Leadership in the Constituency Service of Women Labor Members of Parliament

Jackie Dickenson

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the local member and her electorate. Based on interviews with three women Labor politicians, the study discusses their approaches to constituency service within the context of popular perceptions that voters are more cynical now. It finds that the interviewees emphasised their altruism and public service above their personal ambitions. This reluctance to raise personal ambition might have important consequences for Australian political culture.

Keywords

political leadership, trust, constituency service, women, Labor Party

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