Taylor-Rose has always been interested in politics and after being encouraged by a friend to complete the program in 2022, she now knows herself that she does have a future in politics and is confident to step up into leadership roles with her party and start her journey.
Who or what influenced you to apply for this program?
My political mentors and a good friend who had completed the program encouraged me to apply. I have always been interested in politics and started to get involved in the LNP at the end of my first year of University. After spending time working as a staffer while at University, I was able to see what goes on behind the scenes in Parliament. After studying Economics and Finance at QUT and graduating to start a career working in Investment Management, I wanted to learn about what it takes to become an elected representative and gain the necessary skills and networks to one day reach elected office.
How did the Pathways to Politics Program transform you or help you the most?
Pathways to politics certainly helped boost my self-confidence and allowed me to reflect on my own story and personal leadership vision. It gave me the chance to recognise my own strengths and weaknesses and learn how to build the practical skills needed to reach elected office. Hearing from politicians about the challenges they faced and the reality of life as an elected representative was incredibly valuable as it is personal and is often not heard about. I was able to contrast my preconceived ideas about what I thought I knew about campaigning, party mechanisms and policy making with the experiences and advice politicians from all sides of politics.
Individual coaching sessions helped me with professional development which I can take with me not only on my political journey, but also use in the workplace.
After completing the program, I know I have a future in politics and now feel confident to step up into leadership roles within my party.
What was the highlight of your experience?
It is difficult to pick just one highlight. It was fantastic to meet a diverse group of women with different political views, life and work experience. The media training workshop was a real highlight for me. The media training workshops helped push me out of my comfort zone and learn a new, extremely important practical skill. The week after the media training workshop, I was asked to complete an interview with a journalist on a political topic. I was immediately able to put into practice what I had learnt the week before and felt much more relaxed and prepared throughout the interview. Being able to write and read a preselection speech in parliament at the completion of the program articulating my experience and the policy areas I am passionate about was another great highlight from the program and definitely something I will use again.
What advice would you give to someone looking at applying to this program?
It is never too early to apply. Numerous elected representatives said to us they wished they had completed a program like this before they ran. As one of the youngest women in the 2022 cohort and after only just graduating university the year before I completed the program, I was worried I might not be ready or have as much life experience as the other women. However, during the program it was emphasised from the start that there are many paths you can take whether you are already involved in a political party or just want to learn what life as an elected representative is like.
What message would you give to those who donated to the cost of this program?
Thank you so much. The program has such a huge impact on shaping the future of women in politics and makes sure that politics is accessible to everyone.
It certainly equipped me with the necessary skills, confidence and networks to one day reach elected office.
