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.

What to expect
Participants will gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers to give you confidence and clarity about your future in politics.
You will be supported to realise your capabilities through practical workshops and exercises provided in a respectful and supported environment – for example through media and campaign training, and delivering a speech in the Victorian parliament.
Our program curriculum is comprised of 10 modules across themes including:
- political vision
- campaign planning
- media training
- speech-writing
- leadership skills
Past speakers
We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who have devoted their time and experience to our program. Past speakers include:
- Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Dr Katie Allen MP, Former Member for Higgins (Pathways to Politics alum)
- The Hon John Brumby AO
- The Hon Quentin Bryce AD CVO
- Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp
- Annabel Crabb, journalist
- Peta Credlin, SKY News anchor and former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Tony Abbott
- Joel Deane, speechwriter and journalist
- Dr Angelia Grant, Office of the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer, Federal Member for Kooyong
- Dr Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi
- Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia
- Jill Hennessey MP, Member for Altona
- Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy
- Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
- Dr Simon Longstaff AO, Executive Director, The Ethics Centre
- The Hon Jenny Macklin, Vice Chancellor's Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, former Member for Jagajaga and Deputy Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party
- Cr Vonda Malone, Mayor of the Torres Shire Council
- Michelle Moffat, Managing Director Moffat Corporate
- Cindy McLeish, Member for Eildon
- Cathy McGowan AO, former Member for Indi
- Ruth McGowan OAM, author of Get Elected, independent consultant ((Pathways to Politics alum)
- Cr Susanne Newton, City of Darebin Councillor (Pathways to Politics alum)
- The Hon Kelly O'Dwyer, former Member for Higgins
- Cr Cathy Oke, Councillor for the City of Melbourne
- Clare O'Neil MP, Member for Hotham
- Fiona Patten MP, Leader of Reason
- Hamish Park, Director Melbourne Leadership Group and Senior Fellow, Melbourne School of Government
- Lissie Ratcliff, Chief of Staff to the Premier of Victoria
- Samantha Ratnam, MLC for Northern Metropolitan and the leader of the Victorian Greens
- Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Director of Strategy, Policy and Projects, University of Melbourne and Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
- The Hon Nicola Roxon, former Member for Gellibrand
- Senator Janet Rice, Senator for Victoria
- Steph Ryan MP, Member for Euroa, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
- Leigh Sales, journalist
- Ellen Sandell MP, Member for Melbourne
- Natasha Stott Despoja AO, founding Chairperson of Our Watch, Member World Bank Gender Advisory Council and UN High Level Working Group on the Health & Human Rights of Women, Children and Adolescents.
- Kat Theophanous MP, Member for Northcote (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Senator Lidia Thorpe, Senator for Victoria
- Laura Tingle, journalist
- Bridget Vallence MP, Member for Evelyn (Pathways to Politics alum)
- Danielle Wood, CEO Grattan Institute
- Senator Penny Wong, Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate