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Melbourne School of Government

Pathways to Politics Program for Women

Changing the face of politics

2021 Applications Now Open

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Changing the face of politics

In Australia, women are under-represented across all levels of government, business, civil society and positions of influence.

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is changing the face of politics. It seeks to increase female participation in politics by equipping women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in running for elected office, and to thrive as political leaders.

Now in its sixth year, the Program is a proudly non-partisan initiative open to all female graduates of Victorian universities, which places an emphasis on skills training, good governance, leadership and fostering strong bonds between participants.

The Program has already achieved remarkable success, with 13 program alumnae from across the political spectrum elected to local, state and federal government in just five years.

The foundation program in a national network of independent programs based at Australian universities, the Pathways to Politics Program for Women was launched by the University of Melbourne in 2015 in partnership with the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of our founder Carol Schwartz AO, the Program is available free to 25—30 participants each year, who are selected on a competitive basis.

The Program was developed by the University of Melbourne in consultation with the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School with reference to their long-running From Harvard Square to the Oval Office practicum, to redress the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.

Similar independent programs, modelled on the University of Melbourne program, have been launched by QUT in 2019 for women in Queensland, and by UNSW in 2021 for women in New South Wales.

Pathways to Politics for Women was featured in these articles in The Age and The Guardian in 2020.

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

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.


Our Impact

Established in 2015, the Pathways to Politics Program for Women has already achieved significant outcomes. In only five years, the Pathways to Politics Program for Women has created meaningful pathways to electoral success:

Program alumnae elected to state government

  • The Hon Bridget Vallence MP
  • The Hon Kat Theophanous MP
  • The Hon Juliana Addison MP

Program alumnae elected to federal government

  • The Hon Katie Allen MP

Program alumnae elected to local government

  • Cr Stephanie Amir
  • Cr Olivia Ball
  • Cr Jenna Davey-Burns
  • Cr Alida McKern
  • Cr Sarah Mansfield (elected in 2016 and 2020)
  • Cr Susanne Newton (elected in 2016 and 2020)
  • Cr Tina Samardzija

Many others have stood for election and pre-selection.

Testimonials from Program participants and presenters

"Life changing. Thank you for giving me the confidence to do this and run."
- Program Participant 

"What a SENSATIONAL program - a gift, an honour to participate, flawless execution, intellectually stimulating, wonderfully organised, inspiring and life changing!"
- Program Participant  

"This program really has changed my life. I started off feeling so unworthy but now I feel confident, capable, valued and supported. This is a truly marvellous program. Thank you so much for making it happen."
- Program Participant 

"It made such a difference to have incredible women from across the political spectrum, encouraging and supporting me all the way with skills, development and knowledge. This Program is crucial – more women in parliament better reflects our community’s values and experiences.
- Juliana Addison, Member for Wendouree and successful Program alumna

"The Program provided skills and expertise I didn’t know I needed. It provided a network of support that was incredibly encouraging. Women say, “I can do that”, when they see other women have."
- Dr Katie Allen, Member for Higgins and successful Program alumna

"We talk a lot about getting more women to run for public office but unless we equip them with the skills they need to nominate and win, it’s never going to change. And to be honest, the talk has gone on for long enough. This is the Program that makes change happen."
- Peta Credlin, Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Tony Abbott

"The Program brings together women with different beliefs, but a shared passion to use government policy to improve Australia. It’s been a privilege to see their skills and determination flourish through the Program."
- John Daly, Former CEO Grattan Institute

"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 for Women is an extraordinary Program, playing a critical role in helping achieve gender equity in our parliaments. It gives women a set of tools and insights that are invaluable in pursuing elected office."
- Ben Hubbard, Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Julia Gillard

"The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a great initiative enabling women to rise to the opportunity to lead in politics and to address the gender equity gap in political representation across our nation."
- Cr Vonda Malone, Mayor, Torres Strait Shire

"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, Parliamentary Leader, Victorian Greens

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.

About the Program

The Program places an emphasis on skills training, good governance, leadership and fostering strong bonds between participants.  It features guest presenters from across the political spectrum including politicians from all levels of government (both sitting and retired), public speaking professionals, campaign strategists, advisors, public policy experts, and leading figures in Australian political and public life.

