PRACTICAL TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & CAREER-LONG SUPPORT
Benefit from Australia's most comprehensive and award-winning program
Learn to be the politician you want to be in a safe, inclusive space
Help shape Australia’s political landscape
Accessible, diverse and fully funded
Changing the face of politics
We are increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, we provide unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of the Trawalla Foundation.
Note: Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
Hear from program alums Mariam Riza & Cr. Angelica Panopoulos
APPLY NOW
Applications open 6 March - 24 April 2024. Apply here.
For more than 20 years I've been passionate about improving the quality of leadership and decision making in Australia. Sadly, Australia continues to suffer from a chronic underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and currently ranks as 51st in the world when it comes to the representation of women in government.
- Carol Schwartz AO, Chair, Trawalla Foundation
It has been wonderful to see the program's practical outcomes, and the positive impact it’s had on the conversation around representation of women in parliament.
- Professor Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne
Our Impact
In the last eight years Pathways to Politics has helped hundreds of women to run for office, and achieved 34 electoral successes nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.
The majority of alums intend to run for elected office in the next ten years.
Elected program alum
The University of Melbourne program has created meaningful pathways to electoral success for the following alums.
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State
- Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree
- Gaelle Broad MP, Member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria
- Cathrine Burnett-Wake MP, Member of the Legislative Council for the Eastern Victoria Region (2021-2022)
- Sarah Mansfield MP, Member of the Legislative Council for Western Victoria
- Georgie Purcell MP, Member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria
- Kat Theophanous MP, Member for Northcote
- Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn
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Federal
- Mary Doyle MP, Member for Aston
- Katie Allen MP, Member for Higgins (2019-2022)
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Local
- Cr Stephanie Amir, City of Darebin (2016—2020)
- Cr Olivia Ball, City of Melbourne
- Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, Mayor of Kingston City Council
- Cr Jasmine Hill, Deputy Mayor of Wyndham City
- Cr Bernadette Hogan, Buloke Shire Council
- Cr Alida McKern, City of Banyule
- Cr Sarah Mansfield, City of Greater Geelong (elected in 2016 and 2020)
- Cr Susanne Newton, Mayor of City of Darebin (elected in 2016 and 2020)
- Cr Angelica Panopoulos, former Mayor of City of Merri-bek
- Cr Tina Samardzija, former Mayor of Monash City Council
Many others have stood for election and pre-selection.
Testimonials from program participants and presenters
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Participants
“We need more women in government and in the ministry because women change the conversation. But you cannot be what you cannot see. That’s why the Pathways to Politics program is so important – it provides a window into the experience of those who have been politically successful."
- Dr Katie Allen, Member for Higgins and successful program alum“As a participant in the Pathways to Politics program, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative experience...Thanks to this program, I’ve acquired valuable knowledge, established meaningful connections, and developed the confidence to lead with courage.
- Sue-Anne Hunter, Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Yoorrook Justice Commissioner, and program alum“As a participant in the first year of Pathways to Politics in 2016, I look back on the experience as being pivotal in shaping my political journey. One of the incredible ongoing benefits has been the network of extraordinary women it has created, many of whom I now work alongside in state parliament. It has opened connections between us across party lines, opening the door for greater collaboration – which can ultimately drive better outcomes for our community.”
- Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, MLC for Western Victoria and successful program alum"The power of the program for me was normalising the idea of running. With the support and knowledge of like-minded women, I could focus on how to win."
- Cr Tina Samardzija, former Mayor of Monash City Council and successful program alum -
Presenters
“I hope all women know that they belong in politics, and that their involvement is not only important, but necessary, to shape the future of our country. It was wonderful to be a mentor in the Pathway to Politics program, and meet so many intelligent, capable, and passionate women. It is inspiring to know that these women are determined to continue to shake up the status quo of policy and legislation...As the youngest First Nations woman to be elected to Parliament, I hope that being a mentor in this program showed other young First Nations/Blak women that we belong in politics, just like all those before me did."
- Senator Jana Stewart, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba, Labor Senator for Victoria"It's critical that we have more women making decisions at all levels of government to take us to a stronger, more inclusive future. Pathways to Politics is a brilliant and clever program designed to equip women for election and build their networks so they can be the change makers we so urgently need."
