An Interview with Callum Barrott-Walsh, Advocate and Political Staffer

I was recently lucky enough to have a chat with Callum Barrott-Walsh, a young community advocate and political staffer, to find out how he got involved in the change-making space, what his future plans are, and to hear his advice for other young people within SA.

Callum has been passionate about social justice issues from a very early age, and recognised disempowerment in his community, saying, “[he has] witnessed firsthand injustices within minority groups that should not be happening…” Part of his interest in change-making came from being a young carer to his brother and father - a crucial role which is often overlooked in policy. Callum also grew up in social housing and the, “condition of [his] house has never been the greatest.”

These early experiences encouraged Callum to enter the advocacy space and sparked his interest in politics. Throughout the past few years, Callum has been involved in a, “range of programs such as Youth Parliament and United Nations Youth…” which led him to work in Electorate Offices this year as a political staffer.

If juggling Year 12 amongst his other extracurriculars wasn’t enough, Callum also ran in the 2022 Council Elections in the City of Onkaparinga. On reflection about young voices in Local Government, he said that, “... the City of Onkaparinga is one of the largest council regions in South Australia and for too long the council was not addressing the needs or wants of young people,” and that, “to make change for the betterment of everyone is to hear from a diverse group of people, therefore young voices must be considered…”

Callum’s near future looks both busy and exciting with him currently taking a gap year to work in Electorate Offices with MPs to learn new skills and, “develop in the areas of advocacy…” before heading to Adelaide University to study a double degree in Law and Media. Alongside his work duties, Callum is also currently volunteering with a, “range of organisations…” which includes his involvement with the Onkaparinga Youth Council.

Callum’s biggest learning experience has been through meeting and chatting with community members to hear their views and ideas, as he says, “listening to others is in my opinion the most valuable thing anyone can do…” In terms of advice for other young people looking to get involved, the young advocate says, “[he] would encourage any young person to give it a go!... just remember advocacy is a big journey and you will constantly learn and grow, it doesn’t matter where you start out, one day soon you will make a big impact to the lives of others!”