Senator Paterson Student Intern Program

This program provides workplace experience and insight into the operations of a Senator’s office for interested university students.


Applications

Applications are now CLOSED for round 2.

Applicants must:

  • Be studying at a Victorian tertiary institute (ideally have completed at least one year);
  • Have a demonstrable interest in Liberal values;  
  • Be an Australian citizen;
  • Be available 9am-5pm one day of the work week (day to be negotiated around study commitments).

Program

The program will run for eight weeks, commencing week of 5 August, one full day per week in the electorate office in South Melbourne. Other duties outside the office will be included and will work around the interns’ availability.

Details of potential tasks to be undertaken are included in Annex A.

Please note: this is NOT a phone canvassing role.

At the conclusion of the successful completion of the program, interns will receive a written reference, subject to performance.

The internship is unpaid and conducted consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009. There should be no expectation that any internship will result in future paid employment.  

Submission

Interested applicants should email a CV of no more than two pages and a brief cover email addressing the following three criteria:

  1. What do Liberal values mean to you?
  1. What current policy areas are of most interest to you?
  1. What do you hope to achieve from the internship?

Submissions should be made via email to: david.kitchen@aph.gov.au

Submission must be made by midday Wednesday 24 July.

Queries can be made via the above email address, or by phone to the office – 9690 2201.

Annex A – Possible tasks for the Senator Paterson Intern Program

During the course of the program, you will complete tasks such as:

  1. Experience the daily workings of a Senator’s Electorate Office.
  1. Handle general phone calls.
  1. Assist with supporting Senator Paterson’s Patron seats.
  1. Complete a research project on one policy issue (topic to be discussed with the Senator).
  1. Assist staff with the management of Senator Paterson’s portfolio responsibilities.
  1. Assist in the management of constituent issues as directed, including resolving an issue and communicating with the constituent.
  1. Assist in the reviewing of committee reports as directed.
  1. Assist the Senator with research for a media appearance, and attend the recording of a television or radio interview with the Senator.
  1. Attend at least one community event staffing the Senator (note: this may involve work outside 9-5 hours).
  1. Assist with any campaign events, subject to the rules of the Department of Finance.
  1. Other general duties as required.