- Helen Haines MP, Independent Federal Member for Indi"Women are standing up and driving change around the world. From the #MeToo movement to action on climate change, women are at the forefront and leading the way. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is so important to support and encourage women entering politics, and to continue to elevate their voices in our parliament. I am proud to support this great initiative."
- Senator Sarah Hanson-Young"The Pathways to Politics Program is a great opportunity for women thinking about a role in public life to be part of a unique and immersive experience through which they gain new skills, knowledge and develop confidence."
- Samantha Ratnam MP, Leader of the Victorian Greens"I am genuinely impressed by the positive impact of the Pathways to Politics program in empowering women with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to step into the realm of politics across all government levels. This well-thought-out program is pivotal in driving change and elevating the presence of women in Australian politics. As a migrant woman actively engaged in politics, I am particularly delighted to witness the program's accessibility and affordability to women from diverse backgrounds, including those with culturally diverse and migrant experiences."
- Cr Seema Abdullah, Greater Shepparton City Council
About the program
Our proudly non-partisan program is uniquely designed in collaboration between the University of Melbourne and seven other leading universities across Australia, tailored to the Victorian context.
Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
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What to expect
Participants will gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give you confidence and clarity about your future in politics.
You will be supported to realise your capabilities through practical workshops and exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment – for example through media and campaign training, and delivering a speech in the Victorian parliament.
Our program curriculum is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:
- political vision
- campaign planning
- media training
- speech-writing
- leadership skills
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Past speakers
We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who have devoted their time and experience to our program. Past speakers include:
- Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Dr Katie Allen MP, Former Member for Higgins (Pathways to Politics alum)
- The Hon John Brumby AO
- The Hon Quentin Bryce AD CVO
- Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp
- Annabel Crabb, journalist
- Peta Credlin, SKY News anchor and former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Tony Abbott
- Joel Deane, speechwriter and journalist
- Dr Angelia Grant, Office of the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer, Federal Member for Kooyong
- Dr Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi
- Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia
- Jill Hennessey MP, Member for Altona
- Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy
- Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
- Dr Simon Longstaff AO, Executive Director, The Ethics Centre
- The Hon Jenny Macklin, Vice Chancellor's Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, former Member for Jagajaga and Deputy Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party
- Cr Vonda Malone, Mayor of the Torres Shire Council
- Michelle Moffat, Managing Director Moffat Corporate
- Cindy McLeish, Member for Eildon
- Cathy McGowan AO, former Member for Indi
- Ruth McGowan OAM, author of Get Elected, independent consultant ((Pathways to Politics alum)
- Cr Susanne Newton, City of Darebin Councillor (Pathways to Politics alum)
- The Hon Kelly O'Dwyer, former Member for Higgins
- Cr Cathy Oke, Councillor for the City of Melbourne
- Clare O'Neil MP, Member for Hotham
- Fiona Patten MP, Leader of Reason
- Hamish Park, Director Melbourne Leadership Group and Senior Fellow, Melbourne School of Government
- Lissie Ratcliff, Chief of Staff to the Premier of Victoria
- Samantha Ratnam, MLC for Northern Metropolitan and the leader of the Victorian Greens
- Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Director of Strategy, Policy and Projects, University of Melbourne and Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
- The Hon Nicola Roxon, former Member for Gellibrand
- Senator Janet Rice, Senator for Victoria
- Steph Ryan MP, Member for Euroa, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
- Leigh Sales, journalist
- Ellen Sandell MP, Member for Melbourne
- Natasha Stott Despoja AO, founding Chairperson of Our Watch, Member World Bank Gender Advisory Council and UN High Level Working Group on the Health & Human Rights of Women, Children and Adolescents.
- Kat Theophanous MP, Member for Northcote (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Senator Lidia Thorpe, Senator for Victoria
- Laura Tingle, journalist
- Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Danielle Wood, CEO Grattan Institute
- Senator Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Pathways to Politics for Women acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Advisory Committee
Our Advisory Committee provides strategic and operational advice to enhance the program’s capacity to equip women from across the political spectrum with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to run for elected office and to thrive as political leaders. The Advisory Committee offers multi-partisan representation via alum representatives and sitting or retired politicians. The Advisory Committee membership also includes representatives of the Trawalla Foundation/Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne.
