Six alums from the inaugural 2024 Pathways to Politics program at The University of Western Australia (UWA) are running for state parliament in Western Australia.
Just six months after completing the intensive program, these women are stepping up to contest both upper and lower house seats, from Albany to the Midwest. The election takes place on 8 March – fittingly, International Women’s Day.
Launched in 2024 in partnership with UWA, the Western Australian Pathways to Politics program is part of our national initiative to boost gender equality and diversity in Australian politics nationwide.
With the addition of The University of Western Australia and the University of Tasmania to our partner network in 2024, Pathways to Politics became a truly national program, providing women from all corners of Australia and all walks of life the opportunity to engage in political leadership and contribute to the future of the nation.
The inaugural WA cohort brought together 20 women from diverse political, professional and cultural backgrounds dedicated to driving change.
Led by UWA’s Centre for Public Value and the UWA Public Policy Institute, the inaugural 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.
We congratulate our six alum candidates and wish them every success in their campaigns!
The candidates:
- Amanda Dorn (Animal Justice Party, Upper House)
- Hayley Edwards (Liberal, Rockingham)
- Jen McRae (Independent, Upper House)
- Jenna Denton (WA Labor, Midwest)
- Nathalie Bergon (Animal Justice Party, Upper House)
- Renee McLennan (Independent, Bassendean)
Applications for our 2025 programs open nationally on 6 March 2025.
