Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders at Policy Futures Graduate Program (Queensland Government)
“Our vision for reconciliation is to foster and maintain respectful, trusting and mutually beneficial relationships based on an understanding and acknowledgment of past hurts that Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples have endured, and moving forward on a shared journey toward reconciliation where all Queenslanders are equal” (Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan).
Under Queensland’s Moving Ahead strategy, we are committed to improving economic participation outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders. A key part of this strategy is ensuring we build a more skilled and diverse workforce.
Multiple positions for our 2025 intake have been allocated for graduates from First Nations communities, strengthening our commitment to building a more skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of the Queensland community.
The recruitment process
Our recruitment process is inclusive and aims to provide all candidates the best opportunity to demonstrate suitability for the program. If you opt into this pathway, we’ll work closely with you to ensure you are fully supported from the moment you apply through to employment and beyond.
- Apply online
Complete an online application form and tell us about you and what you studied. At this stage we will ask you to upload a copy of your resume and academic transcript. Once we receive your application, we will ring you for a chat to talk through next steps and what you can expect in more detail. We will also offer you a mentor who will be available to support you through the recruitment process.
- Share your story
Once we have confirmed your eligibility for the program, we will invite you to share your story with us. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about who you are and what makes you, you! We want to know your story, your motivations for applying for the program and how you think your skills and experiences align with who we are looking for.
- Participate in an assessment centre
The final stage of the process is an assessment centre where we will invite you to come and meet us, participate in a yarning circle style group activity and undertake an individual interview. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about us, the program and fellow candidates as well as gain insight into some of the policy issues you might tackle as a Graduate Policy Officer.
- Wait for an offer
Following assessment centres, we will contact your referees and 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 2025 program will begin in mid February 2025.
Support during employment
If you get into the program, we’ll chat to you before you commence to understand what support you may need on the job. This might include:
- Regular catch ups with the Policy Futures team
- Cultural leave
- Flexible work arrangements
- Access to sector wide networks and support groups
- Access to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mentor.
Queensland Government also offers a career pathways service which supports First Nations employees to develop and progress their careers into leadership and decision-making roles. Find out more.
How to opt in
If you wish to opt into this pathway, please complete the First Nations Pathway application form when prompted in the online application.
Please note, you may also apply for the 2024 Policy Futures intake in addition to the First Nations Pathway, however you will need to submit a second application form if you wish to be considered for this opportunity.
If you’re unsure whether to opt in or have any questions, get in touch by emailing [email protected] to organise a time for a confidential yarn with one of the team.
