Social Workers as Politicians: The Key Factors Influencing Social Workers to Participate as Candidates in Political Elections in Australia

This study examines the key factors that influence social workers to run for political office in Australia. Eleven in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with social workers who had either run for election, or been elected to, local, state or federal government in Australia. The findings indicate that a range of factors inform the political participation of social workers, including family background and early life experiences, political influences, being mentored by active politicians, systemic thinking, and social work education and practice experience. This research suggests that the Australian social work profession should recognise politics as a viable career option for social workers and assist social workers to run as candidates for election.