​FORE Australia is a youth-led, non-partisan not-for-profit. This program is the heart of how we build the Policy Library. By taking part, volunteers contribute directly to a public-benefit resource used by policymakers, while gaining policy experience that's otherwise hard to access in Australia.

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​ABOUT THE ROLE

Join FORE Australia’s Volunteer Policy Training Program (remote or hybrid) - a hands-on training program that gives you practical experience in policy research, writing, and communication.

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Volunteers learn to independently and collaboratively draft and refine one-page policy briefs to be published in Australia’s first online Policy Library of One-Page Briefs - a tool used by policymakers, staffers, and advocates to surface ready-to-implement solutions.

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Each brief is a short, structured document that explains a policy problem, outlines a practical solution, and helps decision-makers quickly assess an idea. Find examples of published one-page briefs here. 

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Through structured training, mentoring, and daily team collaboration, you’ll learn how to:

• Translate complex issues into clear, impactful policy proposals

• Action policy ideas and navigate resources like the Federal Register of Legislation and state law frameworks.

• Utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools in a policy context

• Navigate real-world engagement and meet with experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers

 

This is a hands-on, fast-paced program with a strong focus on feedback, iteration, and improvement. You’ll be part of a motivated, cross-disciplinary cohort, building your skills and network through peer learning, all while contributing to work that directly reaches decision-makers.

 

If you’re passionate about making a difference through policy, this is your chance to kickstart your policy career and contribute to a cause you care about. 

 

• Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Check out our Culture Guide to see if our team values and environment feel like the right fit for you. See our Culture Guide here.  

• Learn about the history of the program here. 

• Learn more about how we onboard/recruit here.   

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PROGRAM STRUCTURE

This is a primarily remote program, with volunteers joining from across Australia. For those based in Melbourne, there is also an opt-in hybrid option, with access to shared office space in the Melbourne CBD for those who would like to work in person on selected days.

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Before the program begins, volunteers take part in three training days designed to help everyone start with the same foundation. These sessions introduce FORE Australia’s policy writing approach, team structures, workflows, and expectations, and give participants the chance to begin building confidence and connection before the semester officially begins.

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Participants are placed into one of FORE Australia’s five policy teams: Justice & Human Rights; Health, Disability & Aged Care; Social Services & Communities; Climate, Energy & Environment; and Technology & AI. We take applicants’ topic interests and team preferences into account where possible, while balancing the needs of each team across the program. Participants are placed into one team for the full duration of the program, where they work closely with their peers and team leaders on briefs within that area. 

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Each team is supported by a Team Lead, Vice Team Lead, and Policy Advisors, who help guide workflow, provide feedback, support learning, and keep the team moving throughout the semester.

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Volunteers typically take part in team check-ins, collaborative drafting, feedback rounds, and independent research and writing across their chosen days.

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CRITERIA

• Volunteers typically take part for 1–4 days per week during standard Melbourne/Sydney business hours (Tuesday–Friday). Half days are fine — e.g. two half days counting as one full day.

• Ideally available to attend our 3 training days before the program starts

• Open to feedback, peer learning, and working in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment

• ​AI tools are part of the program's policy-writing methodology, and full training in using them is provided.

• Because the program runs remotely, volunteers will need a reliable internet connection, a laptop or computer, and confidence writing in formal English.

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PROGRAM PATHWAYS

FORE Australia’s Volunteer Policy Training Program can be undertaken through one of two pathways:

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University Internship Pathway
For participants undertaking the program as a formal vocational placement through their university, TAFE or other registered education provider. The placement is offered as an authorised vocational placement within the meaning of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) — meaning it is a required or assessable component of the participant's course of study, arranged through their institution's placement office, and governed by a written agreement between FORE, the participant and the institution.

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Fellowship Pathway
For participants who want to contribute to FORE's mission outside a university placement arrangement. Fellows take part as volunteers — there is no employment relationship and no expectation of payment. Like volunteers at other not-for-profit research and advocacy organisations, Fellows give their time and skills to a public-benefit cause they care about, and in return gain mentorship, hands-on experience and the opportunity to publish work that reaches decision-makers. We're committed to making this pathway accessible to people who aren't currently enrolled in tertiary study.

