How to Become Prime Minister: the Path to the Top

Becoming Prime Minister of Australia is no easy feat—it takes years of political experience, public trust, and unshakable ambition. While there’s no single formula for reaching the Lodge, there are clear steps and common pathways among Australia’s past and present leaders.

Whether you’re a budding political science student, a passionate activist, or simply curious about how people climb the political ladder, here’s a breakdown of what it takes to become Australia’s next Prime Minister.

What Does It Take to Become Prime Minister?

Australia has had 31 Prime Ministers since Federation. While each has taken a different route to the top, several traits and career paths emerge:

• Tenacity and party loyalty: Most PMs have spent decades building influence within a major political party.
• Early political engagement: Many began in student politics, unions, or party youth wings.
• Background in law, economics, or public service: Several were lawyers, diplomats or business professionals before entering Parliament.
• Leadership experience: Nearly all served as ministers or opposition leaders before claiming the top job.

And while the job has historically been male-dominated, the tide is turning—with more diverse leadership emerging at all levels of Australian politics.

How Do You Become Prime Minister in Australia?

Step 1: Enter Parliament

First, you must be elected as a member of the House of Representatives—typically as part of a major party such as the Australian Labor Party or the Liberal Party of Australia. This often follows years of party involvement and local campaigning.

Step 2: Rise Through the Ranks

From backbencher to party spokesperson to minister, you’ll need to gain visibility, influence, and party trust. Most PMs serve in cabinet roles before becoming party leader.

Step 3: Become Party Leader

The Prime Minister is not elected directly by the public, but is the leader of the party (or coalition) with majority support in the House of Representatives. Party leadership is determined internally—usually through a caucus vote.

Step 4: Lead Your Party to Government

If your party wins the federal election—or forms a coalition—you’ll be invited by the Governor-General to form government and sworn in as Prime Minister.

Learn more about the system via the Australian Parliament House guide.

Recent Prime Ministers: Career Snapshots

Anthony Albanese (2022–present)

Born and raised in Sydney’s inner west, Anthony Albanese joined the Labor Party as a teenager. He studied economics at the University of Sydney and worked in politics and public service before becoming the Member for Grayndler in 1996. He held multiple portfolios under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard before becoming Opposition Leader in 2019 and winning the 2022 election.

Scott Morrison (2018–2022)

Scott Morrison studied economic geography at UNSW and worked in tourism and marketing before entering politics. Elected in 2007 as Member for Cook, he held immigration, social services, and treasury portfolios before becoming Prime Minister after a leadership spill in 2018.

Malcolm Turnbull (2015–2018)

Turnbull was a barrister, journalist and investment banker before politics. He was elected in 2004 and became Liberal leader twice, finally replacing Tony Abbott in a leadership vote. His tenure focused on innovation and infrastructure, but internal party tensions saw him replaced in 2018.

Julia Gillard (2010–2013)

Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard studied arts/law and worked as a union lawyer. She served as Deputy PM under Kevin Rudd before replacing him via caucus vote in 2010. Her tenure included education reform and the controversial carbon pricing policy.

John Howard (1996–2007)

Australia’s second-longest serving PM, John Howard was a solicitor turned career politician. He served as Treasurer under Fraser, led the Liberals to a landslide win in 1996, and oversaw major reforms to gun laws, taxation and workplace relations.

Quirky Prime Ministerial Facts

• Shortest term: Frank Forde (8 days in 1945)
• Only PM to disappear: Harold Holt vanished while swimming in 1967
• Youngest federal MP elected: Paul Keating at 25
• World beer-drinking record holder: Bob Hawke, who drank a yard of ale in 11 seconds at Oxford

Want to Work in Politics or Government?

You don’t have to aim for the Lodge to make a difference. Careers in public service, political advising, and policy development can be deeply rewarding. Start building the skills and experience that underpin a career in government or advocacy:

• Explore government and policy courses
• Learn political science or public administration
• Understand your local, state and federal systems via australia.gov.au