The Program has a practical, experiential format, supporting active participation through workshops, case studies, panel discussions, Q&As and networking opportunities.

The Program curriculum is overseen by Academic Coordinator Jayani Nadarajalingam, Lecturer, Political Programs, Melbourne School of Government and is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:

  • Introduction to politics and the different levels of government
  • Articulating your political vision
  • Making the decision to run
  • Pre-selection
  • Fundraising
  • Campaign fundamentals and on the campaign trail
  • Media training
  • Resilience
  • Political leadership
  • Policy making
  • From political vision to stump speech
  • Ethical dilemmas in politics

We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who have devoted their time and experience to the Program, including:

  • Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree (Pathways to Politics alumna)
  • Dr Katie Allen MP, Member for Higgins (Pathways to Politics alumna)
  • The Hon John Brumby AO
  • The Hon Quentin Bryce AD CVO
  • 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 alumna)
  • Cr Susanne Newton, City of Darebin Councillor (Pathways to Politics alumna)
  • 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 alumna)
  • Senator Lidia Thorpe, Senator for Victoria
  • Laura Tingle, journalist
  • Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn (Pathways to Politics alumna)
  • Danielle Wood, CEO Grattan Institute
  • Senator Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.

  • Eight Fellows running in 2018 Victorian elections

    Eight Fellows from the University of Melbourne’s Pathways to Politics Program for Women will contest seats in this month’s Victorian election

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • The Roundtable: Women in politics, workplace bullying and beyond

    Dr Avery Poole, Dr Sharman Stone, Natalie James and Alexandra Grayson discuss complaints about pervasive bullying at the top of federal politics

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • A power imbalance

    With Australia sliding steadily down the world ranks of female political representation, a new University program is preparing to light the path for aspiring women politicians. By Gay Alcorn

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Good leadership means equal representation for women

    We know women are underrepresented in politics. Instead of wringing our hands, we must take positive steps to change that. By Professor Helen Sullivan. March 8, 2016 in The Age newspaper

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Sexism, women and Australian politics

    Dr Avery Poole on the sexist remark thrown at Senator Sarah Hanson-Young underscoring the urgent need for more women in Australian parliament

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • The Age discusses how Pathways to Politics is Paving the Way

    The Age interviews Carol Schwartz AO about the philosophy behind the Pathways to Politics for Women program, the 2020 cohort and the future of female participation in Australian politics.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Liberal preselection for Evelyn: Bridget Vallence bags prized safe Liberal seat

    Pathways to Politics alumna Bridget Vallence from the Liberal Party has been preselected for the safe seat of Evelyn for the 2018 state election.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • The new course getting more women into Australian politics

    Australian politics has extremely low levels of female participation compared to other developed democracies, but one program is aiming to change this.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Dr Andrea Carson discusses the poor representation of women in Australian politics on ABC Weekend Breakfast

    Dr Andrea Carson discusses the poor representation of women in Australian politics and how the Pathways to Politics Program seeks to address this issue

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • The Guardian on Women, Politics and Boys' Clubs

    With calls for more widespread gender equality in Australian parliaments, The Guardian looks to the individuals and institutions that are working to make meaningful change.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Diversity and Democracy: Julia Gillard Next Generation Intern report

    Pathways to Politics alum Stephanie Milione has written the latest Julia Gillard Next Generation Intern report.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Pathways to Politics Fellows among winning candidates in Victorian elections

    Three Fellows from the Melbourne School of Government’s Pathways to Politics for Women Program elected in the 2018 Victorian election.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • To Quota or not to Quota

    With the captains of industry failing to appoint women to the top table - The Policy Shop asks - should gender quotas in the workforce be mandatory?

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • ABC News coverage of the Pathways to Politics Program

    Featured, are interviews with fellows, alumni, and footage of the session in parliament

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Program aims to boost women in politics by teaching them how to get pre-selected

    AM's Claire Slattery went along to the launch of The Pathways to Politics program to meet some hopeful future leaders.

