He also worked as an adviser to NSW and Queensland state governments, including as the Deputy Chief of Staff to then-NSW Premier Nathan Rees in 2009.

[3] Graham became assistant general secretary of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Labor Party in the early 2010s, serving for six years.

[4] Graham was considered for preselection for the Canterbury state by-election, and was confident he had the support of the rank-and-file members.

[4] He was also appointed as deputy leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council[7] and Shadow Special Minister of State at this time.

[4] Following the resignation of Walt Secord from the frontbench in 2022, Graham added the portfolios of Arts and the North Coast to his existing Shadow Ministries.