Georgie: 
Something special that comes from being a Pathways to Politics alum is the collegiate camaraderie, knowing we’ve all been through the program, no matter what side of politics we’re on – particularly for Gaelle, Sarah and I, who sit in the same House in Parliament.  

We know this is backed by evidence too – when women step into leadership roles we work to find common ground where we can, and find pathways forward together. 

Sarah: 
I really agree with that. Knowing we’re all alums, there’s that undercurrent there, that we know that we’re accountable to each other, and want to show that there’s a better standard we can aim for in how we interact. I can say in all honesty, with Georgie and Gaelle, even when we’ve held strong, opposing views on difficult issues, we’ve always engaged in civilised debate, both inside and outside the chamber. On those really tough days in Parliament, knowing that your colleagues across the chamber are going to treat you respectfully is really powerful. Pathways to Politics has definitely played a role in that. 

Gaelle: 
Maybe it’s a reflection on the type of people Pathways to Politics attracts too, people open to different political viewpoints and backgrounds. My 2018 cohort still stays in touch – those relationships last! And early on in Parliament, it was such a good point of connection: “Oh hey, you did the program too?” That shared experience builds trust and respect. 

Georgie: 
Gaelle and I were part of a history-making change – for the first time, all of Northern Victoria is represented by women. It’s really meaningful that we share this background. 

And I chair an Upper House committee with Sarah and Gaelle as members. Never once has anyone behaved in the way people sometimes assume politicians behave – it’s been a really respectful, productive space.  

Sarah: 
Although there’s always a political element, the level of collaboration in the committee work is different. It’s a more genuine exploration of ideas. The relationships we’ve built through Pathways to Politics helps – sometimes it’s that informal connection that lets you explore different views respectfully. 

Gaelle: 
That collaboration is crucial in committee work. Of course we have big policy differences – but we often want the same outcomes, just via different approaches. Respect matters. 

I did a parliamentary internship as a student 30 years ago, and Parliament was a very different place then. Now, you see so many more women, and that makes a difference. 

Sarah: 
I agree. We’re lucky to be here at this time. Parliament’s culture has changed, but there’s still a way to go to fully reflect our broader community – especially for people of colour, First Nations people, and others. Some of the structural elements of Parliament still have deeply patriarchal roots. It’s not just who’s in the room that needs to change – it’s how the room functions. Still, the progress we’ve seen is encouraging. And Pathways to Politics shows that change is possible when it’s made a priority. 

Georgie: 
Think about how far we’ve come! Before I was elected, I was a staffer and worried about the culture in Parliament. But my experience has been better than I expected. Women have changed the culture rapidly by calling things out and supporting one another. 

We now have gender parity, and for the first time, childcare in the building. These are big changes, and it’s no coincidence they’ve come in a Parliament with more women. Pathways to Politics alums have played a significant role in that. 

That should give us hope. Change is possible, and it can happen fast. 

Seven alums of Pathways to Politics currently serve as MPs in the Victorian Parliament, representing five different political parties:

Juliana Addison MP (Labor)
Gaelle Broad MP (Nationals)
Anasina Gray-Barberio MP (Greens)
Dr Sarah Mansfield MP (Greens)
Georgie Purcell MP (Animal Justice Party)
Kat Theophanous MP (Labor)
Bridget Vallence MP (Liberal Party)

We now have gender parity, and for the first time, childcare in the building. These are big changes, and it’s no coincidence they’ve come in a Parliament with more women. Pathways to Politics alums have played a significant role in that. 

– Georgie Purcell MP