Pathways to Politics
Program for Women
Changing the face of politics
Applications for our 2023 program are now closed.
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 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. 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.
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.
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 alum 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 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.
Dr Julie Wells
Vice-President, Strategy and Culture
University of Melbourne
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
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
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.
Ms Sarah Buckley
CEO
Trawalla Foundation
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 is the Program Director for the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics Program for Women and worked closely with Carol Schwartz to establish the Program in 2016 and has played a leadership role in its national expansion. She is Chair of the University of Melbourne Selection Committee and oversees the Program’s management, 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 Chair of the feminist, artist-led organisation Aphids, as well as a member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria
Associate Professor Tom Daly
Deputy Director
Melbourne School of Government
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.
Applications for our 2023 program are now closed.
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
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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.
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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:
- 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.
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How many participants will there be?
In 2023, the University of Melbourne program will accept up to 25 participants.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 session (dietaries catered for on request).
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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.