Australian politics has come a long way since Senator Sarah Hanson-Young was asked to remove her two-year-old daughter, Kora, from the Senate.
That was back in 2009, when Hanson-Young said the poorly handled incident made her feel upset and humiliated as young mum.
Fast forward to 2025, and our federal parliament (although still male dominated) has come a long way.
In 2017, Hanson-Young’s colleague Senator Larissa Waters became the first person to breastfeed in parliament. Generally, politics has become more flexible for parents who are juggling a political career — but there’s still a long way to go for it to become a family-friendly workplace.
Hanson-Young’s daughter, Kora, is now aged 18 and will be voting for the first time this year. She was born during her mum’s first Senate campaign in 2007 and has been along for the ride ever since.
Below, we ask Senator Sarah Hanson-Young about her key reflections on balancing parenthood and politics over such a long time, and whether she sees our parliament as a more friendly place for parents than it was back in 2009.
What are your key reflections on balancing motherhood and politics over such a long time?
It’s been tough, but nothing keeps you more grounded than having to balance prepping school lunches while doing the morning media rounds. It reminds you of what is important every single day. Part of why I do this job is to fight for a healthy and safe future for all our kids.
I haven’t done this alone; it’s been a team effort. Kora and I have been a team since day 1. She’s been by my side at polling booths dozens of times. It’s exciting that this election she gets to cast her own vote for the first time. Watching Kora grow up and develop her own understanding of politics and the issues that matter to her is inspiring.
Our kids know us best and there’s been no better focus group or honest critic than Kora. Like lots of young people, she’s engaged and has a great bullshit detector. This election will be determined by Gen Z and Millennial voters and if Kora is anything to go by this generation is determined to keep politicians honest.
What are the lessons you’ve learnt about being in the public eye while raising a family?
I have learnt that you can do it but it’s not about being a ‘supermum’, frankly I don’t think they exist. When people offer their help, take it.
Honesty is the best policy both at home and at work. Being upfront about the challenges of being a woman in politics and not pretending that it’s all easy has been something I’ve learnt and showing vulnerability has actually proven to be a strength.
In what ways has the federal parliament become a more inclusive place for mothers and parents since you were first elected?
There are now more parents with young kids than ever before, particularly mothers. Things have gotten better. There is more flexibility but it’s always going to be a tough gig to be a parent in politics. There’s strength in numbers and with more people doing it, there is a sense of solidarity.
We have come a long way from when Kora was removed from the Senate Chamber as a toddler. The rules have now changed and it’s a good thing. Now it is not unusual to see both mothers and fathers with their children in and around Parliament. It was a horrible experience at the time but I am so proud of the changes that Kora’s presence had on the parliament.
How is Kora feeling about voting for the first time? What are the key issues she is concerned about?
Kora has been actively encouraging all her friends to get enrolled to vote.
Here’s what she has to say as we approach May 3:
“I’m honestly just feeling worried for first time voters that don’t know how to vote. Who to vote for and what the person might stand for. There are some really key issues that people my age care about like climate action, accessible healthcare and housing. Even though I have known how to vote throughout my life, it’s definitely a difficult and overwhelming process for those doing it for the first time.”
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