Lifestyle
From P&C to politics – why we need more people like you in office
All those years of juggling community commitments may have been preparing you for something bigger – your real-world experience could be exactly what politics needs.
By Carolyn Tate
Ever thought your real-world experience could be valuable in public office? From local council to federal parliament, governments need representatives who understand real life – which means you might be exactly who they're looking for.
Think about it. If you've ever balanced a household budget, juggled competing demands from family members, or organised community events, you've picked up some invaluable skills along the way. I'm not just talking about being able to whip up a coconut slice overnight (although that could be useful too!) – this is about handling tricky personalities, managing tight budgets, and turning ambitious ideas into reality.
If you've got some time on your hands and you still love to make a difference to your community, here's something to think about: all those practical skills could be put to good use in local government.
Hear me out. You already know what makes your community tick, you've proven you can get things done on a shoestring budget, and you've got a solid track record of making positive changes happen.
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A natural progression
Think of your community experience as an accidental masterclass in leadership. Whether you've managed competing demands at P&C meetings, coordinated training schedules for local sports teams, or found creative ways to stretch the family budget – you're already doing what local government does every day.
You've learned the art of the possible: how to listen to different views, find common ground, and turn big ideas into practical solutions. You've developed a sixth sense for what your community needs, not just what looks good on paper. And let's be honest: after dealing with heated debates about what to include in canteen menus or who should make the A team for Saturday’s soccer meet, council meetings might be much more relaxing.
Skills that make a difference
Let's take stock of what you've actually learned along the way. You've mastered the art of getting different groups to work together – from strong-minded community members to reluctant teenage volunteers. You can plan events in your sleep, make resources stretch further than they should, and somehow get everyone to agree on a decision... eventually.
Think about the last big project you managed. Maybe it was a school fair, a sports carnival, or even a major family milestone celebration. You handled the budget, coordinated helpers, sorted out all the practical details, and probably solved about a hundred mini-crises along the way.
That's exactly what local politics is all about.
From community to parliament
Some of our most effective politicians started out just like the rest of us – juggling family life with everyday jobs, facing real-world challenges, and working to make ends meet. Their stories show just how valuable practical experience can be in public office
● Linda Burney balanced teaching and raising two children before moving into public service and eventually becoming Minister for Indigenous Australians. As the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives, she brings both personal and professional understanding of education, family life and community needs to her role.
● Jacqui Lambie served in the Australian Army until being medically discharged, then faced personal financial struggles while raising two sons as a single mum. After working in social services, she brought this combination of military service and real-life challenges to her role in the Senate, where she particularly champions veterans' rights and support for struggling families.
● Anthony Albanese may be PM now, but he's never forgotten his roots – growing up with a single mum in public housing and starting his working life as a bank teller. A father himself, he brings that personal understanding of family life and financial pressure to his role leading the country.
● Anne Aly worked multiple jobs, including cleaning, while putting herself through university. She went on to become an academic before entering politics as Minister for Early Childhood Education. As a mother of two, she brings both professional and personal understanding to her role.
● Sue Lines balanced teaching and retail work while raising two children, before becoming a union official representing low-paid workers. She brought this grassroots experience to her role as Senate President.
● Lisa Chesters knows what it's like to balance family life with hospitality work – she did both while building her career as a union organiser. Now as MP for Bendigo, she brings that real understanding of work-life challenges to Parliament.
● Sharon Bird's experience teaching trades at TAFE and raising three children gave her valuable insights into both vocational education and family life – perfect preparation for Parliament.
● Meryl Swanson juggled jobs at a truck stop and in retail before becoming a radio presenter. As a mother of two, she brought both media skills and real-world experience to her role as MP for Paterson.
Making your mark
Here's where it gets exciting. As a local representative, you'll have a say in decisions that actually matter – like getting that pedestrian crossing installed near the primary school, or making sure the local park has decent facilities for barbecues and gatherings. Your community experience means you understand what families really need, not just what looks good in a report.
Think about the times you've brought people together to solve problems, found creative solutions when money was tight, or made things happen despite the obstacles. Those skills – listening to different views, finding practical solutions, and getting things done – that's what all levels of government need. While many people start in local council (and love it!), others find their passion lies in state or federal issues. The great thing is, these same practical skills are valuable wherever you choose to make your mark.
Ready to take the next step?
Start by dipping your toe in – pop along to a council meeting or get involved with your local state or federal member's office. Join a community committee that gets you fired up – whether it's local environmental projects, state education initiatives, or national policy development. Chat with current representatives about their journey over a coffee.
Getting involved in local projects is a great way to meet people and understand what's happening in your community. You’ll learn how different levels of government work (their websites usually have good info). If you’re feeling intimidated, remember: everyone starts somewhere, and you almost certainly know more than you think!
All levels of government need people like you – people who understand what communities actually need, can juggle competing priorities, and know how to turn plans into reality. Your practical experience has given you all of that (and if you've ever dealt with angry parents at a school sports day, you've probably got the thick skin needed for public life too!).
Why not use those skills to make an even bigger difference? Politics lets you fight for what matters, support your community, and create lasting change. Your experience counts. Your voice matters. And your community could probably use someone who cares about what’s going on, and knows how to get things done.
Feature image: iStock/miniseries
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