The powers and perils of women in ministers' offices

Abstract

The ministers office is an important site of power in Australian politics, and many of the political staff wielding that power are women. Australian women are more likely to be found working in ministers offices than as MPs in federal parliament or as ministers in the cabinet. Australian parliaments are spaces dominated by men, yet historically, the ministers office is a space heavily populated by women. In many ways, the position of political adviser is an easier place for women to gain access to power in Australias political system. However, they also face strong limitations on the power they wield and can find themselves subject to gendered tropes and expectations. While the subsidiary nature of the political adviser role conforms to traditional gender role expectations for women, the role can also be subject to harsh gender-based scrutiny.