How to become a politician
Find out what it takes become a politician in Australia.
Australian politicians have diverse backgrounds, experience and qualifications. The one thing they all have in common: a passion for improving an aspect of life in Australia.
There is no single path to politics. Some people join to influence policy relating to a specific issue, like housing or mental health, while others take a broader approach to community uplift. Some politicians come from industry or technical backgrounds and apply their transferable skills to lead, while others enter public service and launch their political careers from the outset.
The following guide outlines what politicians do, the skills they need and the different pathways that can lead to public office.
What do politicians do?
Politicians represent the interests of their constituents. They develop policies, debate legislation, respond to community issues and work with government departments to support public services. They need to attend parliament and spend substantial time in their community, listening to concerns, meeting with groups and individuals and making difficult decisions about what to lobby for. Those decisions are based on their analysis of data, briefs and recommendations from advisors.
Politicians are also strategic in the relationships, agreements and compromises they make with other politicians to achieve their goals. They must be adaptable to the rapidly changing political landscape to ensure that they maintain the support and influence necessary to have their voices heard.
According to Jake Mahemoff, while politics can be a challenging career choice, the rewards are significant. Jake is currently studying a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics at UNSW and is actively involved in a range of political party and council initiatives.
“The most rewarding part of politics is delivering outcomes for people, and then seeing the subsequent benefits,” says Jake. “It’s also hugely rewarding having conversations with people who have benefited from the policy and/or program you have implemented.”
Politician vs public servant: What’s the difference?
The difference between a politician and a public servant is that politicians are elected representatives who make decisions, shape policy and speak on behalf of their communities. On the other hand, public servants are employed by government departments to provide expert advice, implement policies and keep essential services running.
The two work closely, especially when the politician belongs to the governing party and manages the portfolio in which the public servants work. However, politicians are accountable to the voters who elected them, whereas public servants are government employees (regardless of which party is in power) and report to their department head.
What skills do you need to be a politician?
Politicians require a mix of interpersonal and technical skills, with strong communication, emotional intelligence, resilience and analytical thinking shaping both their soft and hard skill sets.
Many of the skills needed to be a politician are developed over time through a mix of study, professional experience and community involvement.
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According to Jake, authenticity is key for anyone wanting a career in politics.
“The other attribute is being curious and listening. In order to craft good policy, one needs to listen to others, particularly those with lived experience. This is why it is so important to engage with people from other political societies, different religious and ethnic backgrounds and those from a different socioeconomic status.”
How do you become a politician?
While there are no specific qualifications required to become a politician, many who enter politics have studied fields such as politics, law, economics, international relations, sociology, philosophy or communications.
Understanding what influences government policies is a good place to start. Many of UNSW’s undergraduate degrees focus on developing critical thinking skills, which will help you analyse problems and form solutions in the political sphere. Programs like the Bachelor of Social Sciences, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws are great places to start.
If you’re seeking a more direct path into politics, the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding local and global challenges. At the postgraduate level, the Master of Public Policy and Governance applies a social science perspective to address real-world questions of policy, research and management, giving you a practical appreciation of the processes of policymaking, analysis and implementation.
A major influence on your path to becoming a politician will be what you do beyond study. Joining student clubs and societies on campus can teach you how to work towards change in a specific area, just as volunteering for community groups or joining a political party can.
Here are some typical pathways to becoming a politician:
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
Undergraduate pathway to politics
- Complete a bachelor's degree in an area that builds communication, critical thinking or civic understanding, such as politics, law, economics, international relations or communications.
- Gain practical experience through volunteering, student leadership, debating, community organisations or internships with political offices.
- Build your public profile through advocacy, local community involvement or policy-focused activities.
- Join a political party, youth wing or local council networks to expand your connections.
- Stand for preselection or run as an independent candidate when you’re ready.
Postgraduate pathway to politics
- Start with experience in a different field, such as law, education, health, business, engineering, social policy, community work or the public service.
- Complete a relevant postgraduate qualification, such as public policy, law or management.
- Become active in community organisations, advocacy groups or local government committees.
- Build networks within a political party or run as an independent at the community level.
