SUMMARY

Whilst much attention is given to those who represent us in parliament, there has been little consideration of the experiences of former members (FMPs) as they leave, and after they have left, parliament. There is a perception in the community generally that former members of parliament are ‘set for life’ with no financial problems. This view is strengthened by media reports of generous superannuation and high-profile ex-members going to highly paid positions. But is this what typically happens to ex-MPs? Or is their post-parliament reality more dismal than is widely perceived?

Deakin University was commissioned by the Parliament of Victoria (PoV) and the Victorian Parliamentary Former Members’ Association (VPFMA) to undertake the ‘Transitioning to Life after Parliament’ research project. The project undertook a multi-method investigation of the experiences and challenges of former parliamentarians as they transitioned to life after parliament, and evaluated the existing support structures available during and after the parliamentary career. Among its central findings is that the transition experience is far from a smooth ride for most former members, with significant numbers of ex-MPs experiencing serious employment, financial and emotional challenges as a result of this process.

SPEAKERS

Dr Amy Nethery is a senior lecturer in politics and policy at Deakin. A research leader with a strength in building partnerships, her work has been recognised with several awards and competitive grant success. She has been a partner in a large multinational collaborative research project funded by the European Commission.

Dr Peter Ferguson is a senior lecturer in politics and policy at Deakin, and is currently Politics and International Relations Discipline Convenor. Before joining Deakin in 2015, Peter lectured in political science at the University of Melbourne, where he obtained his PhD in international relations in 2014.

Dr Zim Nwokora is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and Policy Studies at Deakin University. His research and teaching interests focus on governance institutions–especially, constitutions, political party systems and political integrity rules–and their impact on welfare and wellbeing.

Alfred Deakin Professor Matthew Clarke is Pro Vice-Chancellor Researcher Development. Prior to this, he was Foundation Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Matthew focuses on issues of social development with a focus on the Pacific region.

DETAILS

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