Do I need to be rich or famous to get into Australian politics?

No, you don’t need to be rich or famous. Most political careers begin locally through volunteering, working behind the scenes, or joining a political party.

What are the first steps to getting involved in Australian politics?

Start by understanding how politics works, consider joining a political party, volunteer for a campaign, or work as a political staffer. Local council involvement is also a great entry point.

Do I have to join a political party to run for office?

No, you can run as an independent. However, being part of a party can provide support, resources, and a platform.

What’s the difference between local, state, and federal government in Australia?

Local councils handle community services like parks and libraries. State governments manage education, health, and transport. The federal government oversees national issues like immigration and defence.

How can I gain experience before running for office?

You can volunteer on campaigns, work as a political staffer, or get involved in local council or community groups to build experience and networks.

Is there a good way to learn more about politics?

Yes, reading books like 'Politics for Beginners' or biographies of politicians, and staying informed through reputable sources can help you understand how politics works.

How to Get Into Australian Politics

The Big Idea in 30 Seconds

You don’t have to be famous or rich to get involved in politics.
Most political careers begin locally—on councils, in volunteering, or behind the scenes.
Politics is more than just elected roles—you can start as a staffer or party member.
To run for office—like becoming a Member of Parliament—you need experience and support.

Step 1: Understand What Politics Really Is

Politics isn’t just what you see on TV during question time. It's how decisions are made—from big ones like national laws to local ones like where a park gets built. In Australia, most decisions happen in the Parliament of Australia (that’s the big federal building in Canberra). But change also starts at your suburb’s council hall, in community groups, and in election campaign offices.

Step 2: Join a Political Party (or Not)

You don’t have to join a party to be involved—but it helps. A political party is a group of people with shared beliefs about how the country should be run. When you join one, you become part of that team. You can help run events, volunteer in campaigns, and eventually get nominated to run for office.

The major parties in Australia include:

Liberal Party
Australian Labor Party
The Greens
The Nationals

The Parliament of Australia website is a great resource for understanding how parties work together (or clash) to pass laws.

Australian political volunteers handing out flyers at polling station

Step 3: Volunteer or Work for a Politician

Not ready to run yet? Good. Most politicians didn’t jump straight to the ballot box. Many started by helping someone else first.

Political Staffer: The Behind-the-Scenes Power Player

A political staffer works for a politician. They write speeches, handle media, and help shape policy ideas. If you enjoy fast-paced work and solving problems, this could be your way in.

Campaign Volunteer: Get Up Close with a Real Election

During election season, candidates need help. That’s where volunteers come in. You might hand out flyers, knock on doors, or staff polling booths. It's a great way to understand what campaigning really looks like—and build important connections.

Local Council Work

Local government is a great “starter level” in politics. Your local council makes decisions about parks, libraries, waste collection, and events. If you want to run for office locally, this is where many political careers start.

In The Wife Drought, Annabel Crabb explores the personal and professional pressures of political life, showing how many successful careers are built on a strong local foundation.

Step 4: Stand Up and Run for Office

If you're ready to speak up for your community, you can run for council, state parliament, or federal parliament.

What’s the Difference Between Local, State, and Federal?

Local Council – You decide on bins, libraries, and parks.
State Parliament – Education, health, and transport in your state or territory.
Federal Parliament – National laws like immigration, defence, and the economy.

Running means building a campaign, gathering support, and (usually) being endorsed by a party. If you don’t belong to one, you can still run as an independent—but you’ll need to work harder to raise your profile and funding.

Former Treasurer Wayne Swan describes this hands-on political journey in The Good Fight, showing how policy, passion, and public service come together in a robust political career.

Australian politician giving a public speech

Step 5: Learn, Listen, and Keep Showing Up

You don’t need to know everything to get started. But to succeed in politics, it helps to learn continuously, listen to your community, and show up—over and over again.

Books like How Politics Works by DK offer helpful basics, even for adults. Understanding how laws are made, how budgets work, and how parties are structured gives you a real edge.

One Last Thing: You Belong Here

Don’t wait for permission. Politics isn’t just for career politicians. It’s for people who care. People who show up. People like you. Start local. Join a party (if it makes sense). Volunteer. Listen. Learn. Run. Win or lose—you’ll be helping build a better Australia.