Future Leaders Graduate Program (Queensland Government)

TARGETED VACANCY - This role is being advertised through a targeted recruitment process and under s105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) is currently only open to Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islander people. If you are eligible to apply for this vacancy, you can apply online. Applicants who do not meet the criteria for the Targeted Vacancy will not be considered for this pathway, however are encouraged to apply through our open pathway instead.

Our First Nations pathway gives you the opportunity to tell your story, your way.

Bring your strengths and unique experience and become part of the future of the Queensland Government. Get involved with supporting and delivering policies, services and programs to contribute to full, safe, inclusive social and economic participation for all Queenslanders.

The Future Leaders Graduate Program is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates who are ready to make an impact and help shape the future of Queensland.

Our recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and provide all First Nations candidates with the best opportunity to showcase their strengths and suitability for the program.

Join a workplace where your contributions are genuinely valued, your perspectives respected, and your personal and professional growth is prioritised.

What you could work on

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. 

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 First Nations Pathway is open to graduates from all degrees and disciplines who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• identify as an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• 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.

Not a First Nations candidate? You may be eligible for our other career pathways. 

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 on how we support diverse candidates? Join one of our information sessions.