Who we're looking for in Policy Futures

Policy Futures is open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines who have a keen interest in policy.

To be eligible for the program you must:

• complete an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (equivalent of a level 7 qualification or higher, including graduate certificate, master's degree or PhD) between 31 October 2023 and 31 January 2026.
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have a visa with unrestricted working rights under Australian immigration law
• be willing to relocate to Brisbane for the 2-year program, if successful, noting all placements are based in South East Queensland.

All candidates will be required to complete employment screening and disclosure checks prior to appointment.

Additional information for international students

You are eligible to apply if you:

• can provide evidence of your visa type, status and entitlements to work prior to starting employment with us. Right to work must be maintained through employment. For more information on right to work and visa conditions, visit the Department Home Affairs
• have obtained overseas qualification recognition if you received your degree outside of Australia.

We only need a bit of information about you to get started, including:

• personal and demographic information
• qualifications and education.

Before you start your application, we recommend having:

• an updated resume
• a copy of your most recent academic transcript
• proof of your right to work in Australia (if applicable).

How to prepare

• Learn how to write a resume and cover letter.
• Download the Be work smart pre-employment skills workbook.

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.

How to prepare

• Visit the candidate preparation hub to learn more about the online testing, including preparation tips and practice questions. Allow plenty of time—the assessment is not timed, so you can take as long as you need, however we recommend you set aside 45 minutes to complete the assessment.
• Ensure technology is working properly and you have a reliable internet connection.
• Find a quite space with no distractions.
• Ensure you read instructions provided in your invitation email carefully.

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.

How to prepare

• Familiarise yourself with behavioural interview questions and the STAR response framework.
• Review the Leadership Competencies for Queensland (PDF, 254KB).
• Allow plenty of time
• Ensure technology is working properly and you have a reliable internet connection—we recommend you use a desktop computer or a laptop
• Find a quiet space with no distractions.

Finally, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre, either in person or virtually, depending on your circumstances and location.

To give you an opportunity to really show us what you can contribute to the program, you will participate in:

• a group activity
• an individual interview.

We know that assessment centres can be daunting, which is why we try to create a fun and relaxed environment where you can thrive.

How to prepare

• Familiarise yourself with behavioural interview questions and the STAR response framework.
• Review the Leadership Competencies for Queensland (PDF, 254KB).
• Just be yourself!

Following assessment centres, we will confirm your referee names and contact details so that we can contact them to complete a referee report for you.

We aim to make offers by mid-June. If you are successful, we will ask you to complete a pre-employment check (including criminal history check) and commencement paperwork.

Our 2026 program will begin on 2 February 2026.