Pathways to Politics alum Neane Carter is redefining political courage

For Pathways to Politics alum Neane Carter, political courage isn’t about being fearless – it’s about leading through fear.

Nominated for a scholarship by Pathways to Politics, Neane recently took part in a prestigious young leaders program in Geneva, an experience that has deepened her commitment to advocacy and inclusive leadership.

Neane Carter, a proud Aboriginal woman and alum of last year’s Victorian program, last month participated in the prestigious Leadership Excellence in Politics (LEiP) training program in Geneva.

Coordinated by the Better Politics Foundation, Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Kofi Annan Foundation, and NexusVesting, LEiP brought together emerging political changemakers from across the globe. The intensive training focused on democratic leadership, ethics, citizen engagement and bridging social and political divides – an experience Neane says profoundly shifted her perspective.

Two photos: a close of of Neane Carter speaking to a woman, papers and pens in front of them; a classroom with a group of diverse young people sitting in a semicircle, listening to two women speaking from red armchairs.

“LEiP helped me confront the fact that fear was a driving factor in my hesitation to enter politics,” Neane says.

“It helped me to see that fear can be a strength. It can keep you accountable and keep your path true. It’s not about overcoming the fear – it’s about how working with it and despite it, can make you a better leader.”

Neane is the second Pathways to Politics alum to be awarded a scholarship to the program, following Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis (2023 UNSW alum), who took part in the inaugural LEiP program last year.

Raised on Wamba Wamba Country in Swan Hill, Neane has multi-clan connections across Victoria – Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta on her father’s side, and Wamba Wamba on her mother’s. She is a lawyer with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and was named Indigenous Lawyer of the Year at the 2024 Women in Law Awards.

Neane’s deep-rooted commitment to advocacy, shaped by her rural upbringing and cultural identity, continues to guide her.

“I have always had an interest in cross-cultural relations, and how we can mobilise as a global people to combat generational challenges,” Neane reflects.

“But I struggled to view myself within the political sector, and therefore absent from those important rooms. My participation in Pathways to Politics enabled me to explore this, whilst building my confidence in taking a step towards the unknown. Having the support of the program convenors in nominating me for LEiP was an incredible honour, and I felt encouraged in expanding my political knowledge.”

Group of diverse young people stand in a semicircle in a bright, modern conference space. A woman in the foreground is writing on a whiteboard.

During the week-long LEiP program, Neane and 14 other young leaders took part in sessions with global political experts and changemakers.

“Meeting delegates from all over the world and hearing their political contexts was very powerful. I was struck by the diversity of challenges our nations face – but also the vast similarities we share,” Neane says.

The experience has only sharpened her resolve.

“I want to explore greater political participation. Not just within politics itself, but also through advocacy groups and grassroots movements,” she says.

By weaving together lived experience, cultural knowledge and global insight, Neane is part of a new generation of First Nations leaders expanding the boundaries of political leadership in Australia. While her next steps may still be unfolding, Neane’s vision for a fairer, more inclusive Australia is already taking shape.