- Consider standing for local council first, as many politicians begin by serving in local government before moving on to state or federal roles.
Mapping your career in politics
Many people think of federal ministers or the prime minister when they think of politics, but there are many other ways you can be active in the political arena.
Many politicians start their careers in local government as councillors or mayors, before (or at the same time) as being a party committee member. In local government, you work closely with your community, acting as a liaison between their needs and the council’s operations and management.
At the state level, politicians work on broader topics such as health, education, transport and statewide policy. They advocate for their local electorate by working with other ministers and by performing parliamentary duties, such as debating, voting on legislation, and serving on committees.
In Federal Parliament, members shape national laws, determine budgets and can influence international relations. They oversee areas such as defence and foreign affairs, trade and currency, immigration, postal services, and telecommunications.
FAQs about becoming a politician
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There is no set timeline to become a politician. Some people enter politics early through student leadership or local council roles, while others build long careers in other industries before transitioning to politics. Politics is more about readiness, reputation, community involvement and opportunity than ticking off a formal timeline.
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A career politician is someone who has dedicated most of their working life to politics, often starting through student leadership, youth wings of political parties or roles in local government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is an example of this, joining the Labour Party as a student and working his way up the ranks since graduation.
There are pros and cons to this path: some argue that being a career politician means never having worked in the real world. On the other hand, they tend to be masters of party politics and know how to use the system to achieve their goals.
Many successful politicians began in other professions before deciding to run for office. For example, former MP and UNSW alumnus Peter Garrett was an activist and the lead singer of Midnight Oil before entering politics.
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Studying politics can be a purely academic pathway to understand government, policy and society. This knowledge can be instrumental in many careers, including research, policy analysis, public service, diplomacy and advocacy.
On the other hand, you can become a politician through many paths – studying politics is not a prerequisite. Politics is more about running for office, representing a community and working within government decision-making.
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International students can study politics, law or related degrees in Australia, but only Australian citizens can stand for federal office.
Apart from being elected, members of parliament must also be:
- at least 18 years old
- an Australian citizen and not a citizen of any other country
- able to vote in the House of Representatives election
- not serving a prison sentence of 12 months or more.
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A politician’s salary varies significantly depending on the level of government, role, jurisdiction and responsibilities. Remuneration Tribunals set salaries at local, state and federal levels.
In smaller local councils, councillors may get as little as $10,000* per year, and the Mayor might get around $60,000*, whereas the salary for the Lord Mayor of a capital city is over $200,000*.
State members of parliament receive a base salary of around $180,000*, supplemented by allowances for their roles and committee positions. For senior ministers and premiers, this adds at least another $100,000*.
Federal members of parliament have a base of approximately $230,000*, which again builds depending on their role and responsibilities. The Prime Minister earns around $600,000* and the leader of the opposition receives about $400,000*.
*Based on NSW Remuneration Tribunals annual salary determinations.
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If you're passionate about a specific issue and want to drive change, or enjoy helping others and solving problems, you might consider a career in politics. Ideal personal qualities include being a good negotiator, genuinely interested in representing others and their communities and having the resilience to work long hours in a high-pressure environment. You’ll also need a thick skin to handle public scrutiny, but you'll be rewarded with the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community and influence positive change.
How UNSW prepares you for a future in politics
UNSW programs in politics, law, economics, philosophy and public policy provide excellent grounding for a career in politics. On campus, there are many societies and groups where you will find opportunities for debate, leadership, volunteering and real-world experience.
Studying at UNSW not only helps you gain knowledge from your coursework. It also develops your critical thinking, communication skills, ethical grounding and networks that are essential for public life.
While there are many misconceptions about a career in politics, perhaps the biggest one is that you have to be ‘political.’
Having a political career should not be an end goal in and of itself.
The goal should be to change people’s lives for the better. If one has an interest in improving people’s lives, and listens to others, then a political career is an excellent way to give back to your community.
Want to study politics at UNSW?
Explore the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, a three-year undergraduate degree that helps you develop in-depth knowledge and insights into three highly influential academic areas. You’ll develop your critical thinking skills, hone your understanding of international relations and examine contemporary debates through a philosophical framework.
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