Carol Schwartz AO
Carol Schwartz AO is one of Australia's most dynamic business and community leaders with a diverse career across property, the arts, finance, investment, entrepreneurship, government and health. Carol has been recognised for her leadership via a range of honours including her 2019 appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia, 2020 Leading Philanthropist Award by Philanthropy Australia, an Honorary Doctorate from Monash University, induction into the Australia Property Hall of Fame, and a Centenary Medal. Carol has chaired and participated in numerous listed and private company boards, and current board roles include the Reserve Bank of Australia, Trawalla Group and Chair of EQT Holdings Limited and Climate Council.
Throughout her career Carol has been a passionate advocate for gender equality and women in leadership, and as Chair of the Trawalla Foundation and the Women's Leadership Institute Australia, she has catalysed a range of initiatives to grow the critical mass of women in politics, business and the media.
Dr Katie Allen
Dr Katie Allen was the Federal Member for Higgins in the Coalition Government 2019-2022.
Prior to that she was Division Head of Population Head at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Professor at both the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester, UK and a consultant paediatrician. She has authored more than 400 scientific publications.
Katie has been on the Board of Cabrini Health, was Chair of Melbourne Girls Grammar School Council and on the advisory board of several MedTech start-ups.
As Member for Higgins she initiated inquiries into Recycling and Waste, the post-COVID recovery for the Arts and facilitating improved Clinical Trials investment in Australia. She was a founding member of the National COVID Health and Research Advisory Committee that met weekly throughout the pandemic and succeeded in securing significant Federal funding for the National Allergy Council.
She Iives in Higgins with her husband and 4 children.
She is an alum of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women.
Ms Sarah Buckley
CEO, Trawalla Foundation
Sarah Buckley is a strategic leader with over seventeen years of business leadership in social innovation, gender equity, ESG integration and responsible investing. Sarah is currently Chief of Staff for Carol Schwartz AO and CEO of the Trawalla Foundation (the private foundation for entrepreneurial businesspeople Carol and Alan Schwartz). Sarah has previously been a sought-after sustainability consultant to major Australian companies, led PwC's award-winning Corporate Responsibility team, and held senior roles creating innovative new businesses including PwC's Indigenous Consulting.
Sarah has played an integral role in leading Pathways to Politics for Women nationally, and in 2021 the Trawalla Foundation and University of Melbourne won the Eve Mahlab AO Genderwise Philanthropy Award for Pathways. Overall, the Trawalla Foundation works with exceptional individuals and organisations that have a vision for the future of Australia, and gender equity sits at the heart of this. The Foundation adopts a range of levers including funding partnerships, impact investments, and incubating innovative equity initiatives through the Foundation's not-for-profit arm, the Women's Leadership Institute Australia. Initiatives are high impact, including the flagship Pathways to Politics Program for Women, WLIA Fellows, and thought leadership such as the Women for Media research series.
Dr Meredith Martin
Program Director, University of Melbourne
Meredith is the Director of the program and worked closely with Carol Schwartz AO to establish Pathways at the University of Melbourne in 2016. She has also been instrumental in its national expansion, mentoring directors at partner universities in other states and territories and providing strategic leadership to the Pathways national network. Meredith oversees the program on behalf of the University of Melbourne and hosts most modules. She is also Chair of the program’s Selection Committee.
Meredith has worked at the University for many years, both as an academic and in strategic leadership roles, and has been responsible for founding a range of initiatives, including the establishment of the highly successful Media and Communications Program. She has presented and published widely on equity and access in the creative industries and is a member of a number of boards, including the feminist performing arts organisation, APHIDS.
Ms Fiona Patten
Leader of the Reason Party
Fiona Patten is the leader the Reason Party and was a member of the Victorian Legislative Council between 2014 and 2022, representing the Northern Metropolitan Region.
Before entering politics, Fiona championed sexual rights and health movements for more than 20 years, particularly on HIV/AIDS, after initially starting out as a small businesses owner with her own fashion label.
