Why Future Leaders

A career in Queensland Government is dynamic and deeply rewarding. Whether your passion lies in public policy development, corporate governance, project management, finance, human resources or strategic communications, the Future Leaders Graduate Program provides a pathway for you to explore and grow in your chosen field.

Our program builds Queensland’s future leaders.

What you’ll experience:

  • Sector-wide rotations: Undertake three tailored rotations across different Queensland Government departments, providing a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the diverse work we do.  Each placement is designed to align with your skills, interests, and career aspirations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the diverse work undertaken across the public sector.
  • World-class training and mentorship: Participate in an industry leading learning and development program and learn from experienced leaders and experts who will guide and support you through your journey, equipping you with the skills and confidence to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
  • Purpose-driven work: Contribute to projects and initiatives that support government priorities, and drive change where it matters most.
  • Regional opportunities: Broaden your horizons by working in Queensland’s diverse regional communities. Gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities across the state. Positions are available in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Toowoomba.
  • A strong community: Join a community of like-minded graduates and alumni, fostering connections and supporting your long-term career growth. Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment where your contributions are valued, and your development is prioritised. This culture of collaboration ensures you feel supported and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Queensland’s future.
  • Career progression: Graduates of the program have a proven track record of strong career advancement and long-term employment within the Queensland Government.

Why choose Future Leaders?

Join us in shaping Queensland’s future by contributing to meaningful projects and initiatives that align with government priorities and create real change where it matters most. As part of our program, you’ll address real-world challenges and deliver tangible, positive outcomes for communities across the state.

Through diverse rotations, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience tackling complex issues that are important to Queenslanders. Working alongside passionate professionals, you’ll collaborate with stakeholders to address the challenges of tomorrow. Every project or initiative you contribute to will be purpose-driven, ensuring your efforts directly support government priorities and deliver lasting benefits to the community.

As a Future Leader, you’ll be empowered to think critically, challenge conventional approaches, and bring fresh, innovative perspectives to the table. Your contributions will help drive meaningful change and create solutions that reflect the needs of Queenslanders. By joining the program, you’ll not only build a fulfilling and dynamic career but also play a vital role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our state.

A career with the Queensland Government is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a difference. If you’re passionate about driving positive change and solving big-picture challenges, the Future Leaders program is your ideal launchpad to success.

"Throughout the Future Leaders Graduate Program I have been at the forefront of policy and program delivery where I can make a real difference for Queensland. Contributing to a Queensland-first environmental planning project and helping to drive the 2032 Olympic vision has shown me how much impact the public service can have."
Liam Brandish | 2025 graduate

"The program gave me real experiences across different teams and the chance to learn from amazing leaders, building my confidence and showing me that you really can make an impact as a public servant."
Isadora Falvey-Alcorn | 2025 graduate

"I’ve had the opportunity to do work that has a direct, tangible impact on the lives of Queenslanders. Where else can you say that?"
Tom Watson | 2025 graduate

As a Future Leaders graduate, you'll have the chance to work with a Queensland Government department, known as your host agency. You’ll gain hands-on-experience, tackle real-world challenges, and contribute to initiatives that shape the future of Queensland. Whether it’s improving housing, enhancing health and education, driving economic development, delivering Brisbane 2032 or developing innovative solutions, you’ll play a key role in initiatives that truly matter.

No two placements are the same, offering dynamic and engaging work while allowing you to explore different agencies, develop a broad skill set, and pursue your interests. A career in Queensland Government is your opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, contribute to meaningful projects, and make a lasting difference in people's lives.

What you could work on

Future Leaders is a multi-disciplinary program that can provide exposure to diverse areas such as:

  • corporate governance, audit and risk;
  • finance
  • grants and contract management
  • human resources
  • procurement
  • project management
  • public administration
  • public policy development
  • research, insights and analytics
  • strategic communications and media, and more.

As a Future Leaders graduate, your responsibilities will vary depending upon your chosen career path and the agencies you preference for your three rotations. Throughout your journey, you may:

  • Conduct research, analysis and administrative tasks to support the development and delivery of government priorities, policies, programs and services.
  • Prepare or contribute to high-quality advice, briefs, reports, presentations, and correspondence aligned with legislation, policy and strategic objectives.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build strong working relationships and achieve positive outcomes for Queensland communities.
  • Provide administrative and operational support, while identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

Unique and diverse careers

Hear what our graduates have to say about their experience with our program.

[Ellie Ritchie, 2022 Graduate]

So, my first rotation in the graduate program was in the Queensland Renewable Energy Zones team in Energy and Public Works, and that's looking at ways we can get Queensland towards our renewable energy targets.

