Diverse pathways to parliament

Both regional and metropolitan members have come from a range of diverse backgrounds before finding the ways in which they could best represent their communities in politics.

It reflects Victoria’s ever-changing political landscape, and myriad voices that contribute to it.

Gary Maas, Labor Member for Narre Warren South, did not start out on a path to politics. His early career was in the creative industries as a drummer.

‘My career path to politics has been an unexpected one on one level, but on another level there's a bit of retrospective logic to it as well,’ he said.

He supplemented his creative work with a career in education as a school teacher before heading back to university to pursue an interest in law.

‘I always had an interest in politics, and I think law tied that all together nicely,’ he added.

Following this, Maas became a leader at the United Workers Union for 15 years, which he said provided a pathway for him to work with the Labor Party, and enabled him to help negotiate better pay and conditions for everyday people.

‘I wasn't really drawn to making mega dollars. I think people should be rewarded for the work they do and rewarded fairly.’

With both the union and Labor policies closely aligning with his values, Maas said it ‘made a bit of sense’ to begin a career in politics.

Now that career involves three key parts: policy, community, and work in the Parliament.

‘I'm a member of a Labor government caucus, and policy is key. We've got an election coming up next year, so what policy outcomes we have and what the caucus discusses are really important.’

He cited the current discourse surrounding working from home in Victoria as an example, stating that these discussions ultimately help define Labor’s policy and positions.

His motivation for being the Member for Narre Warren South ultimately lies in his community work, and passion for working people.

‘My values have always been about collectivity, acting as the collective, not as an individual, using the strength of numbers to improve conditions for people.’

He enjoys all of the advocacy for his constituents, ‘sorting out problems, but also ensuring that a school is built where there's need’.

Similarly, Melina Bath, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, was involved in her community before stepping into her role in the Legislative Council.

‘I certainly didn't envisage myself being an MP,’ she said. ‘But if you're interested in your community, you're interested in politics.’

Prior to her political career, Bath worked as a high school teacher and was a proud small business owner. She said that her time owning Leongatha Health Foods gave her some of the skills she uses today in her current role.

‘In many ways, I still think of my shop, which is like my electorate office. You know, our constituents, our residents, are our customers, and I run a small business and that small business is Melina Bath MP.’

Her business now is being focused or her community and helping to solve their problems.

‘I think you have to give people a good customer experience, you have to try and assist them. And the community comes to you, and they have a problem that they want you to solve, whatever that may be,’ she added.

However, as she is a regional MP, Bath says she faces area-specific challenges that differ to the experience of a metropolitan member.

The large area that needs to be covered, coupled with less resources being a member of the opposition, proves to be an obstacle.

‘We drive a lot more. We live in the car. I have a car ‘floor-drobe’, which is a car wardrobe. And I think there is that distance. It takes us longer to get anywhere.’

Bath is focused on getting a ‘fair share’ for country people, which is a challenge, she argues, because governments tend to be focused on the metropolitan area.

‘Governments are quite city focused,’ she said. ‘Now, metropolitan Melbourne’s population is three quarters of the state, so somebody will say, “Well, that's legitimate”. But what about the other quarter of the population and the larger mass of land?

‘In education, we had great kids, we had great teachers, but often there's disadvantage there, primarily because we're in the regions. You know, we have a lower trajectory to university. We have high youth unemployment. We're no sillier or less capable, but students, they often just don't have the opportunity.’

Despite the challenges in her role, she cherishes the ability to be actively involved in her community.

‘I like to think that we can be in touch with our community more because in our regional towns and communities the issues manifest quite significantly. You know what that town needs, because they'll tell you.’

Looking forward, both Maas and Bath had some advice for those thinking about standing for election to Parliament.

Bath emphasised the importance of bringing life experience into the political sphere, as her previous career gave her the knowledge to take on the role successfully.

‘My reflection is try and have a life outside, and it's hard if you want to go into politics young. But try and have a life outside of bureaucracy,’ she said.

‘If you've had a variety of jobs, you gain a wealth of experience that you can bring to this role.’

According to Maas, for anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps, there are some key things to keep in mind to pursue a pathway into politics.

‘Be good at whatever it is you're good at, whatever your chosen path is, and then if you want to apply that to politics, learn the communication skills and become a really effective communicator,’ he said.

Different pathways. Different challenges. Different advocacy.

From regional to metropolitan members, each different voice contributes to the ever-changing political landscape in Victoria.