Gary Maas MP: From Union Organiser to Victorian Parliament | Bridged By Words
How does a musician, lawyer and union organiser end up in Parliament — and what does a lifetime around working people teach you about leadership? In this episode of Bridged By Words, Ethan Urch sits down with Gary Maas, Member for Narre Warren South, to explore his journey from growing up in Springvale as the son of Sri Lankan migrants to serving in the Victorian Parliament.
Gary shares the formative experiences that shaped his political outlook: discovering confidence through music at his local state school, studying politics and law, working with grassroots artists, and eventually spending 16 years in the union movement. He explains how working directly with people on factory floors and in warehouses gave him a deeper understanding of their lives, ambitions and challenges — and why that experience ultimately led him toward public office.
Together, they unpack the realities of political life: what MPs actually do behind the scenes, the theatrical nature of parliamentary debate, why late-night sittings can be part of democracy in action, and why good people can be found across political divides. As Gary prepares to leave Parliament after eight years, he reflects on the privilege of serving a community and the importance of remembering to rest, slow down and enjoy the experience while it lasts.
Bridged By Words is the podcast where aspiring leaders connect with experienced politicians, gaining the lessons and inspiration they need for their own political journeys. Watch full interviews on YouTube or listen on Spotify.
What You’ll Learn:
Why access to education and opportunity helped shape Gary’s political values
How music gave him confidence and influenced the way he approached life and leadership
How a career in law unexpectedly led to 16 years in the union movement
What working directly with working people taught him about representation and empathy
Why career paths often only make sense when you look backwards
What actually surprised Gary once he became a Member of Parliament
Why political debate can be fierce inside the chamber but respectful outside it
What the public rarely sees about the workload of an MP
Why Gary remains optimistic about people who choose to enter public life
The advice he would give aspiring leaders: rest, appreciate the opportunity, and enjoy the journey while you’re in it
