, backgrounds and lived experiences.

As part of this commitment, we are continuing to create workplaces where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

We strongly encourage all candidates to apply for Policy Futures.

Develop and grow

Our program builds the future policy leaders of Queensland.

Throughout the program, you will participate in a structured learning and development program, ensuring you have the skills and tools to tackle any wicked policy issue that gets thrown your way.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for graduates with a genuine desire to make a difference in Queensland.

The policy is a diverse field that requires input from all degrees and disciplines. Whatever you studied⁠—from law to economics, creative industries to social work⁠—your skills and experience will be valued.

Some of our past graduates have backgrounds in counter-terrorism, mathematics, social sciences, law, public health and economics, just to name a few.

We would love to hear from you if you:

are a collaborative team player
have strong communication skills
are passionate about our community
like to challenge assumptions and approach problems from different perspectives
are adaptable and resilient
have a passion for learning and a desire to continuously improve.

Recruitment Process

Step 1: Application Form

To be considered for Policy Futures, you need to complete an online application form.

We'll ask for details about yourself, and your motivation for working in Queensland Government.
You will also need your resume, most recent academic transcript, and proof of Australian citizenship, Australian residency or permission under Commonwealth law to work in Australia.

Step 2: Online Testing

Once you've submitted your application and we've confirmed you meet our eligibility criteria, you'll be invited to complete online testing.

To help us better understand how you work and your key strength areas, you will need to complete a strengths-based online assessment which includes a variety of question types assessing both cognitive and behavioural alignment to the role.

Step 3: Video Interview and Written Assessment

Following online testing, you'll be invited to complete a:

video interview
written task.

For the video interview, you will be asked to respond to 3 questions. But don't worry, you will get the chance to do a test run.

For the written assessment, you will be asked to complete a written task based on a letter written by a member of the public behalf to the Premier. This will give you an insight into the type of work you might be doing as a Graduate Policy Officer.

Step 4: Assessment Centre

You'll attend a face-to-face or virtual assessment centre which will include:

completing group activities
an individual interview.

Step 5: Offer

If you receive an offer, you'll need to:

do a pre-employment check and disclosures
complete commencement paperwork.

The program will commence in February 2026.

Remuneration & Career Growth

As a Policy Futures graduate policy officer, you will receive the benefits of working for the Queensland Government which include:

a starting salary of $76,217 per annum
12.75% employer superannuation contribution
17.5% annual leave loading
flexible work arrangements
generous leave entitlements
salary packaging options
a diverse and inclusive workplace
programs that support a healthy work environment
opportunities for professional development, networking and career progression.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score

4.6

Overall score based on 41 reviews

They Score Best in…

9.2

Management

9.3

Recruitment

9.3

Training

9.4

Work Hours

What Graduates Say About Them

The Policy Futures Graduate Program is designed to create a 'built-in network' amongst your cohort, and does so incredibly well. I made incredible friends quickly within the cohort.
The work conditions are extremely flexible. People I have worked with are also very supportive.
The level of support graduates are given has been one of the best things about working here. The graduate program team have organised many helpful learning and development days.
The wide range of opportunities and support for graduate development. I've been contributing to meaningful work from the first week of my employment.
My company is also very flexible with taking leave and work from home arrangements.

Not having a guaranteed permanent position at the end of the program like most other government graduate programs offer.
Workloads vary greatly depending across teams, and Graduates often report feeling underutilised.
I wish there was more research and analysis work... felt that quite a bit of the work I did was copy and paste of pre-existing work."
For me personally, it's my commute which is 4hrs+ round trip.
Don't always get your top-preferenced rotations (though the coordinators do their best to match you with the best possible team each rotation).

All reviews