Pathways to Politics Program for Women

Changing the face of politics

Interested in applying for our 2024 program?

Provide your information via our expression of interest form and we'll email to notify you when applications are open (around late February / early March 2024).

About the program

The University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a proudly non-partisan initiative that aims to change the face of politics by equipping women with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to run for elected office and thrive as political leaders.

An initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and University of Melbourne, our program is a part of a national Pathways to Politics partnership that seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in Australian politics. We are proud to be working collaboratively with a national network of universities who share our mission to change the face of politics in Australia. You can find out more about the Pathways to Politics national network at pathwaystopolitics.org.au.

The University of Melbourne program is open to female-identifying and non-binary residents of Victoria.

Pathways to Politics brings together significant expertise and experience from across Australia’s political spectrum. We will provide you with networking opportunities and practical training that emphasises good governance, ethics, and leadership.

We are committed to diversity and to supporting a strong and inclusive cohort culture to equip you with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks to run for elected office.

You will become part of a large, supportive network of diverse and highly motivated women from a range of political, professional, and cultural backgrounds, all dedicated to making a tangible difference to the political landscape.

Pathways to Politics has realised significant impact in advancing female political participation since it launched in 2016, with 30 electoral successes achieved nationally across the political spectrum at local, state and federal levels of government. The majority of alums intend to run for elected office in the next ten years. 19 alums ran in the Victorian state election, and 6 of them were elected. Learn more about our alums who have been elected here.

Pathways to Politics for Women was featured in this article in The Canberra Times in 2023.

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

Pathways to Politics has realised significant impact in advancing female political participation since it launched in 2016, with 29 electoral successes achieved nationally across the political spectrum at local, state and federal levels of government. The majority of alums intend to run for elected office in the next ten years.

In only seven years, the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women has created meaningful pathways to electoral success for the following alums.

Samantha Ratnam MP, Juliana Addison MP and Cathrine Buurnett-Wake MP pose for a photo in Victorian Parliament chambers

Program alum elected to state government

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

Program alum elected to federal government

Mary Doyle, Member for Aston
Katie Allen MP, Member for Higgins (2019-2022)

Program alum elected to local government

Cr Stephanie Amir, City of Darebin (2016—2020)
Cr Olivia Ball, City of Melbourne
Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, Deputy Mayor of Kingston City
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, City of Darebin (elected in 2016 and 2020)
Cr Angelica Panopoulos, Mayor of City of Merri-bek
Cr Tina Samardzija, Mayor of Monash City

Many others have stood for election and pre-selection.

Testimonials from program participants and 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

“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

"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 alum

"I couldn't have asked for a better way to build confidence to run in and win my first election than being a part of the Pathways to Politics program in 2016. It was inspiring and motivating to hear from the women that had made it before. They told us what it was really like, but why we should do it anyway."
- Cr. Susanne Newton, Darebin City Councillor and successful program alum

“A fabulous and vitally important program providing women from a variety of backgrounds with the tools and the confidence to have a go and get elected. The program is candid about how challenging it is being in politics, and how women regardless of political persuasion experience common challenges, but can work together to break down these barriers.”
– Bridget Vallence, Member for Evelyn 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, Deputy Mayor of Monash City Council and successful program alum

"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

"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 Pathways to Politics program is ground-breaking – it doesn’t just encourage women to pursue a career in politics, it equips them to do so. The diversity, smarts, and enthusiasm of the participants fills me with hope for the future of politics in Australia.”
- Danielle Wood, 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

About the program

Pathways to Politics places an emphasis on skills training, good governance, leadership and fostering strong bonds between participants. The program 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.

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

Our program curriculum is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:

Articulating your political vision
Making the decision to run
Pre-selection
Campaign fundamentals
Media training
Resilience
Political leadership
Policy making
Speech making
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 alum)
Dr Katie Allen MP, 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

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.

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.

Photo of Dr Samantha Ratnam MP, smiling, wearing black blazer

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.

Apply for the program

Interested in applying for our 2024 program?

Provide your information via our expression of interest form and we'll email to notify you when applications are open (around late February / early March 2024).

Application process

The University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women 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

Please note there are specific eligibility requirements for the University of Melbourne program. We request that applicants confirm their eligibility at the beginning of the application in response to the following criteria:

Applicants must be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
Applicants must be female-identifying or non-binary in gender identification.
Applicants must currently reside in Victoria.

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 the Pathways to Politics Program for Women, please see our frequently asked questions section or contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pathways to Politics Program for Women?

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a national, proudly non-partisan initiative that aims to change the face of politics by equipping women with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to run for elected office and thrive as political leaders.
This initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and University of Melbourne seeks to address the under representation of women in Australian politics, and is delivered in partnership with state and territory-based university partners the University of Melbourne, QUT, UNSW, Charles Darwin University, the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra.
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 program was developed in consultation with the Harvard Kennedy School, inspired by their long-running From Harvard Square to the Oval Office practicum. The foundational Pathways to Politics Program for Women launched at University of Melbourne in 2016, followed by QUT in 2019, UNSW in 2021, Charles Darwin University in 2022, and the University of Adelaide and University of Canberra in 2023. We anticipate the program will be fully national in the coming years. The program partners are proud to work collaboratively to increase women’s representation in politics across Australia.
Pathways to Politics brings together significant expertise and experience from across Australia’s political spectrum to provide participants with networking opportunities and practical training that emphasises good governance, ethics and leadership. The program supports a strong and inclusive cohort culture.
The program curriculum is delivered in a practical, experiential format, with modules covering topics such as political vision, campaign planning, media training, speech-writing and leadership skills.
Am I eligible to apply?
Please note there are specific eligibility requirements for the University of Melbourne program. We request that applicants confirm their eligibility at the beginning of the application in response to the following criteria:
1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
2. Applicants must be female-identifying or non-binary in gender identification.
3. Applicants must currently reside in Victoria.
How many participants will there be?

In 2023, the University of Melbourne program will accept up to 25 participants.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected on a competitive basis. 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 place a strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection and seeks a cohort of women with diverse professional and life experiences.
The program provides a safe space for women of diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, and ideologies to fulfil their shared aspiration to pursue public office.
When do applications open?

Applications for our 2023 program closed on 8 May 2023. People who are interested in applying for our 2024 program can submit an expression of interest via this form to be notified when applications are open (usually late February / early March 2024).
How long does the program run for? How many sessions will there be?
The 2023 program will be delivered both in face-to-face and online formats, with the majority of modules delivered face-to-face. Those who are accepted into the program must be able to attend a minimum of 8 scheduled modules.
Planned module dates and times are listed below:
- Saturday, 15 July 2023: 9:00am-5:00pm (face-to-face)
- Thursday, 20 July 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (online)
- Thursday, 27 July 2023: 5:30pm-9:30pm (face-to-face)
- Thursday, 17 August 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (online)
- Saturday, 26 August 2023: 9:00am-5:00pm (face-to-face)
- Thursday, 14 September 2023: 5:30pm-9:30pm (online)
- Thursday, 12 October 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (face-to-face)
- Thursday, 26 October 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (online)
- Thursday, 02 November 2023: 6:00pm-7:00pm (online)
- Thursday, 09 November 2023: 5:00pm-9:30pm (face-to-face)
- Graduation event (TBC early 2024, face-to-face)
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.
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.
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 session (dietaries catered for on request).
What is involved with the application?
The Pathways to Politics Program for Women 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.