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • The Harvard plan to get more women into power

    "Ditch the Witch" marked a new low in Australian politics, but how much has changed for female political candidates in 2016? By Sonia Harford. May 21, 2016 in The Age newspaper

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Carol Schwartz talks on ABC News Breakfast

    Carol Schwartz AM joined ABC News Breakfast to discuss the second year of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women at the Melbourne School of Government

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Why the next editor-in-chief at The Age should be a woman

    The departing words of The Age’s editor-in-chief, Mark Forbes, who resigned this week amid allegations of sexual harassment, spoke to a gender ideal at a time of reputational damage for the newspaper, "… our dealings with all women must be respectful and equitable at all times"

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Four ways to get more women into politics

    Australia needs to develop multiple ways to bring more women into the political pipeline and help them succeed. By Professor Carolyn Evans

    31 Mar 2021 News
  • Amy Mullins on Sky News

    Sky News Host Ashleigh Gillon interviews Amy Mullins, Executive Director of the Women's Leadership Institute Australia and Angela Priestley, Editor of Women's Agenda

    31 Mar 2021 News

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women Joint Steering Committee is the principal management and governance committee of the Program. The Committee comprises representatives from Program partners as well as a Program alumna and a political advisor. The Committee provides advice on the long-term direction of the Program and oversees all matters related to the strategy, management and administration of the Program.

  • Carol Schwartz AO

    Non-executive Director

    Trawalla Foundation

    Carol Schwartz AO

    Carol Schwartz AM

    Carol Schwartz is a strong advocate for women in leadership, with a passion for the arts, entrepreneurial businesses and social enterprises. Carol Schwartz AO is the Founding Chair of the Women's Leadership Institute Australia, Founding Chair of Our Community and Chair of the Trawalla Foundation. Other Board roles include Non-Executive Director Reserve Bank of Australia, Non-Executive Director Qualitas Property Partners, Non-Executive Director Equity Trustees and Director Skalata Ventures. She is also a member of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Leadership Board and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership Advisory Board, Kings College.

    Carol was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours for her distinguished service to the community as a supporter of women in leadership roles, to social justice advocacy and to business. She received the Centenary Medal in 2001 in recognition of her outstanding service as a leading business executive and committee participant.

  • Julie Wells
    Dr Julie Wells

    Vice-President, Strategy and Culture

    University of Melbourne

    Dr Julie Wells

    Dr Julie Wells

    Julie is a member of University Executive and leads six broad Chancellery teams: Policy and Government Relations; University Governance; Strategy, Planning and Performance; Community and Cultural Partnerships; Marketing and Communications; and HR & OHS. Staff within Julie’s Strategy and Culture portfolio provide support to the program.

    Julie works closely with the deans and other members of the University’s senior leadership team to develop and implement University strategy and associated initiatives.

    Julie has extensive experience in the tertiary education sector as a senior administrator, lobbyist, adviser and policy expert. She has worked as a teacher and an academic, led policy, research and government relations in the National Office of the NTEU, and has enjoyed brief stints working in government as a policy analyst and ministerial adviser.

  • Dr Nicholas Reece

    Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne and Director, Enterprise and Projects

    University of Melbourne

    Dr Nicholas Reece

    Dr Nicholas Reece

    Nicholas Reece is Principal Fellow with the Melbourne School of Government, and Director of Strategy, Enterprise and Projects in Chancellery at the University of Melbourne. Nick has considerable experience in policy making and politics in government having worked for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian Premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. Key roles during this period include Deputy Chief of Staff, Head of Policy, and Director of Strategy. He has also served as Secretary and Campaign Director of the ALP in Victoria.

    Nick currently serves as a Deputy Lord Mayor for the City of Melbourne. Previously, Nick served as Councillor in 2016, where he was the Chair of the Planning portfolio and Deputy Chair of Major Projects. In his current role, he sits as representative on the the Committee for Melbourne, Inner Melbourne Action Plan Implementation (IMAP) Committee, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute Advisory Board and Melbourne Art Trust.

    Nick is a host and commentator on Sky News and is also a regular columnist with The Age, The Guardian and Herald Sun.

    Nick is an original Mo Bro and director of the global men's health movement Movember which has raised over $1 billion for prostate cancer and men's suicide prevention. For over a decade Nick served as a director of the street newspaper The Big Issue, Australia's most successful social enterprise.

  • Ms Bridget Vallence MP

    Member for Evelyn

    Ms Bridget Vallence MP

    Ms Bridget Vallence MP

    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.

