Breaking the Political Mould
Diverse representation completely changes the dynamic of how decisions are made.
So how do we find a future where regional politics is done differently?
Column written by Kristy McBain
When it comes to political representation, there’s been some big changes in the last 12 months, but for many people – particularly young women – politics continues to hold an air of negativity. Continuing to advocate for change is so important, for the minute we allow ourselves to be discouraged is another minute that good ideas and fresh perspectives are going to waste.
As daunting as it may be, putting your hand up for a role in any level of government is a great way to contribute to the change we need and it can be a really rewarding career pathway. But to do this you have to be prepared to make a change, back yourself and stand up for what you’re most passionate about. Take the bull by the horns, regardless of the critics and barriers.
It’s a pathway I never saw for myself, until a decision was made about my local council playground in 2012 that I didn’t understand. My parents had always instilled in me the value of taking action or stop talking about it. I made the decision to run for council, because I was determined to do something about it. I made the decision to run for council.
At the time my local council consisted of eight men and one woman – all over the age
of 55 and it was then that I knew the decisions being made in my local community didn’t represent me. I was 29, had a child in a pram and another one tagging along behind me, was on maternity leave, and must have stuck out like a sore thumb. I’m grateful that it worked out, and ultimately led to me becoming Mayor, the first female Federal-Member for Eden- Monaro, and now a Federal Government Minister: roles that have allowed me to stand up for my community and make a real impact.
After three years in Federal Parliament, I certainly don’t think I fit the cliché political persona, and I hope I never do. If I’d let critics get in the way of my career, I would never have moved back to my home town of Merimbula.
It’s right now that we are seeing more diversity move into our regions as well as our parliament. For the first time in history we have a majority female Federal Government but we cannot rest on our laurels. It’s not just women that we want to see in diverse leadership roles across all levels of government, it’s people from different professions, different schools, different regions and different lived experiences.
That’s why it’s important, especially for those in our regions, to start considering what a pathway in politics means to you, and how your unique lived experience can underpin your ability to make a positive impact. Whether it’s making a submission to your local council, standing for election at any level of government, or taking on the challenge of leadership at the P & C, local sporting organisation, or within our volunteer first responder services.
Stand up, use your voice and don’t be afraid of putting your foot in it. It might just work out!