Photo: 2024 UWA cohort in the Parliament of Western Australia
Our first Western Australian cohort have graduated from Pathways to Politics for Women after completing the intensive one-week program at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Western Australia has a rich history of women trailblazers in politics.
Edith Cowan OBE became the first woman elected to an Australian Parliament in 1921. The Hon Carmen Lawrence AO was the first female Premier of any Australian state or territory in 1990. Carol Martin OAM made history in 2001 as the first Aboriginal woman elected to any Australian parliament.
Last week, 20 women from diverse political, professional, and cultural backgrounds completed the Pathways to Politics program in WA, ready to make their own impact in the political sphere.
Led by UWA’s Centre for Public Value and the UWA Public Policy Institute, the program featured a series of practical workshops, panels and interactive sessions with prominent political figures and experts, all aimed at equipping participants with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to pursue public office and thrive as political leaders.
Day 1: Setting the scene
The first day kicked off with a Q&A session featuring Carmen Lawrence AO, who generously shared her insights on political vision and values, helping participants find their ‘why’.
Throughout the day, the cohort heard from Sandra Brewer (Liberal candidate for Cottesloe), Senator Fatima Payman (Independent Senator for Western Australia) and Rachel Siewert (former Greens Senator for Western Australia), who discussed their personal journeys into politics. Victorian Pathways to Politics alum Bridget Vallence MP (Liberal Member for Evelyn) also joined the group to offer advice on making the most of the program.
“From insightful discussions on leadership and public policy to networking with incredible women who are passionate about making a difference, I’ve learned so much in such a short time. The energy in the room is contagious, and it’s empowering to be surrounded by like-minded individuals committed to creating real change.”
– Fatima Faqiri, 2024 WA cohort member via LinkedIn
Day 2: How it’s done
The second day focused on local government pathways, political party structures, pre-selection and speechwriting.
Cr Karen Chappel AM JP (Shire of Morawa Councillor and President of WALGA) led a discussion on local government. This was followed by an exploration of party dynamics featuring Mia Davies MLA (Nationals Member for Central Wheatbelt), Liza Harvey (Former leader of the Liberal party and Member for Scarborough), Dr. Katrina Stratton MLA (Labor Member for Nedlands) and Sophie McNeill (Greens MLC Candidate). Participants also took part in a mock pre-selection exercise, gaining valuable experience in internal party processes. The day wrapped up with a workshop on political speechwriting led by Nyree Slatter.
Day 3: How to get there
UWA’s media team provided a session on media training, followed by a workshop on campaigning with the Hon Ken Wyatt AM JP (former Member for Hasluck) sharing his expertise. A panel discussion on working with community leaders featured Carol Adams OAM (former Mayor of Kwinana), Sophie Greer (Greens Candidate for Perth) and Kirrilee Warr (Nationals Candidate for Geraldton).
Day 4: Once you’re in
Day four introduced participants to the realities of life in politics. A panel on resilience and integrity featured Cr Georgie Carey (Deputy Mayor, Mosman Park), Hannah Beazley MP (Labor Member for Victoria Park) and Kate Chaney MP (Independent Member for Curtin). Carmen Lawrence AO returned for a session on policymaking and stakeholder engagement, followed by a hands-on budget workshop with Professor Helen Hodgson, and Deputy Premier and State Treasurer the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA.
Day 5: Speeches in Parliament
The final day took place at the Parliament of Western Australia, beginning with a moving Welcome to Country from Ingrid Cumming.
Pathways to Politics National Co-Convenor Sarah Buckley addressed the cohort, then participants toured the Parliament before delivering their stump speeches – a fitting end to a week of intensive learning and growth.
As our first WA graduates enter the political arena, we hope they feel well-equipped to carry on the legacy of Western Australia’s pioneering women, contributing diverse perspectives to all levels of government and helping shape the future of Australian politics.
We would like to extend our enormous thanks to the UWA Pathways to Politics for Women Advisory Committee, and to the Minderoo Foundation for their incredible support which allowed us to bring six of our regional participants, from Albany to Broome, to participate in the program in Perth.
