Exchanges

Incoming Exchanges

The Council hosts delegations from its counterpart countries in Australia and develops unique programs tailored to each delegation. Each program provides an understanding of Australia, its political and electoral systems, and includes the following components:

  • an overview of and engagement with the Australian political and electoral systems at the federal, state/territory and local government level;
  • networking through meeting high profile Australian political and business leaders, as well as former delegates of the Council's exchange programs; and
  • an insight into Australian history and culture through community and cultural activities.

Outgoing Exchanges

Each year the Council considers delegate nominations put forward by the Federal Parliament’s four major political parties. The Council seeks young, politically active individuals who are considered by their parties to have the potential to make a significant contribution to political life.

Delegates are drawn from all levels of politics, including Federal and State Parliaments, local government, political party organisations, trade unions, and political staff.

Delegates are required to be party members, Australian citizens, and between 25 and 46 years of age (except for the political exchange program with the United States of America where the age limit is 40).

The Council seeks to ensure that exceptional individuals are selected for political exchange, and that delegations are gender and culturally diverse and broadly reflect the Australian public.

Delegates are encouraged to continue their association with the Council after their political exchange by assisting in organising activities for incoming delegations, participating in Council events and by promoting the program among colleagues and the broader community.

Individual Study Tours

The Council provides developmental opportunities for emerging Australian political leaders through individual study tours. These study tours provide delegates with an on-the-ground opportunity to compare and contrast different political and electoral systems, societies and cultures.

Individual study tours are generally offered to the United States of America, the United Kingdom and New Zealand..

Information on the Council’s historical political exchange programs is available on the Previous Exchanges page.