During her time as a Victorian MP, Fiona played pivotal roles in achieving social reforms in Victoria, including the passage of Victoria's assisted dying legislation, the trial of a medically supervised drug injecting room in Richmond, and establishing buffer zones for abortion clinics to keep protesters away from patients and staff.
The Hon Jaala Pulford
The Honourable Jaala Pulford is a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Chair of MTP Connect, Australia’s life sciences innovation centre. She is a director at Cyban and the Children’s Cancer Foundation. Jaala provides strategic advisory services to exciting and innovative organisations, large and small.
An experienced leader with deep experience in Cabinet government, public administration and governance, Jaala is passionate about making sure people and businesses can thrive in an economy undergoing fast-moving, often destabilising, but exciting and transformational change.
Jaala was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2006 as Member for Western Victoria. She was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018, and left politics at the 2022 Victorian state election to seek out new challenges.
Over the first two terms of the Andrews Victorian State Government (2014-22), Jaala was the first woman to serve as Minister for Agriculture, and was Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, Minister for Fishing and Boating, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Resources, Minister for Employment, and Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy. She served as Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council from 2014-2018.
Professor Nicola Phillips
Provost, University of Melbourne
Nicola Phillips has been the Provost at the University of Melbourne since September 2021. Before arriving at Melbourne, she was Vice President & Vice Principal (Education) at King’s College London, with responsibility for King’s wide-ranging strategy for excellence and innovation in education and the student experience. She is a Professor of Political Economy.
Nicola was educated as an undergraduate at King’s, in Hispanic Studies, and then pursued her Master’s in Comparative Government and PhD in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to returning to King’s later in her career as VP (Education), she held academic and later leadership positions at the Universities of Warwick, Manchester and Sheffield, including serving as the Head of the Department of Politics at Sheffield from 2014 to 2017. She has held visiting fellowships and professorships at a number of institutions across the world, including the Australian National University, the University of British Columbia, and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. She undertook the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2019.
Nicola is a past President and Chair of the British International Studies Association (BISA), was a member of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) sub-panel for Politics and International Studies in 2014, and received the award of Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) in 2016. She was proud to be the 2018 recipient of the International Studies Association’s J. Ann Tickner Prize, which is awarded annually to ‘someone who, in Tickner’s footsteps, consistently combines bravery in pursuing high-quality, pioneering scholarship that pushes the boundaries of the discipline with a deep commitment to service, especially teaching and mentoring’.
With a strongly interdisciplinary orientation, Nicola’s academic interests lie in the areas of global political economy, global development and global economic governance. Her research has centred on the theme of inequality in the global political economy, and in recent years has focused particularly on production and global value chains, global migration, and labour standards and exploitation, including forced and child labour. She is currently completing a textbook, which will be published by Oxford University Press in 2023, designed for undergraduates coming to the field of global political economy for the first time.
Dr Samantha Ratnam MP
Leader of the Victorian Greens
Samantha entered the Victorian Parliament representing the Northern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council in 2017 and got re-elected in 2018 and 2022 state election.
As an MP and the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha is a strong advocate for our environment and social justice. She has actively campaigned to save public housing, reduce gambling harm and for stronger action on climate change.
Prior to entering the Victorian Parliament, she was a social worker for over 15 years in the fields of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, international development, family services and in settlement services for newly arrived migrants from refugee backgrounds.
Samantha also spent five years as a Councillor at the City of Moreland, where she was elected the first Greens Mayor of Moreland in 2015.
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours and a PhD in Youth Sociology.
She believes in putting people first and is proud to be part of a party that has never taken money from corporations trying to buy influence - governments should always act in the public good, not in the interests of their corporate mates. She wants our state to be all it can be by investing in world-class public transport, powering Victoria with 100% clean renewable energy, providing homes for everyone, protecting our forests from logging companies and returning essential services like electricity to public hands.
Cr Nicholas Reece
Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Cr Nicholas Reece was elected Deputy Lord Mayor in November 2020, after having previously been elected Councillor in the City of Melbourne in 2016.
Nick is portfolio lead for City Planning and deputy lead for Finance, Governance and Risk and Heritage portfolios.
