Georgie Burgess
28 October 2026: Once a place dominated by men making decisions for a young and growing nation, the Senate chamber of Old Parliament House was filled with a very different crowd last Friday.
One by one, 18 women rose from the deep sofas encircling the chamber and took their place where the President of the Senate once sat, delivering stump speeches to mark the conclusion of their Pathways to Politics for Women training at the University of Canberra ... and the start of their journey to public office.
Each spoke with passion and conviction, encouraging one another as they presented their vision for Australia's future and their potential places within it.
The fee-free, non-partisan initiative was launched by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Melbourne in 2016, with the University of Canberra joining in 2023.
The close-knit group formed the inaugural cohort under new Program Director Professor Chris Wallace, who praised the women for the progress they had made over the past three months.
“This program is an extraordinary thing, at a time when philosophical forces and tech platforms are trying to crush us into an awful masculine submission,” Professor Wallace said.
“This program is a wonderful thing, especially at a time when ideological forces and toxic social media content is trying to divide the community,” Professor Wallace said.
“I think this event can show us that things can change, and they can be made better.
“It takes a lot of energy, and it can be hard to keep your spirits up but by mutually supporting each other to make things better – whatever our politics – we can do it.”
The chamber was filled with the infectious energy of celebration and an undercurrent of anticipation rippled through the room as the cohort of women each eyed different elections and paths forward.
However, there was also the heavy weight of the attack, just days earlier, on the member for Indi, Helen Haines – an extreme example of a harsh reality of being a woman in politics.
“The outpouring of grief that we have seen from all quarters of the country is a testament to the Member for Indi’s selfless devotion to her community,” University of Canberra Council member Anne-Marie Lansdown said in her keynote address.
“Look at the words used to describe her over and over again: integrity, honesty, caring, commitment, a good person. Words that are not universally uttered when talking about politicians.
“Helen Haines has set a standard in Australian politics, and it is one to which this cohort can aspire to.”
Having joined the University Council following a long career in senior executive public service roles, Ms Lansdown also went on to address the graduating cohort about the importance of women being represented in every aspect of public life.
“We [women] have a unique perspective to offer in whatever field you choose,” she said.
“The Pathways to Politics for Women program is about so much more than getting you ready to run. It’s about opening your eyes to possibilities; it’s about personal growth and practical skills. It’s about finding your leadership style, and ultimately, it is about gaining confidence in yourself and finding your voice.”
Listening to every word was nursing lecturer and PhD candidate at the University, Belynda Abbott, who was one of the 18 graduates.
She is now planning to put her hand up for pre-selection for the Federal election expected in 2028, as part of the independent movement in Canberra.
“I’m a nurse, but I’ve always been very interested in serving community and it was part of my 10-year plan to step into politics,” she said.
“So, after a couple of my mentors said I should apply, I thought okay, I’ll throw my hat in the ring.”
Ms Abbott’s lengthy career in healthcare was a pivotal thread woven through her stump speech, which focused on the changes that need to happen inside the health system to make it more environmentally friendly.
“I don’t want to spend the next 20 years simply talking about what needs to change, I want to help change it,” she said.
Applications will soon open for the 2027 cohort of the Pathways to Politics for Women Program, and Ms Abbott is encouraging others to apply.
“It will change your world and your perspective – and it will make you a stronger individual,” she said.
“I also believe there is strength in numbers. So, the more women we have applying for this program, the more incredible candidates we will have running at each election to represent our communities in the big house on the hill and advocate for the issues that matter most to us.”
