Lead image: 2025 Tasmanian cohort with special guests the Hon Michelle O’Byrne, Hon Ruth Forrest MLC, Bridget Archer and Hon Sarah Courtney.
Just days after Tasmanians went to the polls in a closely watched state election, a new wave of aspiring women leaders gathered in Launceston to begin their own political journeys.
The 2025 Tasmanian program welcomes an impressive politically, professionally and culturally diverse group of women eager to contribute to Tasmanian and Australian politics.
We were delighted to welcome the 2025 Tasmanian cohort to the University of Tasmania last week, marking the program’s second year in the state.
Our Tasmanian program draws extensively from our national program curriculum, with a uniquely Tasmanian flavour. It began with a three-day residential at the UTAS Inveresk Campus in Launceston, where participants engaged in rich discussions on government, society and politics in Tasmania, political motivation, vision, values, and media training.
Guest speakers included the Hon Lara Giddings AO, Christine Milne AO, Hon Sarah Courtney, Hon Michelle O’Byrne, Bridget Archer, Hon Ruth Forrest MLC, Dr Rikki Mawad, and Dr Rob Hortle from the Tasmanian Policy Exchange.
Participants also heard first-hand insights from program alums on how to make the most of the program: Danielle Kidd, Gemma Smith and Rebecca Temple.
Over the coming weeks, the 2025 cohort will participate in masterclasses and workshops designed to build their political confidence, leadership and speechwriting skills, culminating in the delivery of their own stump speeches at Parliament House in Hobart.
Register your interest
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