Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program

For many of us, the world of politics can feel distant, even for those studying this field of work. However, for a group of Australian Catholic University (ACU) students taking part in the Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program (VPIP), the doors to this world were opened wide. This unique opportunity provided these students with the chance to work directly with Members of Parliament, tackling real policy issues, and contributing to projects that have a tangible impact on communities across Victoria. In the reflections below, Elijah, Flynn, Justine, and Thomas share what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how their time in Parliament reshaped their understanding of politics in light of translating their classroom theory into meaningful, real-world change.

Elijah:

The VPIP experience has given me significant insight into how Parliament works, and the nuances of different roles people have within the Parliament system in Victoria. It is one thing to have learned the theory in other subjects across my undergraduate course, but it is a whole different experience when you see it firsthand, putting names and titles to faces around the building.

It was interesting to see a split between Labor and the opposition, where the opposition and Liberals have very limited resources or personnel, leading to a lot more effort to keep on top of everything. This is an issue the public may not be completely aware of. They trudge through long working days where it is incredibly hard for policies to go through, particularly for the opposition if they want to enact any changes.

I have been working with MP Bev McArthur, who is the shadow minister for Local Government, and shadow minister for scrutiny of government within the Parliament of Victoria. With her and her team, I have been researching the effectiveness of municipal monitors within local government, due to the increasing number being appointed in the last 2 years, particularly since the appointment of the Labor state government in 2014. Most of that work has involved looking through records of municipal monitors, a wide range of electoral results, and financial records. Overall, I am enjoying the experience a lot, and I look forward to seeing the progress that the other interns make in their respective fields.

Flynn:

The VPIP has been one of the most interesting experiences I have had whilst at ACU. It’s great to have first-hand experience in how parliament operates, and to have worked closely with a member of parliament (MP). Getting your topic can be daunting at first because you likely won’t know much about it. The one I got given was “non-urgent patient transfer in regional Victoria,” and I was thinking this kind of sucks, as I did not think it would turn out to be that interesting. However, by working with Annabelle Cleeland, the MP who represents Euroa, I found new appreciation for this interesting and pressing topic.

When compiling my report, I mainly looked at quantitative data to further understand this issue and harnessed that data to strengthen my findings. This allowed me to take all of the theory I had been learning over the last three years and finally apply it in the real world. The connections I made with my fellow students from ACU, and other universities was another major highlight. I was surrounded by like-minded people who are likely to pursue similar fields of work, providing valuable networking in preparation for my future career.

For those considering this opportunity in the future, adding this internship onto your resumes is quite prestigious and will set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs after graduation. I seriously cannot recommend this opportunity enough, as the connections, skills, and experiences will stay with you forever.

Justine:

I have found the VPIP experience to be like seeing behind the curtain of a system I thought I knew quite well. Hearing from people in different roles within parliament and their day-to-day work has been incredibly insightful. It has been inspiring to witness representatives who are genuinely passionate and working hard to create positive change in Victoria. As someone who went into this with minimal expectations and just entirely open to the experience and what it might offer, I can say that this internship has challenged and taught me so much.

I have been working with David Southwick, the Member for Caulfield in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, and his team. Southwick serves as shadow minister for several areas, including Youth Justice. My research has focused on reoffending rates among young people, examining what causes it and how we can break the cycle in Victoria. This topic genuinely interests me, and I was very excited to dig into it. So far, the research and writing process has allowed me not only to apply the research skills I have developed throughout my degree but also to build new skills, particularly in data collection and managing a large-scale project with tight timeframes.

While such projects and commitments always have their ups and downs, being a student participating in something with real-life implications has been both enlightening and educational. The hands-on experience of working with a parliamentary member has been invaluable. The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to important policy discussions while developing professional skills is truly rewarding.

Thomas:

My time as a parliamentary intern has been both challenging and really rewarding, and it’s definitely been one of the most valuable experiences of my degree. From the start, it felt like a privilege to work with Mathew Hilakari, the member of parliament for Point Cook, and to assist in researching an issue that has a real impact on the local community. Walking through Parliament House and seeing how things actually happen behind the scenes is something I’ll never forget.

My project looked at the infrastructure needs in Point Cook, which gave me the chance to take the research skills I have built at uni and put them into practice in a real-world setting. One of the biggest adjustments was learning how to write in a parliamentary style. Unlike essays, everything had to be clear, direct, and to the point. It was a challenge at first, but it ended up being one of the most useful skills I picked up, because it showed me how ideas can be turned into something practical.

The internship also gave me a glimpse into how fast paced and demanding parliamentary life can be, and how much work goes on behind the scenes to address community issues. On top of that, getting to know my MP, his staff, and the other interns made the experience all the more enjoyable. I have finished up with stronger skills, great memories, and a deeper appreciation of politics and public service.