Almost 100 years since the first woman was elected to the Queensland Parliament, QUT continues to foster a political career for women via its Pathways to Politics initiative which is now taking applications for 2026.
Successful candidates will be given the tools to prepare for a run at elections due to be held at all levels of Government in 2028.
When Irene Longman won the seat of Bulimba for the Country and Progressive National Party in 1929, she was not allowed to use the parliamentary dining room and there were no facilities for women at Parliament House. There have now been more than 100 women follow in her footsteps.
QUT Pathways to Politics for Women Director Professor Vicky Browning said there had been 121 graduates from the program since it began in Queensland in 2019, with 47 alumni having stood for election, 17 of whom have been elected to public office, including two Mayors and two Deputy Mayors in local government and an Assistant Minister in the Queensland government.
“Others who have completed the program have gone on to hold leadership positions across political parties and networks, while 18 per cent of Brisbane City Council is made up of our graduates. At Gladstone Regional Council, that representation is at 44 per cent,” Professor Browning said.
“The three alumni elected to the 58th Queensland State Parliament last year helped Queensland surpass a historic milestone of the 100th woman elected to state government.
“The next elections are just over two years off. That’s not a lot of time and it’s going to be a crowded market with local, state and federal governments all going to the polls.
“If you are an early-career politician who is serious about wanting to get into the next elections, you need to start preparing yourself now. This program is for you.”
Pathways to Politics is a non-partisan program which began in Melbourne in 2016, an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne. It is now offered in every state of Australia.
Professor Browning said Pathways to Politics was for women who were politically active or had political aspirations. It aims to help support them on their career journeys through targeted training and mentorship over a three-month period with three two-day workshops.
“Women involved in this program have access to a network of non-partisan women politicians and industry experts who share unique insights into every aspect of political life from pre-selection to campaigning and their community and political interactions,” Professor Browning said.
“The in-depth media training is particularly valuable and many women who have graduated from the program have expressed their appreciation for this element of the course.”
Advisory committee of members for QUT Pathways to Politics for Women include former politicians Ufficiale The Honourable Dr Teresa Gambaro, The Honourable Dr Mary Crawford, and Dr Linda Lavarch (Queensland’s first female Attorney-General). QUT Provost Professor Robina Xavier is Academic Sponsor of the program.
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for all rural and regional participants thanks to our Rural and Regional Access Partner Minderoo Foundation – ensuring equal access for women nationwide.
“More than half of all participants to date have come from regional, rural or remote areas of Queensland. This is a strength of the program as we can empower these women with the skills and confidence they need to represent their communities as an elected representative,” Professor Browning said.
For more information and to apply, visit QUT Pathways to Politics for Women.
Main image: The 2025 QUT Pathways to Politics for Women cohort at the Queensland Parliament
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
