Program
About the program
Our proudly non-partisan program is uniquely designed in collaboration between the University of Melbourne and seven other leading universities across Australia, tailored to the Victorian context.
Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
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Saturday 16 August 2025 9:00am-5:30pm In person, Melbourne Saturday 23 August 2025 9:00am-5:00pm In person, Melbourne Saturday 13 September 2025 9:00am-5:00pm In person, Melbourne Thursday 18 September 2025 6:00pm-9:00pm Online Saturday 4 October 2025 9:00am-5:00pm In person, Melbourne Thursday 9 October 2025 5:30pm-9:00pm Online Thursday 16 October 2025 6:00pm-9:00pm Online Monday 20 October 2025 6:00pm-7:00pm Online Thursday 23 October 2025 5:00pm-10:00pm In person, Melbourne Graduation TBC 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm In person, Melbourne -
Participants will gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give you confidence and clarity about your future in politics.
You will be supported to realise your capabilities through practical workshops and exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment – for example through media and campaign training, and delivering a speech in the Victorian parliament.
Our program curriculum is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:
- political vision
- campaign planning
- media training
- speech-writing
- leadership skills
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We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who have devoted their time and experience to our program. Past speakers include:
- Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Dr Katie Allen MP, Former Member for Higgins (Pathways to Politics alum)
- The Hon John Brumby AO
- The Hon Quentin Bryce AD CVO
- Lord Mayor of Melbourne Cr Nicholas Reece
- Annabel Crabb, journalist
- Peta Credlin, SKY News anchor and former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Tony Abbott
- Joel Deane, speechwriter and journalist
- Dr Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi
- Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia
- Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy
- Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
- The Hon Jenny Macklin, former Member for Jagajaga and Deputy Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party
- Cathy McGowan AO, former Member for Indi
- Ruth McGowan OAM, author of Get Elected (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Clare O'Neil MP, Member for Hotham
- Samantha Ratnam, former leader of the Victorian Greens
- Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
- The Hon Nicola Roxon, former Member for Gellibrand
- Senator Janet Rice, Senator for Victoria
- Leigh Sales, journalist
- Senator Jana Stewart, Senator for Victoria
- Natasha Stott Despoja AO, founding Chairperson of Our Watch
- Laura Tingle, journalist
- Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Senator Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate