Queensland

Each member will be provided with leading insights and analysis across a broad spectrum of global issues as part of the country’s longest running and only independent national organisation dedicated to Australia’s international affairs. Events run by the AIIA Queensland cover topics ranging from developments in the Indo-Pacific region, bilateral relationships, major geopolitical issues, as well as other international special interest topics.

A membership to the AIIA Queensland is open. Our institute offers a vast range of these subscriptions at various prices for individuals, seniors/retirees and students, whether domestic or international, as well as to businesses, government departments, not-for-profit organisations and many more.

To register for one, click below and join our organisation today!

Applications for the AIIA Queensland 2027 Youth Advisory Council are open!

In 2027, AIIA Queensland is introducing a refreshed approach to youth engagement, moving beyond the traditional Youth Committee model to establish a more collaborative, initiative-driven Youth Advisory Council.

The YAC will provide a platform for young members to identify opportunities, develop proposals and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the connection between young people and international affairs.

The idea is simple: bring your ideas, develop them together and turn them into something meaningful.

Chaired by the AIIA Queensland Youth Vice President, the YAC will meet once a month to discuss new ideas, review proposals and consider opportunities for future projects.

Members will have the opportunity to develop proposals individually or collaboratively, receiving feedback and guidance before suitable initiatives are submitted to the AIIA Queensland Council for consideration and approval.

Once approved, YAC members will take responsibility for planning, coordinating and implementing initiatives, working together to bring their ideas to life.

From engaging events and university collaborations to community partnerships and new youth engagement initiatives, the YAC provides an opportunity to contribute to projects that extend beyond the meeting room.

What Will You Do?

As a member of the 2027 Youth Advisory Council, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Bring ideas to the table: Identify opportunities and develop proposals for events, projects, partnerships and initiatives that support AIIAQ’s objectives.
• Shape youth engagement: Contribute ideas and recommendations to strengthen the participation of young people in international affairs.
• Turn ideas into action: Take ownership of approved initiatives, from initial planning and stakeholder engagement through to implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate with others: Work alongside fellow YAC members, AIIAQ interns, university societies and external stakeholders to develop meaningful projects.
• Engage with organisational leadership: Present proposals, receive constructive feedback and gain insight into organisational governance and decision-making.
• Build professional skills: Develop practical experience in leadership, project management, communication, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.

Who Are We Looking For?

We’re looking for young people who are enthusiastic about international affairs and ready to make a meaningful contribution.

Applicants should be:

• Aged 18–30 years, including current students, recent graduates and young professionals.
• Current members of AIIA Queensland, or willing to become members.
• Genuinely interested in international affairs, diplomacy and youth engagement.
• Proactive, reliable and willing to take ownership of ideas and responsibilities.
• Comfortable contributing to discussions, collaborating with others and responding constructively to feedback.
• Able to commit to a 12-month term, including monthly meetings and ongoing project responsibilities.

Previous committee or leadership experience is not essential. We value diverse perspectives, curiosity, initiative and a genuine willingness to contribute.

Commitment & Expectations

The Youth Advisory Council is designed to be an active and collaborative working group, where every member has the opportunity and responsibility to contribute.

Unlike a traditional committee, membership involves more than attending meetings. Members will be encouraged to identify opportunities, develop proposals and take an active role in delivering agreed initiatives throughout the year.

Successful applicants will be expected to:

• Attend monthly YAC meetings, chaired by the AIIA Queensland Youth Vice President.
• Contribute to discussions and proposals, bringing forward ideas, feedback and recommendations.
• Participate in project planning and implementation, taking responsibility for agreed tasks and deliverables.
• Maintain regular communication with fellow members and the Youth Vice President.
• Collaborate constructively, supporting shared initiatives and contributing to a positive team environment.
• Demonstrate initiative and accountability, following through on commitments and providing updates on project progress.
• Uphold AIIAQ’s values, including its commitment to informed discussion, respectful engagement and non-partisanship.

We recognise that members will be balancing their involvement with university, employment and other commitments. While flexibility and mutual support are important, consistent participation and communication are essential to the success of the Council.

Meeting frequency: Once per month, with additional project work and collaboration between meetings.

Membership: Voluntary and unpaid.

Why Join the Youth Advisory Council?

The Youth Advisory Council offers an opportunity to contribute to an established international affairs organisation while developing the skills, experience and professional relationships that can support your future career.

Throughout your term, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership experience by contributing to discussions, decisions and collaborative initiatives.
• Gain practical project management skills through planning and delivering projects from concept to completion.
• Build your professional network by engaging with fellow young professionals, AIIAQ leadership and stakeholders across international affairs.
• Understand organisational governance by developing proposals and gaining insight into how ideas are considered and approved.
• Make a meaningful contribution to initiatives that strengthen youth engagement and create opportunities for others.

