What do you have to do to become a politician?

Thanks for your question, Marty.

To become a member of parliament you need to convince people to vote for you in a federal election.

Apart from being elected, members of parliament must also be:

  • aged 18 years old or older
  • an Australian citizen and not a citizen of any other country
  • able to vote in House of Representatives election
  • not serving a prison sentence of 12 months or more.

The Australian Electoral Commission is responsible for running elections and their website has more information about the requirements for running for the Australian Parliament, including the nomination process, campaigning and how votes are counted on election day.

Apart from the legal requirements, to be a either a senator or member of the House of Representatives you will need to:

  • be a good communicator
  • enjoy talking to, working with and helping people
  • have good decision-making and negotiation skills
  • be interested in current affairs and politics
  • be prepared to work long hours.

It will also help to get elected if you:

  • are involved in your local community
  • know the people and issues in your area
  • have ideas and solutions to problems.
A woman dressed in white stands at a desk giving a speech. Men and women sit at rows of desks watching and listening to her. Their seats and carpet are green,

A member of the government speaking in the House of Representatives.

DPS Auspic

A member of the government speaking in the House of Representatives.

A woman dressed in white stands at a desk giving a speech. Men and women sit at rows of desks watching and listening to her. Their seats and carpet are green,

DPS Auspic

Description

A member of the House of Representatives stands to give a speech.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.