Meet our First Nations Policy Futures graduates

About you

My name is Jessica and I'm a Gurang Gurang woman in my second year of the Policy Futures graduate program. I grew up in Bundaberg and moved to Brisbane at 18 years old to study a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Geography and International Relations) at the University of Queensland. During my final semester of university, I applied for the Policy Futures graduate program and was privileged to be selected as part of the 2023 cohort.

My first rotation was at the Reform, Strategy and Delivery Office in the Department of Resources, my second rotation was at the Hydrogen and Future Fuels Division in the Department of Energy and Climate, and my third rotation is at the Office of the Special Commissioner (Equity and Diversity) in the Public Sector Commission. I've been an amazing teams, have had the opportunity to learn from incredible leaders and have taken part in meaningful work throughout all of my rotations.

What interested you most about the program?

The Policy Futures graduate program appealed to me as a holistic graduate program that could offer me a variety of experiences and extensive training. Being a graduate is daunting and it was comforting to know that I could experience different departments, types of work and leadership styles within the program, as well as use this to inform future job hunting after the program ends.

How does the program fit into your long-term goals/career direction?

The program has provided me with immeasurable professional experience in such a short time, countless connections across so much of Queensland's public sector and a holistic training program from a range of providers. The foundations I have received from the program have provided me with confidence to embark on what I hope will be a fulfilling and long-term career in the public sector.

How was the recruitment process?

When I applied for the Policy Futures graduate program in 2022, there was just the one stream for all applicants. This is a very general, mainstream process and we've worked hard to create a First Nations pathway that is still rigorous and challenging but enables other First Nations graduates to thrive throughout the recruitment process.

Do you have any tips for First Nations graduates thinking about applying?

The Policy Futures graduate program is a diverse and inclusive program with so many opportunities for graduates. Be sure to utilise all resources provided to you throughout the recruitment process and most importantly, do not doubt yourself and what you can bring to the table—the public sector would be privileged to have you!

About you

I was born and have spent much of my life in south Brisbane, Queensland. I have Sri Lankan and Aboriginal heritage, come from proud working-class roots and have always been passionate about social justice and equity. I was fortunate enough to pursue this passion by enrolling in Law honours and Justice (majoring in criminology and policing) at the Queensland University of Technology. During this time, I undertook placements with DJAG's Indigenous Justice Programs and the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

What interested you most about the program?

What interested me the most was that I did not need a policy background to enjoy and find purpose in this space. Towards the end of my study, I realised becoming a legal practitioner might not be for me. I am a very abstract, big-picture thinker that enjoys speaking and reading about politics and governance in my spare time. While I wanted to explore this hidden area of interest more, my reluctance stemmed from a lack of formal policy education. This was a problem, of course, until I read an advertisement for the Policy Futures program. I quickly realised, this program's greatest asset is its ability to bring together like-minded graduates, from very diverse social and tertiary backgrounds, with unique skill sets.

How was the recruitment process?

While the recruitment process is vigorous and comprehensive, it is quite enjoyable too. I learnt things about myself just by going through this process. I first applied for the Policy Futures program in 2022 but did not pass the online assessment phase. I reapplied to the First Nations pathway of the program, alongside the mainstream pathway, in 2023 and was successful. Having a mentor, through the First Nations recruitment process, was incontrovertibly valuable. Mentorship provided me with comfort and confidence, particularly early on.

During the final assessment centre phase, I had the opportunity to participate in a yarning circle. The stories shared by former graduates, fellow applicants and DPC employees were powerful and inspiring. This was the first time I had heard of a graduate process capable of delivering a meaningful way for applicants to connect and learn in a culturally safe and appropriate way.

Is the program what you thought it would be?

It is difficult to gauge what a graduate program should or should not be. However, I can positively say the Policy Futures program has exceeded all my expectations. There is a multifaceted selection of department rotation options which are all immersive and dynamic. The possibility of professionally developing, with a mixture of both career autonomy and tailored learning, is truly limitless and almost guaranteed. I have an opportunity to challenge myself, build an entirely new repertoire of skills, while having a necessary safety net through the Policy Futures program. Moreover, I can foster a true sense of belonging in government because of a tight-knit network of like-minded graduates in my cohort to lean on.

How does the program fit into your long-term goals/career direction?

My first rotation is in the Legal, Policy and Procedure team within DJAG's Court Reform and Support Services division. This rotation allows me to cultivate my tertiary education skills and areas of interest while simultaneously learn what policy is all about. Meaning, I now have a benchmark to realise my dream of pursuing criminology and justice in a policy space. However, there is a plethora of related rotation options outside this scope which I may end up liking just as much, if not more.

What have the highlights of the program been so far?

There is a real emphasis on learning and development through the Policy Futures program. My cohort had the opportunity to visit Parliament House, watch question time and ask questions to members of parliament. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Do you have any tips and advice for students/graduates thinking about applying for Policy Futures?

If you are interested in being a part of tangible change in Queensland please apply! This graduate program has generated a very positive reputation across government and offers meaningful exposure like no other. Seize the moment with an open mind by taking advantage of what could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

About you

I am a proud Githabul man as part of the Bundjalung nation. I graduated in 2022 where I completed my Bachelor of Social Work degree (Honours) through Central Queensland University.

I have much lived and work experience through working in federal and state public service organisations and also having an opportunity to work in my dream job for 10 years at Queensland Cricket.

After completing my studies, I was at a crossroads to where I could go—until I found out about the Policy Futures program. I applied in 2023 and was successful in being one of the 2024 cohort.

What interested you most about the program?

Being a First Nations person, I have always been passionate about helping fellow First Nations people in having equal opportunities as mainstream society. The referendum reiterated this for me as to my reason for starting in policy as I believe this is where change can be made, and I can be part of that change for First Nations people.

How was the recruitment process?

From my first contact with Policy Futures staff through to commencing, I found the recruitment process very thorough and the major aspect was being supported through the whole process. I was supported by the Policy Futures staff and also through my mentor.

Is the program what you thought it would be?

Coming from a Social Worker background, I initially thought that it was going to be a rough road and as I never worked in policy previously. Once commencing, I was surprised about how much information I already knew and that I was able to bring my knowledge from social work into my policy work.

How does the program fit into your long-term goals/career direction?

This is a positive new career direction for me as I believe that in policy there is an opportunity to help make change. I can have input into policy informed by my lived experience and work life, which in turn will help communities.

What have the highlights of the program been so far?

My highlight so far is having the opportunity to provide input into strategies that my agency has been working on.

Do you have any tips and advice for students/graduates thinking about applying for Policy Futures?

Be brave, follow your heart, ask questions. It does not matter what degree you have studied—your voice is going to help in future policy.