Program outline

The program is generously supported by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Canberra, and is offered free to selected participants. View the eligibility requirements.

In 2023, the University of Canberra program will accept up to 30 participants. It will run from mid-July to mid-September 2023.

Our program comprises 10 modules and will be delivered both in face-to-face and online formats.

• Wednesday sessions will be delivered online (subject to confirmation) 
• Saturday intensive sessions will be conducted face-to-face. 

The program is generously supported by the Trawalla Foundation and the University of Canberra, and is offered free to selected participants.

Meals will be provided during each session. Dietary requirements are catered for on request.

Any flights, ground transfers, accommodation, and other fees associated with attending the program are not included. 

The 2023 program will run from August and conclude in September, with breaks to account for school holidays.

These indicative dates may be subject to change:

• Friday, 4 August 2023: 10:00am-4:30pm,
  followed by a welcome dinner 6:00pm-9:00pm (face-to-face)
• Saturday, 5 August 2023: 9:00am-5:30pm (face-to-face)
• Wednesday, 9 August 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (online)
• Wednesday, 6 September 2023: 6:30pm-9:30pm (face-to-face)
• Wednesday, 20 September 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (face-to-face)
• Wednesday, 27 September 2023: 6:00pm-9:30pm (online)
• Friday, 29 September 2023: 9:30am-4:00pm (face-to-face)
• Saturday, 30 September 2023: 10:00am-4:00pm (face-to-face)

Note: We understand that participants in the program may have caregiving responsibilities or other commitments. We schedule dinner breaks into sessions, and it will not be a problem if small children need to be present during sessions delivered online.

Pathways to Politics has a practical, experiential format, supporting active participation through workshops, case studies, panel discussions, Q&As, and networking opportunities.

Learning modules

Those who are accepted into the program must be able to attend a minimum of eight scheduled modules (at least 80% of Program modules) in order to meet the hurdle requirement for completion.

Our program curriculum is overseen by  Amy Kilpatrick, Director, 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, and is comprised of 10 modules across the following themes:

• Articulating your political vision
• Making the decision to run
• Pre-selection
• Campaign fundamentals
• Media training, including responding to cyberhate
• Mediation and negotiation
• Ethics and integrity in political leadership
• Resilience
• Policy making
• Speechmaking
• Ethical dilemmas in politics

Guest presenters

The program features guest presenters from across the political spectrum, including

• politicians from all levels of government (both sitting and retired)
• public speaking professionals
• campaign strategists
• advisors
• public policy experts, and
• leading figures in Australian political and public life. 

We are extremely grateful for the support of the many incredible guest speakers who devote their time and experience to the program.