Why Policy Futures

Unique and diverse career
A career in public policy is all about tackling real-world challenges, shaping decisions, and making a difference in people's lives. As a policy professional, you'll work on issues that matter – whether it's climate change, housing, health, education, or economic development. Your job is to research, analyse, and develop solutions that inform government decisions and drive positive change
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.
What you'll do
- Research and analysis—gather evidence, evaluate data, and explore best practices to understand complex problems.
- Problem-solving and strategy—develop innovative and practical policy solutions that address key government priorities.
- Stakeholder engagement—work with experts, community groups, industry leaders, and other government agencies to create well-rounded policies.
- Writing and communication—prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations to help decision-makers shape the future of Queensland.
- Implementation and impact—see your ideas put into action and contribute to real outcomes that improve people's lives.
Why choose a career in public policy
- Make an impact—influence decisions that shape Queensland's future.
- Variety and challenge—no two days are the same; every policy issue is unique.
- Endless opportunities—work across different sectors and develop a broad skill set.
- Career progression—build a meaningful career with pathways into leadership roles.
A career in policy is dynamic and deeply rewarding. If you're passionate about driving change and solving big-picture challenges, Policy Futures is your ideal launchpad.
Unique and diverse careers
Hear what our graduates have to say about their experience with Policy Futures.
[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. For me, this project really encapsulated the opportunities that the Policy Futures graduate program can provide. 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]
As a graduate policy officer, 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.
Read more about the work our graduates have been involved in or where you might work across Queensland Government.
Great employee benefits
You will receive great employee benefits including:
- a great starting salary of $76,217 per annum
- 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
- flexible work arrangements
- generous leave entitlements
- salary packaging options
- programs that support a healthy work environment
- employment security
- opportunities for professional development, networking and career progression.
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 Policy Futures Graduate
‘Policy Futures 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 Policy Futures 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 Policy Futures Graduate
‘Working for Queensland’s largest employer provides great job security, with endless opportunities for growth.’
Gabbie Russell | 2024 Policy Futures Graduate
Inclusion for all
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. You’ll be valued for bringing your authentic self to work.
We strongly encourage all candidates to apply for Policy Futures.
Read more about our pathways for First Nations candidates and candidates living with disability.
Inclusion for all
Hear what some of our graduates have to say about their experience with Policy Futures.
[Amanda Acutt, 2019 Graduate]
The Policy Futures program is very much underpinned by the idea of diversity and inclusion.
[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.
[Henry Heritage, 2020 Graduate]
Diversity in thought and opinion and policy development is critical because ultimately policy should reflect on the interests and the variety in our public and our community, which in itself is inherently diverse.
[Ubong Ntuk, 2018 Graduate]
The Policy Futures program has a room for graduates from all disciplines and from all backgrounds, and you'll find that your uniqueness is a strength.
[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.
Opportunities to develop and grow
Throughout the program, you will participate in a structured learning and development program, ensuring you have the skills and tools to tackle any policy issue that gets thrown your way.
Our program builds the future policy leaders of Queensland.
Our learning and development program is broken up into 6 capability areas, including:
- communication
- policy and legislation
- stakeholder engagement
- strategy and analysis
- governance and accountability
- personal development.
In addition, you could be involved in other projects and events, such as Community Recovery Ready Reserves and community cabinet.
Develop and grow
Hear about our graduates' experiences with Policy Futures.
[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.
Connect with us
Can't find the information you're looking for? Contact the Policy Futures Graduate Team at policyfuturesgraduaterecruitment@premiers.qld.gov.au.