An Initiative to Improve Democracy for All – Starting with NSW Parliament
In 2022, sparked by shared experiences as women in politics and as participants in Next25’s Leadership course for parliamentarians, four women MPs from NSW united across party lines with a shared desire to transform the experience of parliament for women.
In partnership with Next25 and Corporate Evolution, they continue to work collectively to create the conditions for systemic change. Today, 20% of NSW women parliamentarians have joined in the process, with more enrolling each year.
The process starts with a two-day program designed to bolster individual leadership capability and harness the power of collective transformation.
While this initiative is designed to work with women of NSW Parliament, it does not suggest that women’s experience in parliament is the only challenge to a flourishing political system. This initiative is one approach for restoring trust between politicians and a public which is losing confidence in democracy.
If you want to discuss bringing this initiative to your state or territory, contact us.
The 2022 Steering Committee reflect on their experience in Leadership that helped spark this initiative:
““This is the reminder all MPs need at least once in their career. The facilitators expertly guided us through self reflection exercises that bring you back to your true purpose in politics. I know this is something that myself and other MPs struggle to make time for – but it’s critical for leading with integrity and rebuilding trust with the public””
““So much about being an MP is about reacting to external forces – and moving quickly from issue to issue, meeting to meeting, or campaign to campaign. This initiative helps to create the space to consider the bigger picture – and enables us to focus on the purpose of what we are doing, and the contribution we can collectively make, to strengthening our democracy and contributing to our communities””
““More than just professional development that bolsters capability, this initiative is designed to empower and enable us to improve the political system itself. The alumni community is pivotal in maintaining this space where we can support each other in taking these learnings into action””
““This course is a rare opportunity to connect with colleagues across party lines in a safe environment. Away from the stressors of parliament, we had the chance to see ourselves and each other in a new light. It’s where myself and the other women parliamentarians who are supporting this initiative realised we have a shared vision for improving parliament - enabling us to take collective action””
Transforming NSW Parliament for Women
21-22 June 2024, Sydney
Why participate?
This opportunity is open to all NSW women parliamentarians. Expert facilitators have designed a two-day program to bolster individual leadership capability and harness the power of collective transformation. This lays the foundation for the next step where participants can take purposeful action.
Testimonials
“It was a breath of air to have a supported and facilitated space to reflect on the broad challenges of our work and to have a platform for collective action. I would not have taken the time or committed the energy to this task without a program like Next25 that was so strongly recommended by my peers.”
“We needed this 25 maybe 30 years ago. There has been talk but no action. This course makes it clear that transformation is needed/ demanded if we are to have a Parliament reflective of our community.”
“This workshop is hugely beneficial for those of us finding our feet in NSW Parliament. It provides useful tools, resources & connections to help us maximise our purpose & effectiveness.”
“I was doubtful about the ability of a small group of diverse women to change the culture of parliament. Now I believe that we really can.”
Registrations
You can now register your interest for the 2024 program.
Valued at over $5,500, this specially designed initiative is available to all NSW women parliamentarians for $1,500 (plus GST).
For more information, please contact Next25 Program Manager, Stephanie Mason.
All members of NSW Parliament are eligible to apply for a Skills Development Allowance, which can be used to participate in this experience.
It is your responsibility to confirm details of the Skills Development Allowance, your eligibility, and the application process with NSW Parliament directly
Skills Development Allowance
This program is approved by NSW parliament and eligible for participants to apply for the Skills and Development Allowance
Partners and supporters
Insights From the Inside
Chloë Spackman, CEO at independent think and do tank, Next25, interviews the 2022 co-lead facilitators of Next25’s initiative “Improving Democracy: Transforming Parliament for Women”; Lisa Doig and Renu Burr from Corporate Evolution. Here, they reflect on what makes this program unique from a facilitator’s experience.
If your organisation is interested in supporting this initiative, please contact Chloë Spackman, CEO at chloe@next25.org.au.
Nominate a Politician
Do you know a woman parliamentarian in NSW with great potential who would benefit from the opportunity to reflect, foster insight, and experience personal and leadership breakthroughs? Someone who is eager to transform the political system, and make it a better place for women? Let us know, and we will invite them to take part in the course based on your referral.
To nominate a NSW woman parliamentarian, please email us the following information:
1. The full name of your nominated parliamentarian
2. A few lines explaining why you think they would benefit from the training, this must be framed positively, ie, you are nominating someone with potential for great leadership to catalyse transformative change in the political system
3. Your name and current role (optional but preferred)
Lastly, why not let them know yourself, too?
You can forward the Improving Democracy: Transforming NSW Parliament for Women brochure via email or social media directly to your nominated parliamentarian.