1 September 2025

A political career is one of the few that doesn’t require specific qualifications. That’s why Professor Pam Allan’s suggestion that the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) could create a course for members of parliament (The Mercury Talking Point 1 September) should be implemented. AICD course content includes strategy, conflict resolution, collaboration and crisis management – all relevant to our elected representatives.

There has been much talk about the need for effective communication, collaboration and compromise to make our power-sharing parliament work. An AICD course, tailored for the needs of members of parliament, would be an effective addition to members’ skills from which we would all benefit.

As Professor Allan points out, “appointees to our statutory boards are expected to already have formal governance training. If not, they are encouraged to get some.” So it should be for members of parliament.