Graduates of CDU program set to make waves at NT general election
Women empowered by CDU’s Pathway to Politics program poised to shape the Northern Territory’s political landscape in upcoming elections.
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Three graduates of Charles Darwin University’s, NT Pathway to Politics for Women program, are set to run in the upcoming Northern Territory general election marking a significant milestone for the course.
The program was brought in with the aim of “increasing the number of women in Australian politics” by equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to excel and has run previously in 2022 and 2023.
Asta Hill, who participated in the first course in 2022 and is set to run as the Greens candidate for Braitling, said the classes gave her the confidence to head into the competitive field of politics.
“First, the major learnings and feedback gave me the courage to put my hand up in seeking preselection with the Greens,” she said.
“Pre-selection is by its nature a competitive process, so I needed to go into it with certainty that I was cut out for the job.
“By improving my understanding of what candidacy involves, I was also able to properly evaluate whether I had the capacity to campaign for the seat of Braitling.
“Finally, the program connected me with so many exceptional women within and outside of public office, who provided immense support in ultimately reaching the decision to run.”
Other graduates from the course who are running at the upcoming election are Suki Dorras-Walker, who is the Greens candidate for Fannie Bay and fellow 2023 grad Laurie Zio who was announced as CLP’s candidate for Fannie Bay.
Pathway to Politics co-ordinator Dr Kate Macfarlane said it was exciting to see the past students grow into their careers.
“The program is designed to give practical skills, knowledge and resources to make a career in politics possible,” she said.
“We cover all different aspects of the political journey from preselection, campaigning, being in politics and what it means to represent your constituents, policy making, media training and speech writing.
“It’s interesting to watch the journey of women who come in nervous, and we see the personal growth as they go through these learning challenges. They tend to amaze us.”
One of the key aspects of learning Ms Hill said she had taken away from the program was the need to be her authentic self.
“Whether you are speaking with a community member at their door, the media, or your volunteer base, it is imperative that you believe in what you are saying, and they can hear that belief in your voice,” she said.
“Another takeaway, which I am so grateful for, was that, while party politics can be divisive, there are intelligent, kind and compassionate people from all political persuasions.”
Applications for the 2024 program are currently open, with registration closing April 10, with more information available at CDU’s website.
There is even travel and accommodation available for those wanting to travel from outside of Darwin for the four day program.
Ms Macfarlane strongly suggests any woman with an interest in a career in politics to apply.
“If more women with diverse professional backgrounds and life experiences come to our program, it shows you can be anyone and put your hand up for politics, which is really powerful,” she said.
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