Above all, the YAC is an opportunity to be part of a group of young people who share a genuine interest in the world and a willingness to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Expressions of interest are invited from young people interested in joining the 2027 AIIA Queensland Youth Advisory Council.

We’re interested in learning about your motivations, the perspectives you could bring and the ideas you’d like to explore during your term.

Applications close: 20 November, 2026, 5:00PM AEST

Term: January – December 2027

How to apply: Application Link

For enquiries, please contact aiiaqld@internationalaffairs.org.au.

Applications for the AIIA Queensland 2027 January-June Internship Program are open!

Curious about the world and the issues shaping our future?

Whether you’re passionate about international affairs, eager to hear from leading diplomats and experts, or simply looking to connect with like-minded people, the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland (AIIAQ) offers a place to explore ideas, broaden your perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations about the world around us.

Our internship program provides students, recent graduates and emerging professionals with an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and contribute to the work of an established international affairs organisation.

From producing original journalism and developing creative marketing campaigns to coordinating events and bringing new projects to life, our interns play an important role in shaping how AIIA Queensland connects with its community.

We encourage our interns to bring their own perspectives, explore their interests and take ownership of initiatives, while working collaboratively with a team of passionate volunteers.

AIIA Queensland offers four internship streams, each providing opportunities to develop practical skills, build professional connections and contribute to meaningful work.

Social Media & Marketing

As a Social Media & Marketing Intern, you’ll help shape how AIIA Queensland connects with its community and brings international affairs to a wider audience. From creating engaging digital content and capturing moments at our events to developing creative campaigns and exploring new ways to reach young people, you’ll gain hands-on experience in social media management, digital marketing and strategic communications.

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with fresh ideas, strengthen our online presence and help make international affairs more accessible, engaging and relevant.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage AIIAQ’s social media channels and coordinate a consistent content calendar.
• Develop original and engaging content, including graphics, reels, stories and promotional campaigns.
• Capture photography and short-form video content at events, seminars and other activities.
• Design marketing materials to promote events, membership opportunities and organisational initiatives.
• Contribute to marketing and membership engagement strategies that attract new audiences and strengthen connections with existing members.
• Monitor social media performance, analyse engagement trends and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with journalism, events and project management interns to promote their work and maintain consistent messaging across platforms.

Journalism

As a Journalism Intern, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues in international affairs while developing your research, interviewing and storytelling skills. From interviewing diplomats, academics and industry experts to producing original articles and covering thought-provoking events, you’ll gain hands-on experience in journalism, editorial writing and multimedia content creation.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your own ideas, explore emerging global issues and contribute to AIIA Queensland’s growing collection of written and digital publications.

Responsibilities include:

• Research, interview and engage with guest speakers, academics and international affairs professionals.
• Produce original short and long-form written content, including event reports, feature articles, interviews and editorial pieces.
• Research emerging international developments and pitch original story ideas for AIIAQ’s digital publications.
• Contribute to the development of regular editorial initiatives
• Assist with filming, recording and editing interviews and other multimedia content.
• Adapt written and multimedia content for AIIAQ’s website and social media channels.
• Collaborate with fellow interns and the editorial team to research, fact-check and refine content, maintaining AIIAQ’s commitment to accurate, balanced and non-partisan reporting.

Events Management

As an Events Management Intern, you’ll help bring some of AIIA Queensland’s most exciting events to life, from our Annual Dinner and International Affairs Trivia Night to engaging discussions with diplomats, academics and industry professionals.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in event planning, stakeholder engagement and logistics, while having the opportunity to pitch your own ideas and create experiences that connect people through international affairs. From the first brainstorm to the final guest leaving, you’ll play an active role in making it all happen.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in planning, coordinating and delivering AIIAQ events, including the Annual Dinner, International Affairs Trivia Night and regular speaker events.
• Develop and pitch original event concepts that encourage youth participation and engagement with international affairs.
• Collaborate with the AIIAQ Youth Advisory Council to plan and deliver on-campus events and other youth-led initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venues, registrations, guest communications, run sheets, materials and audiovisual requirements.
• Engage with speakers, university societies and strategic stakeholders to support event development and delivery.
• Assist with event budgets, resource allocation and supplier coordination.
• Support event promotion and attendee engagement in collaboration with the Social Media & Marketing Intern.
• Gather feedback and evaluate event outcomes to identify opportunities for future improvement.

Project Management

As a Project Management Intern, you’ll help bring exciting initiatives to life at AIIA Queensland, working across projects that strengthen youth engagement, build partnerships and create new opportunities for our community.

