Pathways to Politics for Women (NSW)

The 2026 NSW program will run from 6 August to 20 October 2026. The program will be delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online modules: the sessions on 6, 7 & 8 August and 18 September will be held in-person in Sydney, while all other sessions will be delivered online.

The program will feature guest presenters from across the political spectrum including politicians from all levels of government (both sitting and retired), public speaking professionals, advisors, public policy experts, senior academics, and leading figures in Australian political and public life.

The structure of each session will vary, and will include panel discussions, workshops, seminars, Q&A discussions, practical work and networking opportunities.

Topics covered will include:

• Understanding the Australian political system
• Deciding to run, fundraising and pre-selection
• Building your base and campaigning
• Finding your voice and priorities
• Political leadership
• Fundraising
• Social Media
• Understanding policy-making
• Speech writing
• Media training

The program Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis to provide strategic oversight and ensure the high quality of the program.

• Ms Sarah Buckley
  CEO of the Trawalla Foundation
• Mrs Helen Dalton MP
  Member for Murray
• Professor Rosalind Dixon
  Program Director; Anthony Mason Professor of Law and Scientia Professor, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
• The Hon Courtney Houssos MLC
  Member of the NSW Legislative Council, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources
• Ms Di Ellis
  Proud Wiradjuri and Badu woman, 2025 NSW program alum
• Ms Jenny Leong MP
  Member for Newtown
• Professor Justine Nolan
  Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW
• Dr Elisabeth Perham
  Program Co-Director; Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW
• Ms Liesl Tesch AM MP
  Member for Gosford
• Professor Carla Treloar
  Scientia Professor, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW
• The Hon Gabrielle Upton
  Former Environment Minister and attorney-general
• The Hon Leslie Williams
  Former Member for Port Macquarie and Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly

What is Pathways to Politics for Women?

Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.

In the decade, Pathways to Politics has helped hundreds of women to run for office, and achieved 92 electoral successes nationally across the political spectrum and at all levels of government.

Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, Pathways to Politics provides unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.

The proudly non-partisan programs are uniquely designed in collaboration with eight leading universities across Australia, tailored to each local context. 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.

Programs are open to women across Australia. Program participation is fully funded through the generous support of philanthropic and university partners.

Am I eligible to apply for this program?

There are specific eligibility requirements for this program. Applicants for the NSW program must:

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Be an Australian citizen/Australian permanent resident/holder of a New Zealand Special Category Visa or permanent Humanitarian Visa.
• Currently reside in the same region as the program to which you are applying.
• Identify as a woman (noting we embrace an inclusive definition of ‘women’, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people)

If you are not eligible for this program because you are not resident in NSW, you may be eligible for our partner programs in other states and territories. 

Note: Pathways to Politics embraces an inclusive definition of 'women', acknowledging the diversity of women we work with and aim to support, including cisgender and transgender women, and non-binary people.

How many participants will there be?

In 2026, the program will accept up to 30 applicants.

How are participants selected?

Participants will be selected on a competitive basis. The selection criteria are as follows:

• Commitment to seeking elected office
• Leadership experience
• Professional and life experience
• Political engagement
• Ability to tell your story in a compelling way.

All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of representatives from UNSW and Trawalla Foundation. The Committee will place strong emphasis on multi-partisanship and equity in selection and seeks a cohort of women with diverse life and professional experiences.

The program is committed to minimising barriers to enter politics. As such, applicants identified by the Selection Committee as coming from an equity cohort will be prioritised. To be eligible to apply for a position in this equity category applicants must satisfy the application selection criteria, and also meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
• Identify as LGBTIQA+;
• Previous status as a refugee or current holder of a humanitarian visa;
• Culturally and linguistically diverse background;
• Disadvantaged socio-economic circumstances;
• Disability or chronic medical condition;
• Difficult personal circumstances; or
• Coming from a rural or isolated area.

When will I know if my application is successful?

We aim to advise all applicants of the outcome of the application process in late-May 2026.

How long does the program run for? How many sessions will there be?

The 2026 NSW program will run from 6 August to 18 September 2026. The program will be delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online modules: the sessions on 6,7,8 August and 18 September will be held in-person in Sydney, while all other sessions will be delivered online.

Do I have to attend every session of the program?

Selected participants should plan to attend all sessions. At a minimum, selected participants are expected to attend at least six out of the eight sessions (including the first in-person session). Participants who are not able to commit to at least six sessions may be asked to withdraw from the program.

How much does the program cost?

The program is FREE for the selected participants. The program is generously funded by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of New South Wales. 

What is involved with the application?

There are five parts to applying to the program in NSW:

1. Eligibility questions: these short questions help our committee to determine your eligibility for the program.

2. Valuing diversity question: this question helps our committee to ensure equity considerations are taken into account in the application process.

3. Party affiliation: this question helps our committee ensure political diversity within our cohort.

4. Scenario-based questions: these five questions will help us understand more about your professional skills including leadership, strategy and your commitment to run. These questions have a 250 word limit.

5. Video Pitch submission: a 90 second video outlining one issue you’re passionate about in politics and what you’re hoping to learn from Pathways to Politics and how you can contribute to the program

6. CV: Attach your CV: ensure your CV is no longer than three pages and includes three referees (please provide name, contact details and position description for each referee, but do not provide a reference from any of them).

Additionally, you must agree to be bound by the Code of Conduct for participants before you can be accepted onto the program.

If you have any questions not covered by these FAQs, please email pathways.to.politics@unsw.edu.au