    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.

  • Ms Ruby Schwartz

    Board Member

    Women's Leadership Institute Australia

    Ms Ruby Schwartz

    Ms Ruby Schwartz

    Ruby Schwartz is an audio producer, researcher and storyteller. She is currently a producer at 7am, a daily news podcast that tells the news through in-depth interviews and sharp analysis. Recently, she has reported on the bushfires, and the social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Before 7am, Ruby worked at Pineapple Street Media in New York, producing podcasts including Lena Dunham's The C-Word. Prior to that, she was a research assistant for the vice-chancellor at the University of Melbourne, where she also produced podcasts including The Policy Shop and The Masterclass. Ruby is a graduate of the Transom Story Workshop.

  • Ms Sarah Buckley

    CEO

    Trawalla Foundation

    Ms Sarah Buckley

    Ms Sarah Buckley

    Sarah has over fifteen years’ leadership experience in sustainability, responsible business and philanthropy. Sarah is currently CEO of the Trawalla Foundation, the private foundation for entrepreneurial businesspeople Carol and Alan Schwartz. Sarah has played an integral role in the evolution of Pathways to Politics for Women, and is particularly focused on the alumni community and growth of Pathways to other Australian states.

    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. Alongside the Trawalla Foundation, Sarah runs a consulting business enabling major organisations to strengthen their responsible business approaches.

  • Dr Meredith Martin

    Program Director

    University of Melbourne

    Dr Meredith Martin

    Dr Meredith Martin

    Dr Meredith Martin is the Program Director for the Pathways to Politics Program for Women and worked closely with Carol Schwartz to establish the Program at the University of Melbourne in 2015. She is Chair of the Program’s Selection Committee and Co-chair of the Program Working Group, overseeing the Program’s management and providing strategic advice on its development on behalf of Chancellery at the University.

    Meredith has held a number of academic and professional roles at the university and led a range of strategic partnerships and 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 Public Galleries Association of Victoria.

  • Associate Professor Tom Daly

    Deputy Director

    Melbourne School of Government

    Associate Professor Tom Daly

    Associate Professor Tom Daly

    Tom is Deputy Director of the University of Melbourne School of Government, Director of the global online research platform Democratic Decay & Renewal (DEM-DEC: www.democratic-decay.org), Co-Convenor of the Constitution Transformation Network (Melbourne), and Associate Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Constitutional Law.

    As well as extensive experience in the university sector (at Melbourne, Edinburgh and Copenhagen universities), Tom has worked in a variety of roles in government and international organisations, including running the Office of the Chief Justice of Ireland for over 6 years and working on judicial education at the Judicial Studies Institute.

    Tom’s research focuses on democratic governance, with a strong cross-disciplinary approach drawing mainly on public law and political science scholarship, and analysing connections between law and policy at the domestic, transnational, and international levels.

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.

How to apply

Applications for the 2021 cohort of the Pathways to Politics Program for Women are open from 12 noon 31 March to 3pm 7 May . The Program will commence in mid-August 2021. Please apply by clicking on the button below.

Apply Now

The application is comprised of four sections:

  • Eligibility questions: these short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program
  • Scenario-based questions: these questions will help us understand more about your personal and professional leadership experience, political aspirations and commitment to run, and your engagement with Australian politics and policy. These questions have a 250-word limit.
  • CV: please ensure your CV is no longer than three pages and includes three referees
  • 90-second Video: this video provides an opportunity for you to pitch what you will bring to the Program and what impact you can make in the political realm

Eligibility guidelines

The program will accept up to 30 participants. Applicants must:

  • Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa, and identify as a woman.
  • Hold an undergraduate and/or an honours, masters or doctoral degree* from a Victorian university;

or

  • Hold an undergraduate and/or an honours, masters or doctoral degree* from a university outside Victoria and have resided in Victoria for the last five years

or

  • Be currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral degree* at a Victorian university

*Eligibility waivers may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Selection Committee Chair, on the basis of a combination of qualifications and experience deemed to be equivalent to a degree.

Participants will be selected on a competitive basis.

