Future Leaders Graduate Program (Queensland Government)

The Future Leaders Graduate program is a unique opportunity for recent graduates to make a positive difference to Queensland communities while launching a public sector career. 

Join our award-winning 2-year graduate program and discover where a career in Queensland government could take you!

Throughout the two-year program, you'll rotate across Queensland Government gaining hands-on-experience, tackling real-world challenges, and contributing 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. 

You’ll receive comprehensive learning and development opportunities, equipping you with the skills to fast track your career. You’ll also receive a professional mentor, peer support, e-learning, and a range of networking opportunities.

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 offers a pathway for you to explore and grow in your chosen field.

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.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for graduates with a genuine desire to make a difference in Queensland.

Ideal candidates are:

• Collaborative team players: Thrive in team environments, value diverse perspectives, and work effectively to achieve shared goals.
• Strong communicators: Clearly express ideas, actively listen, and adapt communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes.
• Resilient and adaptable: Embrace change, overcome challenges, and thrive in dynamic and inclusive environments.
• Problem-solvers: Use critical thinking and creativity to tackle challenges and deliver effective solutions.
• Curious and innovative: Bring fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and seek new ways to improve and innovate.
• Purpose-driven: Passionate about contributing to meaningful work that delivers better outcomes for Queenslanders.
• Ambitious and motivated: Committed to growth, continuous learning and improving both personally and professionally

Inclusive pathways

As the state's largest employer, the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring our workforce represents all Queenslanders. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people from regional and remote areas. 

Our recruitment process is inclusive, culturally safe and aims to provide all candidates with the best opportunity to demonstrate suitability for the program

There are three pathway options to apply to Future Leaders:

• Our open pathway is for all candidates who meet our eligibility requirements. Find out more about our open pathway here.
• Our First Nations pathway is designed to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates the best opportunity to showcase their strengths. Find out more about our First Nations pathway here.
• Our disability pathway is designed to give candidates who live with disability or neurodivergence the best opportunity to showcase their strengths. Find out more about our disability pathway here.

What we offer
As a Future Leaders graduate you will receive the benefits of working for the Queensland Government which include:

• a starting salary of $77,354 per annum, plus Recognition of Accredited Qualification allowance of $47.70 per fortnight
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• flexible work arrangements
• generous leave entitlements
• salary packaging options
• a diverse and inclusive workplace
• programs that support a healthy work environment
• opportunities for professional development, networking and career progression.

Are you eligible?

The Future Leaders Graduate Program is open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• completion of a bachelor's degree (equivalent of a level seven qualification) or higher between 31 October 2024 and 31 January 2027
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have a visa with unrestricted working rights under Australian immigration law.

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

Next steps

To find out more about this exciting opportunity and apply for the program visit the Future Leaders website. Applications close 9am Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Interested in applying, but want more information? Join one of our information sessions.