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Parliamentarian

Also known as Member of Parliament and Politician.

Parliamentarians are elected by the people (constituents) of a particular region (such as an electorate) to represent their interests.

They make decisions in federal, state or territory parliaments and undertake activities in their local electorates.

Parliamentarians have a high level of personal contact with the public.

Elected parliamentarians tend to spend most of their time working with constituents who are seeking assistance with issues such as pensions, taxation, immigration, education, health services, visas and other matters of public concern.

TASKS

Parliamentarians may perform the following tasks:

present issues for debate and discussion in parliament
propose and debate new legislation and changes to existing legislation
develop policy that best serves the interests of the public and the electorate
investigate matters of concern to the public or particular interest groups
present petitions on behalf of concerned interest groups
serve on parliamentary committees or enquiries
manage an office in their home electorate and in the house of parliament

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good oral and written communication skills
enjoy talking to, working with and helping people
able to apply sound judgment
enjoy dealing with issues in current affairs and politics
prepared to work long hours
willing to travel and live away from home when required
sound management skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

There are no specific education requirements to become a parliamentarian, but it helps to have a broad educational background. Most parliamentarians have already established successful careers in other fields, such as law, business, agriculture, economics, industrial relations or community services, before standing for election.

They may also have had previous experience as councillors, who perform many of the same tasks as parliamentarians at the local government council level. Parliamentary skills are usually developed on the job and through day-to-day contact with colleagues and party officials.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in political science, law, business, economics or an area in the humanities, such as English or history. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

See the separate entries for Economist, Lawyer, Public Servant - State Government and Trade Union Official for relevant education and training requirements.

Additional Information

In the ACT, parliamentarians can be elected to the Federal Senate or House of Representatives, or, at the territory level, to the ACT Legislative Assembly. The ACT government is also responsible for all local government council functions. There are four representatives at federal level and 17 in the Legislative Assembly.

In NSW, parliamentarians can be elected to the Federal Senate or House of Representatives, or at the state level, to the State Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. Local government councils throughout the state also have elected councillors. There are 60 representatives at the federal level, 135 representatives at the state level and approximately 1750 elected local government councillors in NSW.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most parliamentarians in Australia are members of political parties. To be elected to parliament as a member of a political party you must first be pre-selected by the party to represent them in your electorate. You can also stand for election as an independent candidate.

Parliamentarians are generally well paid, but have no long-term employment security. The position of local government councillor is usually unpaid.

Parliamentarians who gain extensive experience and develop a high profile in parliament and in the community can, if they are a member of a party in government, be promoted to ministerial positions. Ministers are responsible for managing a particular area of government such as defence or education. Experienced parliamentarians in opposition parties can become shadow ministers, who are responsible for developing their party's policies and leading debate in a particular area of government. Familiarity with specialist areas such as economics, finance, tourism and industrial relations may be advantageous to parliamentarians who are seeking particular portfolios.

Parliamentarians chosen to lead their party can become Prime Minister, Premier or Chief Minister if their party is elected to form government. Advancement to these levels of responsibility is dependent on talent, interpersonal skills, perseverance and the number of years of experience.