My second rotation was in the Brisbane 2032 Taskforce in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and that is working towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, which has just been a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Matt Holmes, 2022 Graduate]

I've had a really broad range of exposure so far. So, I've had experience in Intergovernmental Relations briefing the Premier. I’ve also covered a lot of social policy areas and strategic policy in my latest rotation. It's been lots of fun.

[Genevieve Víctor, 2022 Graduate]

Since joining the program, I've had the opportunity to be a part of coordinating the regional community forums. That was a really amazing piece of work where I was able to work with ministerial offices as well as people in the regions to create a platform to really elevate issues from around the state.

[Jaymin Pratt, 2022 Graduate]

I've been involved with developing industry road maps and strategies during my first rotation in the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. During my second rotation, I was also involved with drafting tax legislation in the Queensland Revenue Office within Queensland Treasury.

[Mia Reimers, 2021 Graduate]

My favourite part of the program so far has been the project I got to work on at the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water. The project was an expert panel who were looking at the future of water security and industry development for Queensland. I got to really step inside and work with the team on this really big issue for our community in the future.

[Henry Heritage, 2020 Graduate]

I was involved in a whole range of activities which they varied from delivering policy briefs and letters to senior officials and the Minister, engaging in legislative research, responding to correspondence from the public. I was able to contribute to submissions to inquiries and monitor parliamentary committees, as well as engage in the cabinet briefing process.

[Nick Sibree, 2021 Graduate]

I have done speeches and drafting legislation, even interacting with complex data sets to help inform internal audit reporting in my department. As I said it, it is really vast and varied experience, and I'm really excited to see what else I get to encounter as a part of the program.

Watch
00:02:48

Read more about the work our graduates have been involved in or where you might work across Queensland Government.

"The diversity of work has been a real highlight. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career, and Future Leaders has been the perfect way to try things out and learn what the Queensland Government has to offer. I couldn’t imagine a better way to get a taste for what the public service has to offer. Future Leaders is the ultimate try-before-you-buy!"
Tom Watson | 2025 graduate

"I’ve really valued the opportunity to be exposed to different types of work. For me, each rotation offered something new – from policy and legislation to programs and projects – making the work varied and engaging."
Thu Trinh | 2025 graduate

"The Future Leaders Graduate Team has given me so many unique and rewarding experiences. From facilitating innovation workshops to preparing ministerial responses for parliament, the program will take you places you never thought possible."
Liam Brandish | 2025 graduate

The Future Leaders Graduate Program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in the Queensland public sector. Through a structured, industry-leading learning and development program, you will be prepared to tackle complex challenges and contribute to shaping the future of our state.

As part of the program, you will:

  • Gain real-world experience: Work on meaningful projects and initiatives that expose you to Queensland’s diverse communities, including opportunities to support regional Queensland, Community Recovery Ready Reserves and community cabinet.
  • Learn from experts: Benefit from the guidance of experienced supervisors and mentors who are invested in your success.
  • Build connections: Join a community of like-minded graduates and alumni, creating lasting professional relationships and supporting your long-term career growth.
  • Advance your career: Graduates of the program have a proven track record of career advancement and long-term employment within the Queensland Government.

This program will help you develop the mindset and confidence needed to succeed in a dynamic and evolving public sector, preparing you to become one of Queensland’s next generations of leaders.

Develop and grow

Hear about our graduates' experiences with our program.

[Genevieve Victor, 2022 Graduate]

So, in the L&D program we've had the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sessions and workshops, everything from cultural capability to Committees at Work at Parliament House. We've had the opportunity to learn about human rights, particularly within the Queensland Government, we even had a session on policy writing skills, so I feel very well equipped to do the work.

So, for the highlight for me during the program in terms of development has to definitely be induction week. For me, I felt it was a really good start to begin my career in the public service. I really enjoyed the mental health and wellbeing focus at the end of the week had and really setting me up to have a good work life balance from the beginning.

[Matthew Holmes, 2022 Graduate]

The learning and development has by far and away been the best part of the program. Just the scope and breadth of the content that you cover really sets you up for success. The program has really given me the edge for my future career.

[Jaymin Pratt, 2022 Graduate]

I think that it's taught me a lot of invaluable skills, both technically, with how to write policy, but it's also taught me those integral soft skills of how to network, build and maintain relationships within the public service and within Queensland Government, and I think that will be something I carry on into every career opportunity I have.

[Mia Reimers, 2021 Graduate]

Most of all, I really enjoyed the work as a member of the Ready Reserve, which is a group of Queensland Government volunteers who support the community in times of crisis. So, the particular way that I was involved was through supporting at the Queensland vaccination hubs and that was a fantastic opportunity for me to see the way policy can play out in the community.

