How to become a Member of Parliament

Also called: Parliamentarian

Represents the interests of people in a constituency as their elected member to national, state or territory parliament.

Main tasks

• Represents constituents in parliament
• Attends and participates in parliamentary sessions
• Votes on legislation and policies
• Researches and analyses issues
• Meets with constituents
• Advocates for constituents in committees
• Collaborates with other members on legislation
• Represents political party or coalition
• Engages in public communication
• Stays informed on current events

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 2,800 people work in this job group now, and about 3,100 are projected by 2035. (+10.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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• Local Government Legislator
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• Corporate General Manager
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Questions people ask

Is a Member of Parliament a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 2,800 to about 3,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Member of Parliament?

Usually. 74% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Member of Parliament?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04