AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Member Of Parliament

ANZSCO 111312

Employed

850

Part-time share

3%

Female share

39%

Median age

50 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

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

What they typically do

  • Develops policy, and formulates, amends and repeals legislation and by-laws.
  • Helps constituents with a range of problems particularly with regard to matters concerning government and local agencies.
  • Investigates matters of concern to the public and to particular persons and groups.
  • Introduces proposals for government action and represents public and electoral interests.
  • Issues policy directions to government departments and exercises control over local government authorities.
  • Attends community functions and meetings of local groups to provide service to the community, gauge public opinion and provide information on government plans.
  • May serve as a member on parliamentary committees and inquiries.
  • May present petitions on behalf of concerned groups.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
23.2%
VIC
22.2%
QLD
16.3%
WA
13.7%
SA
11.1%
TAS
6.3%
ACT
4.6%
NT
3.4%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Member Of Parliament.