Former Neighbours star set for tilt at politics

Former Neighbours actor and mum of six Madeleine West has set her sights on a career in politics, saying communication is key to leading our “incredible nation”.

Acclaimed actor Madeleine West is setting her sights on politics.

West, an author, activist, actor, podcaster and mum of six, has revealed she is seriously contemplating a move into politics.

“I feel like the next avenue is politics,” said West, who studied law and whose acting credits include Underbelly and Neighbours.

“I work so much in the philanthropic sphere now, from representing asylum seekers, to working in the environmental space, to working with the homeless and now I have come on board with the Red Cross for the teen parents program, I think I have reached a point where I can harness my own story to help others share and tell their stories.

“I think we are an incredible country, we are an incredible nation, we have so much to offer and the key is communication.

Madeleine West says she has ‘something to offer” the world of politics.

“As someone who works in a career which is all about communications, and the work that I’ve done and the understanding I have gained of so many different streams of society and how we can all come together with a common cause, I would like to think I have something to offer.”

One of West’s close friends is Julie Bishop, who she has interviewed for her new podcast series Restart.

“I’d like to see a politician plant a koala sanctuary in the middle of a muddy field with no running waters, no electricity and no Wi-Fi for a week. I’d like to see them do that and then maybe I would endorse and embrace their policies,” she said.

West is coming to Melbourne from her Byron Bay base to be a judge and mentor at The Peninsula Film Festival at Dromana from March 11-13.

“I judged the Peninsula Film Festival two years ago, just right when Covid started, so I am very much looking forward to going back and being a part of it again,” she said.

“Festivals like this are where creativity begins.

“They celebrate the genesis of the next generation of filmmakers and creatives and artists so to be a part of the festival is such an honour.”