Pathways Alum Mentoring

Our application process is designed to understand your political aspirations, readiness to run, and the skills/experience gaps you currently face.

Applications are made online via the SmartyGrants platform.

A Selection Committee will choose the mentoring cohort and pair each mentee with a mentor. The number of mentees selected in each state/territory may vary each year. Priority is given to applicants who have clearly demonstrated their political engagement and commitment to running in the next five years, and have effectively articulated their political aspirations and the guidance they seek from a mentor in order to achieve them.

The Selection Committee will be guided by the principles of multi-partisanship, diversity and equity that inform selection into the Pathways to Politics for Women program. We are committed to ensuring participants represent a range of perspectives including political, professional and personal experiences, and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We will match you with a mentor based on the political goals and aspirations you outlined in your application, along with the specific skills or experience you are looking to develop.

We draw from an exceptional group of mentors from across the political spectrum and all levels of public office, including current and retired politicians and individuals deeply involved in political life.

Once the match is made, the information you provided in your application will be shared with your mentor.

Mentoring sessions can be held in person or online (e.g. via Zoom) and are private and confidential. You will receive guidance and support throughout the mentoring period from the Pathways team in your jurisdiction, with the expectation that you will take the lead in driving the interactions with your mentor.

If your application is successful and you are selected as a mentee, we will provide you with further information, Mentoring Guidelines and FAQ’s to help you navigate your mentorship.

Once matched with a mentor, you will receive their contact details and it will be your responsibility to make first contact with them. We encourage you to do this via email.

Before your mentoring sessions begin, you will attend an online information session with the Pathways to Politics team to ensure you are fully prepared. We will provide support throughout your mentorship, including periodic check-ins via email or survey, to ensure your mentor-mentee relationship is progressing well. In addition, you will have two scheduled progress check-in calls with the team to address any concerns, and ensure you are receiving the guidance and support you need.

As a mentee, you are expected to:

• Read and adhere to the Pathways Alum Mentoring Guidelines and associated policies
• Meet with your mentor at least four times, either online or in person, during the agreed mentoring period. You will be responsible for driving the mentoring relationship, including making initial contact and setting up all mentoring meetings
• Maintain professional standards of behaviour, safety and confidentiality in accordance with the Pathways to Politics Code of Conduct
• Respond to communications in a timely manner
• Contact the Program Administrators with any concerns or questions
• Participate in required evaluations and provide feedback.

For further information about Pathways Alum Mentoring in your state/territory, please email us:

• University of Melbourne
• QUT
• UNSW
• Charles Darwin University
• University of Adelaide
• University of Canberra
• The University of Western Australia
• University of Tasmania

“It has been a pleasure to take part in Pathways Alum Mentoring as a mentor. The program provides mentees with a valuable opportunity to better equip themselves with the skills to navigate running for public office, whether that be at a local, state or federal level. Our sessions have allowed me to share honest and frank advice with my mentees about the challenging, but immensely rewarding, process of putting your hand up to run for elected office.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
PAM mentor

“It’s not until the rubber hits the road that you realise how valuable a trusted and wise mentor is. My experience of mentoring with Pathways to Politics has enabled me to fast track my learning and draw upon years of political nous, stakeholder engagement and wisdom to inform my first year as a Councillor. I am in absolute awe of my mentor Sally Capp.”

Jenna Davey-Burns, former Mayor, City of Kingston
PAM mentee

“My mentor provided valuable coaching, acted as a sounding board, and advocated on my behalf to open doors for me. The meetings helped me to accelerate my ideas and broaden my thinking, and I feel much more prepared for the path ahead.”

Holstein Wong
PAM mentee

“If we are to have politics that truly works for people, it needs to look like the community it represents – and that means far more diversity. The mentees get insight into party dynamics and tips for preselection and representation, and as mentors we get the satisfaction of watching someone blossom and back themselves and go on to change the world.”

Senator Larissa Waters
PAM mentor

“Pathways to Politics provided me a window into the experience of those who have been politically successful. I’ve loved being able to provide that same opportunity to my mentee as she navigates her own pathway.”

Dr Katie Allen
Former Member for Higgins
PAM mentor

“I found this experience absolutely first rate. We were able to focus on the centrality of good policy ideas and the ongoing need for reform, as well as the crucial human elements of politics… and particularly the importance of taking the time to listen and genuinely engage with people from all walks of life.”

John Brumby AO
Former Premier of Victoria