Nick is also Council’s representative on the following committees and bodies: Committee for Melbourne, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute Advisory Board.
Nick is a senior executive at the University of Melbourne and holds the academic position of principal fellow at the Melbourne School of Government.
Nick has considerable experience in government and policymaking, having worked as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. Nick has also served as Secretary of the Australian Labor Party in Victoria.
Nick is a founder and former chairman of global men’s health charity Movember. Founded in Melbourne, almost 10 million people have participated in Movember and raised almost (AUD) $1.5 billion for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. For over 10 years, Nick was a director for the street newspaper The Big Issue, Australia’s most successful social enterprise for homeless and marginalised people.
Nick is married and has three daughters who attend school in Melbourne.
Ms Bridget Vallence MP
Member for Evelyn
Bridget Vallence was elected as a Member of the Victorian Parliament on 24 November 2018 to represent the Evelyn District, and upon being sworn in to Parliament was appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary and Shadow Assistant Minister for Industry.
In March 2020 Ms Vallence was promoted to the role of Shadow Minister for Environment & Climate Change and Shadow Minister for Youth on the Victorian Liberal Nationals front bench, portfolios that Ms Vallence believes are critical to our community and future prosperity. She was re-elected as the Member for Evelyn in the November 2023 Victorian state election.
Prior to entering Parliament, Ms Vallence worked for 16 years in the automotive industry as a procurement executive in both the manufacturing and retail sectors in Australian, Asian and global markets, and is also experienced with organisational change and business transformation projects.
Ms Vallence holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Melbourne. In 2016, Ms Vallence was an inaugural fellow of the Melbourne School of Government Pathway to Politics Program for Women.
Application process
Our online application is comprised of four sections:
- Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
- Experience and political journey: These questions help us understand more about your political aspirations, experience, and your motivation and commitment to run for election. Free text questions have a word-limit of 250 words.
- Your ‘elevator pitch’: You will be required to upload a 90 second video. Tell us what issue(s) are important to you and what you would highlight about your values and life experience that might connect with voters and persuade them that if elected you would make a difference.
- CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.
Eligibility guidelines
Pathways to Politics to Women programs are open to women across Australia. If you are not a resident of Victoria, please visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au to find the Pathways to Politics program in your state/territory.
Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
To be eligible to apply, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
There are specific eligibility requirements for the University of Melbourne program. We request that applicants confirm their eligibility at the beginning of their application to the program in response to the following criteria:
- Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
- Current residency in Victoria.
- Identification as a woman (Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)
We are committed to minimising barriers to enter politics. As such, applicants identified by the selection committee as coming from an equity cohort will be prioritised. To be eligible to apply for a position in this equity category applicants must satisfy the application selection criteria, and also meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Identify as LGBTQIA+
- Previous status as a refugee or current holder of a humanitarian visa
- Culturally and linguistically diverse background
- Disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances
- Disability or chronic medical condition
- Difficult personal circumstances, or
- Coming from a regional, rural or isolated area.
If you have any other queries relating to Pathways to Politics for Women, please see our frequently asked questions section or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Pathways to Politics for Women?
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
In the last eight years Pathways to Politics has helped hundreds of women to run for office, and achieved 34 electoral successes nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.
Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, Pathways to Politics provides unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
The proudly non-partisan programs are uniquely designed in collaboration with eight leading universities across Australia, tailored to each local context. Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
Programs are open to women across Australia. Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of philanthropic and university partners.
Note: Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
Program background
Pathways to Politics for Women is an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne.
Inspired by the Harvard Kennedy School’s “From Harvard Square to the Oval Office” practicum, Pathways to Politics was initiated through the vision of Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of the Trawalla Foundation, who fundamentally believes in the value of more female leaders. For Carol this is about optimising outcomes for our country by ensuring that men and women together share power, leadership and decision making.
The foundational Pathways to Politics program launched at the University of Melbourne in 2016, followed by programs at QUT in 2019, UNSW in 2021, Charles Darwin University in 2022, the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra in 2023, and the University of Western Australian and University of Tasmania in 2024.