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Operationally, both pathways follow the same structured program — the same training, teams, mentoring, peer learning and publishing process. The difference is in how each pathway is governed: the University Internship pathway is structured around the requirements of the participant's course, while the Fellowship pathway is structured around volunteering for FORE's mission.

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The program has a clear educational and professional development focus, rather than the performance of productive work. All participants are part of a structured learning environment centred on training, feedback, and skill development while contributing to a social good mission.

 

ABOUT YOU:

You’re curious, thoughtful, and motivated by impact. You might be studying, working, or pivoting into the policy space, but what matters most is your willingness to learn and contribute. You don’t need formal policy experience, just strong research and writing skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to showing up. Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply (above 18). 

 

DAY IN THE LIFE EXAMPLE

You start your day at 9 am, coffee in hand, diving into research on a new policy idea you’re excited to explore. By 9:10 am, you're in the team check-in, swapping updates, sharing what you're working on, and getting inspired by the range of ideas coming to life. At noon, you're in a fast-paced peer feedback session, sharpening your thinking and strengthening your brief. After lunch, you meet with a partner working on the frontlines of the issue, adding lived experience and expert insight to your draft. Around 2 pm, you hit a snag, but a quick call with the team gets you unstuck and back into the flow. The rest of the afternoon flies by as you draft, refine, respond to feedback, and support your peers with theirs. At 4:45 pm, the team regroups to celebrate wins and wrap up the day. You wrap up your day knowing you’ve helped move a real solution one step closer to Parliament.

 

Testimonies from our alumni

 

"FORE's Policy Program is one of the best - it is well structured - with the opportunity to work with some incredible expert stakeholders, network with likeminded peers, be challenged intellectually, and develop new skills in policy brief writing, public policy analysis, and policy communication." - Ella Kinninment, 25/26 Summer Cohort

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"Participating in the FORE Policy Program has been a memorable, transformative, and impactful experience. I had the opportunity to work with an incredible team of people who were not only all so passionate about making policy solutions more accessible, but also became incredible supportive and wholesome friends. The Program also deepened my knowledge of how policymaking works in Australia" - Chamika Fonseka, 25/26 Summer Cohort

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"Whilst completing my internship with FORE I was also working for an NGO and it was really rewarding to see how the skills I was learning translated across contexts. Becoming familiar with policy processes definitely helped my work and gave me greater insight into how working for an NGO fit into wider decision-making processes."  - Patrick Livesey, 25/26 Summer Cohort

 

More resources to check if this is the right fit for you

1. Learn about the history of the program here.   

2. Learn more about how we onboard/recruit here.   

3. Our Instagram - @foreaustralia

4. Our website - www.foreaustralia.com

5. Check out our Culture Guide to see if our team values and environment feel like the right fit for you. See our Culture Guide here.  

 

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How to Apply

To apply, please submit your interest via the Google Form by clicking "Apply Now".

If you have any questions regarding your availability and if you’ll be eligible for the program, feel free to email us at info@foreaustralia.com

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Application period timeline

FORE Australia is recruiting for the

• Winter Program (10 weeks): 1st of June - 7th of August 2026  

• Sem 2 Program (12 weeks): 10th of August - 30th of October 2026

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Our application process has two stages. Step 1 is submitting your Expression of Interest. After this, applicants will be notified of their outcome, and those progressing to the next stage will receive their Round 2 instructions. Step 2 involves completing and submitting the Round 2 task, with two weeks to work on it before it closes. Final outcomes will be sent to applicants 1 month before the program start date, along with onboarding details for the program.

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• Sunday 19 April - Expressions of Interest close

• Monday 20 April - Round 2 invitations and instructions sent

• Sunday 10 May - Round 2 submissions due

• Outcomes notified: 1 month before program start date. 

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Training Days

(the 2 weekends before the start of the program)

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Weekend 1: Saturday, 23rd of May - full virtual training day

Weekend 2: Saturday, 30th of May - In-person Bonding Afternoon in select major cities. If you are not in one of these cities, you are not expected to attend. & Sunday, 31st of May: Full virtual training day - Day Zero. What is Day Zero? Find out here. 

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Learn more about how we onboard/recruit here.