AI is increasingly becoming part of our working lives – including in politics. From campaign planning and communications to research, administration and managing day-to-day workloads, AI tools offer new ways to work more efficiently, while also raising important questions about accuracy, authenticity, privacy and ethics.

In this blog post, members of our national Pathways to Politics community share practical insights into how they’re using AI in real-world political contexts, tips on where AI can be useful, lessons they’ve learned along the way, and areas where they believe caution is needed.

The perspectives are varied, reflecting the different ways people are approaching this rapidly evolving technology. Together, our alums offer a range of insights on the benefits and limitations of AI, and what it means to use these tools thoughtfully, ethically and effectively in political life.

Here are some of the key tips and considerations emerging from their experiences:

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1. Use AI as a thinking partner, not a decision-maker

Use it to brainstorm, test ideas, translate complex information, prepare for difficult conversations and explore different perspectives – while keeping the final judgement yours.

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2. Start with the time-consuming tasks

AI can help with administration, summarising documents, organising information, drafting early versions of communications and preparing meeting briefs, freeing up more time for people and community.

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3. The better the context, the better the output

Give AI clear information about your audience, purpose, values, tone and desired outcome. Be specific about what you want it to do and be prepared to iterate.

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4. Choose the right tool for the job

Different AI tools have different strengths. Experiment to find what works for you, from drafting and brainstorming to document analysis, design, research and organisation.

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5. Fact-check everything that matters

AI can produce convincing but inaccurate information, misunderstand local or political context, introduce bias or draw on the wrong jurisdiction. Ask for sources, check the original material and independently verify important claims.

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6. Protect privacy and confidential information

Think carefully about what you upload. Avoid putting personal, confidential or sensitive information into AI tools unless you are certain the tool and settings are appropriate for that information.

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7. Keep the human voice at the centre

Political communication depends on trust, connection and authenticity. Use AI to enhance your voice, not replace it.

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8. Think beyond productivity

AI is changing how we work, communicate and participate in public life. We need to think about their broader implications of AI on democracy, inequality, jobs, the environment, regulation and trust.

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Read the full contributions – COMING SOON

• Dr Josephine Okurame, AI educator and researcher
• Cr Elisha Lee, Deputy Mayor City of Monash
• Susanne Newton, former Mayor City of Darebin
• Ruth McGowan, former Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council and author of Get Elected
• Cr Leanne Patrick, Gladstone Regional Council
• Elisa Choy, founder of Australia’s first AI-powered strategic market research company