Equity

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is committed to minimising barriers to enter politics. As such, applicants identified by the Selection Committee as coming from an “equity” cohort will be prioritised. Applicants must be able to demonstrate capacity to succeed in the program, through satisfying the application selection criteria. Applicants must also qualify for one or more of the following criteria:

  • Identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • Previous status as a refugee or current holder of a humanitarian visa
  • Disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances
  • Disability or chronic medical condition
  • Difficult personal circumstances; or
  • Coming from a rural or isolated area.

If you have any other queries relating to the Pathways to Politics Program for Women, please see our frequently asked questions section or contact us.

The Pathways to Politics Program 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Pathways to Politics Program for Women?

    The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a non-partisan initiative born out of a partnership between the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, Trawalla Foundation and the University of Melbourne. It seeks to increase female participation in politics by equipping women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in running for elected office, and to thrive as political leaders. The Program is open to graduates of Victorian universities.

    Now in its sixth year, the Program places an emphasis on skills training, good governance, leadership and fostering strong bonds between participants. It features guest presenters from across the political spectrum including politicians from all levels of government (both sitting and retired), public speaking professionals, campaign strategists, advisors, public policy experts, and leading figures in Australian political and public life.

    The Program has a practical, experiential format, supporting active participation through workshops, case studies, panel discussions, Q&As and networking opportunities.

    The Program was developed by the University of Melbourne in consultation with the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School with reference to their long-running From Harvard Square to the Oval Office practicum, to redress the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics.

  • Am I eligible to apply for this Program?

    There are specific eligibility requirements for this program. Applicants must:

    • Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa, and identify as a woman.
    • Hold an undergraduate and/or an honours, masters or doctoral degree* from a Victorian university;

    or

    • Hold an undergraduate and/or an honours, masters or doctoral degree* from a university outside Victoria and have resided in Victoria for the last five years;

    or

    • Be currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral degree* at a Victorian university

    *Eligibility waivers may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Selection Committee Chair, on the basis of a combination of qualifications and experience deemed to be equivalent to a degree.

  • How many participants will there be?

    In 2021, the program will accept up to 30 participants.

  • How are participants selected?

    Participants will be selected on a competitive basis. The selection criteria are as follows:

    • Commitment to seeking elected office
    • Leadership experience
    • Professional and life experience
    • Political engagement
    • Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.

    All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Steering Committee made up of representatives from the University of Melbourne, Trawalla Foundation and Program alumni. The Program emphasises multi-partisanship and seeks a cohort of women with diverse life and professional experiences.

    Candidates will be judged on their written application and video pitch. The Selection Committee will also take diversity and equity into consideration.

  • When will I know if my application was successful?

    All applicants will be notified by the end of June 2021.

  • How long does the Program run for? How many sessions will there be?

    The Program is comprised of 10 modules, the majority held on Thursday evenings, with 2-3 modules offered intensively on Saturdays. The Program runs from mid-August and concludes in November, with breaks to account for school holidays.

  • Do I have to attend every session of the Program?

    In accepting a place in the Pathways to Politics Program for Women participants agree to attend at least 80% of Program modules in order to meet the hurdle requirement for completion.

  • How much does the Program cost?

    The Program is generously funded by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Melbourne and offered FREE to selected participants. Participants must attend the Program in person. Any flights, ground transfers, accommodation, and other fees associated with attending the program are not included (close gap between n and full stop). Meals will be provided during each session (dietaries catered for on request).

  • What is involved with the application?

    We have partnered with Our Community and applications will be hosted on the SmartyGrants platform in 2021. The Pathways to Politics application is comprised of four sections:

    • Eligibility questions: these short questions help our Selection Committee to determine your eligibility for the program.
    • Scenario-based questions: these questions will help us understand more about your personal and professional leadership experience, political aspirations and commitment to run, and your engagement with Australian politics and policy. These questions have a 250-word limit.
    • CV: Please ensure your CV is no longer than three pages and includes three referees.
    • 90-second Video: this provides an opportunity for you to pitch what you will bring to the Program and what impact you can make in the political realm.

    The Program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfil their shared aspiration to pursue public office. In accepting a place in the Pathways to Politics Program for Women participants commit to the maintenance of a supportive and inclusive environment by agreeing to abide by the standards of behaviour outlined in the Program’s Code of Conduct.

Apply Now

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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