This network is led by the National Co-Convenors Sarah Buckley, CEO of the Trawalla Foundation, and Dr Meredith Martin, Director of the University of Melbourne’s Pathways to Politics program. Each state/territory program also receives strategic support and guidance from a local steering or advisory committee, drawing on the expertise of senior university representatives, politicians and Pathways alums.
Program impact
Since 2016, Pathways to Politics has helped more than 100 alums run for pre-selection and election. 34 electoral successes have been achieved nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.
There are 450 alums nationally, with a projected 1000 alums by 2026.
* Accurate at the time of publishing. Visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au/about for current figures.
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Am I eligible to apply?
Pathways to Politics to Women programs are open to women across Australia. If you are not a resident of Victoria, please visit pathwaystopolitics.org.au to find the Pathways to Politics program in your state/territory.
Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.
To be eligible to apply, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
There are specific eligibility requirements for the University of Melbourne program. We request that applicants confirm their eligibility at the beginning of their application to the program in response to the following criteria:
- Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
- Current residency in Victoria.
- Identification as a woman (Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)
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Do I need to go to the University of Melbourne to apply?
To be eligible to apply for the program, you do not need to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, be a graduate of the University, or hold any tertiary or higher education qualifications.
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How many participants will there be?
In 2024, the University of Melbourne program will accept approximately 25 participants.
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How are participants selected?
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Our selection process actively works to minimise barriers to entering politics, and prioritises community and professional experience as well as commitment to running for office.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Commitment to seeking elected office
- Professional and life experience
- Political engagement
- Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.
All applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee, which places a strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection.
The program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfill their shared aspiration to pursue public office.
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When do applications open?
Applications are open 6 March - 24 April 2024. You can apply online here.
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When does the program run and what's involved?
The 2024 program will be delivered as a combination of face-to-face and online sessions between August-October 2024. Sessions are generally scheduled for after work hours and weekends. Planned module dates and times will be listed here when they are confirmed.
Sessions are delivered as a mix of workshops, presentations and practical exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment. For example, you will be given professional media training, write your own political stump speech with assistance from an expert political speechwriter, and will deliver your speech in parliament.
We understand that participants in the program may have care giving responsibilities or other commitments. We schedule dinner breaks into sessions, and it will not be a problem if small children need to be present during sessions delivered online.
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Do I have to attend every session of the program?
In accepting a place in Pathways to Politics, participants agree to attend at least 80% of program modules (or a minimum of 8 scheduled modules) in order to meet the hurdle requirement for completion.
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What costs are associated with the program?
The University of Melbourne program is generously supported by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Melbourne and offered FREE to selected participants. Any flights, ground transfers, accommodation, and other fees associated with attending the program are not included. Meals will be provided during each in-person session (dietaries catered for on request).
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What is involved with the application?
Our application is comprised of four sections:
- Eligibility questions: These short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
- Experience and political journey: These questions help us understand more about your political aspirations, experience, and your motivation and commitment to run for election. Free text questions have a word-limit of 250 words.
- Your ‘elevator pitch’: You will be required to upload a 90 second video. Tell us what issue(s) are important to you and what you would highlight about your values and life experience that might connect with voters and persuade them that if elected you would make a difference.
- CV: You will be required to upload your CV. Please ensure it is no longer than two pages and includes two referees.
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What mentorship is available?
Throughout the Pathways to Politics program you will meet a range of sitting and retired politicians and have the opportunity to ask about their first-hand experiences of navigating the challenges of political life through Q&A's and workshops.
Once you complete the Pathways to Politics program you will be eligible to apply for the Pathways Alum Mentoring program (PAM). PAM runs annually and is designed to empower and support our alums who are intending to run for office in the next five years. PAM runs for approximately eight months, with a minimum of four one-hour mentoring sessions.
Mentors from across the political spectrum are formally matched to alums to support their political aspirations by:
- Understanding the mentee’s political journey to date;
- Providing practical guidance around potential strategies to become elected;
- Providing a safe place for discussion without judgement;
- Challenging assumptions and preconceptions about how to succeed;
- Encouraging self-directed reflection, analysis and problem solving; and
- Acting as a trusted mentor that maintains alum confidence, motivation, and resilience in their pursuit of public office.