Elected representatives from across the political spectrum have come together to support Australia's most successful program for helping women into politics, offered through the University of Tasmania.
House of Assembly Speaker Michelle O'Byrne, Minister for Women the Honourable Jo Palmer and Member for Clark Helen Burnet have helped launch the non-partisan Pathways to Politics for Women program for 2025.
The national program, which ran for the first time in Tasmania last year, has helped 84 women get elected to parliaments and councils across Australia. Last year, 120 alums ran in elections with a 41 per cent success rate.
"Despite reaching 50 per cent representation for women in our parliament, we know that there are many who do not 'put their hand up'," Ms O'Byrne said.
"The Pathways to Politics program can provide a meaningful preparation to support women considering a political pathway and will lead to more diverse parliaments where women's voices are amplified."
Pathways to Politics is a fully funded two-month program offering comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for women to get a glimpse into the mechanics of politics behind the scenes, equipping them with some essential tools and knowledge to hopefully kick start their political career," Minister Palmer said.
The program has been uniquely designed and tailored to the Tasmanian context in a collaboration between the University of Tasmania and seven other leading universities across Australia. Participants gain first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters and media trainers to give them confidence and clarity about their future in politics in a safe, supportive environment.
"Skills provided in this program equip women who may contemplate a role in public life, either in local government or parliament. Politics is not for the faint-hearted, but alumni from last year clearly gained valuable lessons from seasoned mentors," Ms Burnet said.
2024 Tasmanian alum Ebony Altimira said the program had provided her with the skills and support to take the next step in her journey.
"To be able to hear from experts, guest speakers and to connect with people already in the political environment and gain an understanding of the different aspects of the political scene has been invaluable and inspired me," Ms Altimira said.
"We all have a story to tell and this program has enabled me to find my voice and confirm my passion for equality. It's empowered me to see myself in politics."
Pathways to Politics for Women celebrates its 10th year in 2025 after commencing in 2016 as an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women's Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne. Supporting the program aligns with the University's strategy to build a more equitable Tasmania.
Applications are now open at pathwaystopolitics.org.au
Picture: Speaker of the House of Assembly Michelle O'Byrne, Minister for Women the Honourable Jo Palmer, alum Ebony Altimira and Member for Clark Helen Burnet