[Henry Heritage, 2020 Graduate]

From the graduate program, for me was probably the access to the professional and personal development sessions which we engage in throughout. These were delivered by policy professionals, private sector experts and wellness coaches, and really gave us some insight into some expertise from areas I wouldn't have accessed otherwise.

[Gabriella Barnett, 2020 Graduate]

Be it how to be a better public speaker or about the legislation process, the policy development process as well as other experiences to go out into the community, say to Cherbourg, where we learned about the history of the Aboriginal community there and the impact that public policy, and in that case poor public policy, has had on their lives.

Watch
00:02:28

"The learning and development opportunities gave me practical tools I could use straight away."
Isadora Falvey-Alcorn | 2025 graduate

"With extensive learning and development opportunities and diverse work opportunities, Future Leaders has shown me that education doesn’t end with uni."
Tom Watson | 2025 graduate

"I have had so many extraordinary learning & development opportunities through the Future Leaders Graduate Program. With an expansive suite of personal and professional skills now in my toolbox, it's the best way to kick-start your public service career."
Liam Brandish | 2025 graduate

There’s no such thing as a typical Queenslander. To meet our community’s needs, the services and programs the Queensland Government undertake must be shaped by people from all backgrounds and experiences. As the state’s largest employer, the breadth and variety of work we deliver for Queenslanders is unmatched, providing countless opportunities to contribute positively to our community.

We are seeking graduates from all backgrounds, lived experiences and walks of life who are ready to bring their unique strengths, skills and perspectives to deliver for Queensland.

Kick off your career in a workplace that is dynamic, collaborative and inclusive. The Future Leaders Graduate Program provides a supportive environment where you will feel safe, respected and valued for who you are and what you bring to the conversation.

With opportunities for career-shaping development, this program is your chance to grow, contribute, and make real impact.

Join us and experience a program that celebrates your diversity — whether that be your cultural background, neurodivergence, disability or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity — and provides the flexibility to help you succeed.

Discover more about our tailored pathways for First Nations candidates and candidates with disability.

Inclusion for all

Hear what some of our graduates have to say about their experience.

[Olivia Witt, 2022 Graduate]

So, the program attracts and recruits a hugely diverse cohort. We come from all different disciplines, we come from all different life experiences and professional experiences, and I really feel like the program allows you to really be yourself and really thrive in the workplace environment.

[Helen Reeves, 2022 Graduate]

I believe the program supports all types of candidates. Myself, I'm neurodivergent and I've found that I've been fully supported all the way through program from the application process all the way through to the assessment centre. And then upon gaining employment with the program, I have found that my supervisors have been wonderful, they've accepted my differences, ensured that I have the accommodations I need to bring my best self to work.

[Sindy Banh, 2019 Graduate]

For me one of the key values that really resonates to what I believe is the value of celebrating diversity and acknowledge people's differences.

[Peta Harrington, 2018 Graduate]

Regardless of what your background is, you can really see how you bring something unique to the table.

Watch
00:01:06

"As a neurodivergent person in Future Leaders, I never felt like I had to be anyone but myself. It felt great to be seen beyond my differences, and to see that the program welcomed so many others with similar circumstances."
Liam Brandish | 2025 graduate

"The Future Leaders team are 100% here to help you be the best candidate you can be and asking for an adjustment will not impact how you are assessed."
Sarah Galvin | 2025 graduate

"As someone who came from another country, the program has expanded my network across the cohort, rotations, and mentors, connecting me with people from diverse backgrounds."
Thu Trinh | 2025 graduate

As a Queensland Government employee, you'll enjoy a range of great employee benefits, including:

  • a competitive starting salary of $77,354 per annum (as at 2026)
  • 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
  • flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
  • generous leave entitlements
  • salary packaging options
  • programs that support a healthy work environment
  • long-term career opportunities
  • professional development specifically designed to set you up for success for a career in the Public Sector, networking and career progression pathways.

Find out more about why you should join Queensland Government.

‘The program offers a competitive salary and superannuation, as well as various salary packaging options that all provide financial stability that is invaluable when starting a career.’
Adam Sweeney | 2024 graduate

‘This graduate program not only provides the best start to a career in public service but also comes with a strong starting salary. Just as valuable is the flexibility it provides – whether through hybrid work arrangements or taking time off when needed.’
GG Saggu | 2024 graduate

‘Throughout my rotations in the program, I've had access to flexible work options, which have helped me maintain a good work-life balance.'
Robyn Lee | 2024 graduate

‘Working for Queensland’s largest employer provides great job security, with endless opportunities for growth.’
Gabbie Russell | 2024 graduate

Connect with us

Can't find the information you're looking for? Contact the Future Leaders Graduate Team at futureleadersgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au.

Join our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open.

Last updated:
11 March 2025
Last reviewed:
4 March 2025