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How to Become A Politician

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What is a Politician

A politician is someone elected to represent their community in government. Politicians help make the laws and decisions that shape daily life in Australia. They serve at the federal, state, or local level. It is one of the most direct ways to make a real difference.

Day-to-day, politicians do a lot more than debate in parliament. They meet with local residents, attend community events, and work with government agencies to solve problems. They research issues, sit on committees, and speak in the media to explain their views. Every day looks different.

Getting into politics takes time. Most politicians build their profile over many years. They get involved in the community, join a party, and work in related roles like law or public policy. There is no one set path, but effort and persistence pay off.

If you care about public service, politics puts you at the centre of the action. You get to help shape the future. It is challenging and genuinely rewarding for those who stick with it.

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Career Outlook for Politician

Politics is a stable career in terms of demand. Every level of government must have elected representatives. As of 2025, Australia has 227 federal parliamentarians (Australian Parliament House, 2025). There are also hundreds of state MPs and thousands of local councillors across the country.

Pay varies widely by level. Federal MPs earn a base of $233,660 per year (Australian Parliament House, 2024). State MPs typically earn $180,000 to $215,000. Local councillors receive allowances that vary by council size. The Prime Minister earns $607,000 per year (The Conversation, 2024). Most political roles are tied to election cycles, so income is not guaranteed long-term.

Competition for seats is high, particularly in upper-tier government. The path typically takes many years of community involvement and political experience. Opportunities are open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. Diversity in parliament has grown in recent years, with more women and people from diverse backgrounds winning seats. The outlook for engaged, well-networked candidates remains positive.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Politician in Australia

Step 1: Check you meet the legal eligibility requirements

Before you can stand for election, you must meet specific legal requirements. To run for federal parliament, you must be an Australian citizen, at least 18 years old, and enrolled to vote. You cannot hold citizenship of another country. You must not hold a government contract or be serving a sentence of imprisonment. State and territory requirements are similar but vary slightly. Check the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) at aec.gov.au or your state’s electoral commission for full details.

Step 2: Complete a relevant undergraduate degree

No specific qualification is legally required, but most politicians hold a university degree. Common choices include a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Bachelor of Arts in political science. A Bachelor of Economics or Public Administration also works well. These degrees typically take 3 to 4 years full-time at an Australian university. They build skills in policy analysis, legal reasoning, public speaking, and governance. Confirm current offerings on your chosen university’s website or at training.gov.au.

Step 3: Join a political party and get active in your community

Most successful politicians start at the grassroots level. Join a registered political party and take part in your local branch. Volunteer for community organisations, attend council meetings, and support local causes. Aim to spend at least 2 to 3 years building a public profile and a network of supporters. The Pathways to Politics program (pathwaystopolitics.org.au) offers structured training and mentoring for people considering candidacy, particularly for women.

Step 4: Build political experience through staffing or campaigning

Before running for office, gain direct experience in politics. Work as a political staffer or electorate officer for an elected MP. Alternatively, manage election campaigns at a local or state level. These roles typically last 1 to 3 years. They expose you to parliamentary procedure, policy development, constituent services, and media relations. This hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to prepare for public office.

Step 5: Nominate as a candidate with the relevant electoral commission

When you are ready to run, lodge a nomination with the relevant electoral commission. For federal elections, this is the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). For state and territory elections, contact your state’s electoral commission. You will need to submit nomination papers and pay a deposit. For a House of Representatives seat, the deposit is $2,000. You must also meet your party’s preselection requirements. Your party will guide you through preselection if you are running as a party candidate.

What does a Politician do?

A politician’s day is packed and rarely follows a set routine. They might start with a briefing from their office team, then head to committee hearings or a sitting of parliament. Between meetings, they respond to voter queries, talk to local businesses, or prepare speeches. Networking is a big part of the job. Politicians build ties with colleagues, community leaders, and key groups every day. In the evening, they might attend a community event or a fundraiser. It is a high-energy role for people who love being in the middle of the action.

Tasks

Every day as a politician is different. Politicians serve their community, shape government decisions, and keep public services on track. Here is a snapshot of what the job looks like in practice.

  • Attending parliament or council sittings and voting on legislation.
  • Meeting constituents to hear concerns and provide support.
  • Sitting on committees to review policies, budgets, and government programs.
  • Developing policy ideas with advisers and stakeholders.
  • Delivering speeches in the chamber, at public events, and in the media.
  • Engaging with local community groups, businesses, and advocacy organisations.
  • Managing media inquiries and public communications.
  • Campaigning to build electoral support and communicate policy platforms.
  • Overseeing the work of their electorate office and staff.
  • Researching issues to prepare informed responses and positions.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a politician, you need a solid mix of people skills and sharp thinking. Strong communication tops the list. You will be speaking publicly, writing policy briefs, and talking to the media on a regular basis. Critical thinking helps you cut through complex issues and come up with clear, well-reasoned views.

People skills matter just as much. You need to listen well, build trust, and work across groups with very different views. Negotiation and conflict skills are key for finding solutions that work for everyone. Add in leadership ability and resilience under pressure. These are the makings of a successful political career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Public speaking and communication
  • Leadership and team motivation
  • Critical thinking and policy analysis
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Knowledge of Australian political and legal systems
  • Research and evidence evaluation
  • Emotional intelligence and active listening
  • Media relations and public communication
  • Community engagement and networking
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Budget literacy and financial oversight
  • Strategic planning and vision setting

Average Salaries

Politicians in Australia are paid differently at each level of government. Federal Members of Parliament receive a base salary of $233,660 per year (Australian Parliament House, 2024). This followed a 3.5% increase from 1 July 2024. State MPs earn approximately $180,000 to $215,000. Local government councillors receive allowances that can be considerably lower, often between $20,000 and $70,000 depending on the council. Across all tiers, the average annual salary for politicians is reported at around $98,000 (The Guardian, 2024). The Prime Minister earns $607,000 per year (The Conversation, 2024).

min $20 K

max $607 K

av $98 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.