From developing proposals and coordinating stakeholders to managing timelines and tracking progress, you’ll gain hands-on experience in taking projects from concept through to delivery.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and pitch new project ideas that support AIIAQ’s strategic objectives and youth engagement activities.
• Coordinate project planning, timelines, deliverables and implementation.
• Collaborate with the AIIAQ Youth Advisory Council to support the development and delivery of youth-led initiatives.
• Engage with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
• Monitor project progress, manage resources and provide regular updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate project outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Internship Commitment & Expectations

AIIA Queensland is a volunteer-led organisation, meaning our internships offer a flexible, hands-on experience rather than traditional office hours. As our team operates on a voluntary basis, all internship positions are unpaid.

We recognise that our interns balance university, employment and other commitments, and aim to provide a supportive environment that encourages both professional development and personal interests. However, successful applicants are expected to be proactive, reliable and comfortable managing their time independently.

Interns should be prepared to commit approximately 8–10 hours per week (equivalent to one working day) throughout the semester. This time will be shared between individual projects, collaborative initiatives, professional development opportunities and general responsibilities that support AIIAQ’s ongoing activities.

Our internship program runs for six months, twice a year, with the following expectations:

• Weekly team meetings: Alternating between in-person and online sessions to discuss progress, share ideas and collaborate on upcoming activities.
• Fortnightly Tuesday evening events: Approximately twice per month, held at venues across the Brisbane CBD, where interns will assist with event delivery and engagement.
• Independent and collaborative work: Tasks can generally be completed remotely and flexibly around individual schedules, provided agreed deadlines are met.
• Regular communication and active participation: Interns are expected to provide progress updates, contribute to discussions and follow through on agreed responsibilities.
• Professionalism and accountability: Interns are expected to approach their responsibilities with initiative, respect and a willingness to learn.

While flexibility is an important part of our internship program, we place great value on consistency, initiative and accountability. We want every intern to have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, develop their skills and take ownership of work they can be proud of.

What You’ll Gain

Our internship program is designed to provide more than practical experience. We want our interns to leave with stronger professional skills, meaningful connections and a clearer understanding of where their interests might take them.

Throughout the program, interns will have opportunities to:

• Build practical experience through real projects, events and organisational initiatives.
• Develop a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills and contributions.
• Connect with professionals across international affairs, diplomacy, academia and related sectors.
• Strengthen transferable skills in communication, leadership, collaboration and project coordination.
• Explore career pathways through professional development activities, feedback and mentorship.
• Contribute their own ideas and take ownership of initiatives that align with their interests and aspirations.

Previous experience in international affairs is not essential. We value curiosity, creativity, initiative and a genuine willingness to learn.

Ready to get involved?

We welcome applications from students, recent graduates and emerging professionals interested in gaining practical experience and contributing to AIIA Queensland’s work.

Internship intake: January–June 2027

Applications close: 20 November, 2026, 5:00PM AEST

To apply: Application Form

For enquiries about the internship program, please contact aiiaqld@internationalaffairs.org.au

As a part of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the preeminent think-tank on international affairs and foreign policy here in Australia, the AIIA Queensland relies greatly on the generosity of the broader public through memberships, ticket purchases and of course, donations.

We are incredibly grateful to all our members and those that have come out to any of our events for your support. We pride ourselves on providing a platform for insightful and thought-provoking discussion, accessible to both an online audience and also those who wish to attend face to face, and every dollar goes a long way to making this happen.

Darren Godwell FAICD, presented with Fellow’s Trophy

But our activities take time and money to organise and run. Ticket sales are strong, but our fees are modest, and our events are free for members.

Unlike some of our interstate counterparts we do not have property or large sums in endowment. We have a part-time administrator who works a few hours a week without whom we could not manage the logistics of our operations.

This is where you can help.

Donations to the AIIA Queensland through the National Office are tax deductible.

Any amount will go a long way in helping us continue to provide a platform for quality discussion and debate.

How can you support your organisation?

OPTION 1 – DIRECT DEPOSIT

Our first option is through a direct deposit.

• Please quote your name AND “Donation QLD Branch” in the details.
• Also, please email us at aiiaqld@internationalaffairs.org.au with the bank deposit details and your full details so we can ensure you get your tax-deductible receipt. Also tell us of any specific wishes.

OPTION 2 – GIVENOW

If you would prefer using a debit or credit card, click here and you can donate through our GiveNow platform.

OPTION 3 – SEND US A CHEQUE

Although we would prefer the first two options, you may also send us a cheque.

• Please address the cheque to the ‘Australian Institute of International Affairs’ and send it to the AIIA QLD; GPO Box 1916, Brisbane, QLD 4001.
• In the covering letter please let us know that it is a donation and leave your receipt details.
• To ensure that the donation is tax deductible for this financial year, please email us at aiiaqld@internationalaffairs.org.au or call 0400 458 227 to let us know that it is coming so we can bank it before June 30.