Programs have kicked off in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia, with new cohorts getting stuck into the practical, challenging and rewarding business of political leadership.
More than 150 diverse women are joining Pathways to Politics for Women programs across Australia in 2026.
Programs are already underway in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia, with the ACT, Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory programs starting soon. Together, our 2026 cohorts represent women from a wide range of professional, cultural and community backgrounds, united by an interest in making a difference through political leadership.
The opening sessions have already brought participants into conversations with an impressive range of politicians, community leaders and experts. From making the decision to run, to campaign trail stories, doorknocking role-plays and media hot seats, participants are getting plenty of opportunities to put their ideas into practice.
Victoria
Our Victorian cohort at the University of Melbourne was the first to get started this year and is already at the halfway point. Participants have been diving into practical campaign and media training, while hearing from expert panels featuring experienced political leaders – including many of our elected alums.
Thank you to: Anasina Gray-Barberio MP, Angelica Di Camillo, Claire Ferres Miles, Cr Samantha Choudhury, Cr Debbie Taylor Haynes, Sue-Anne Hunter, Dr Kate Lardner, Cr Kylie Spears, Cr Kate Makin, Dr Meredith Martin, Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, Cr Katharine Nikolic JP, Stacey Ong, Angelica Panopoulos, Sally Capp AO, Dr Samantha Ratnam, Ruth McGowan OAM, Leanne Shingles, Senator Jana Stewart, Simmone Cottom, Tracey Spicer AM, Bridget Vallence MP, Sarah Witty MP, the Hon Mary Wooldridge, Cr Susan Yengi.
New South Wales
The New South Wales cohort kicked off at UNSW with three days of intensive learning – from why we run, to campaigning, local government, media training, preselection, fundraising, campaign strategy, speechwriting and social media.
Thank you to: Cr Indu Balachandran, Leanne Bergan, Michelle Bishop, Linda Burney MP, Kym Chapple, Mayor Margot Davis, Joel Deane, Cr Sylvie Ellsmore, Professor Jessica Grisham, Cr Soraya Kassim, Senator Kerrynne Liddle, Jenny Leong MP, Cr Melanie McDonell, Sarah Mitchell MP, Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, Dr Josephine Okurame, Savanna Peake, Jaimee Rogers, Sally Sitou MP, Cr Michelle Stephenson, Allegra Spender MP, Tracey Spicer AM, Mayor Tanya Taylor and Liesl Tesch AM.
Tasmania
Our Tasmanian cohort enjoyed three days of learning, connection and conversation in residence at the UTAS Launceston campus, a group dinner connecting our new cohort with the members of our Tasmanian alum community and advisory committee members, and masterclasses on campaigning, budgets and estimates.
Thank you to: Prof David Adams, David Bailey, Helen Burnet MP, the Hon Sarah Courtney MP, Cr Kristi Chapple, Claire Connelly, Traycee Di Virgilio, the Hon Ruth Forrest MP, the Hon Lara Giddings AO, Jess Greene MP and Jack Milroy.
South Australia
In South Australia, participants have begun their program at Adelaide University. In their first weekend they heard practical insights from alums Mayor Simone Bailey, Cr Georgia McDonnell and Loretta Romeo on how to make the most of the program, and enjoyed a networking session with alums from previous cohorts.
We’re grateful to every expert guest speaker and trainer who gives their time and experience to Pathways to Politics.
Their willingness to share the practical realities of political life – the opportunities as well as the challenges – is a vital part of what makes the program unique, supporting diverse women to embrace their political ambitions and thrive as leaders.
