Ever wondered what it’s like to be a political staffer?

Rory Cunningham, the 409th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, says it’s stimulating, fascinating and relentless, while also being an emotional rollercoaster. Your day can shift instantly depending on an unexpected event or a breaking news story.

Rory is the Chief of Staff for Dugald Saunders, leader of the NSW Nationals, who are currently in opposition; previously, when the Nationals were in government, he served as a senior media adviser for Deputy Premier John Barilaro and media and communications manager for Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor.

Despite leading his team through the ups and downs of life on Macquarie Street, Rory never aspired to work in politics and joined the industry only in 2020. He began his career working in the TV and gaming industries, in media and communications roles, before a former colleague recommended him to Barilaro’s office. He was interviewed and promptly hired.

Working in politics demands an open, curious mind, because you have to meet so many people from so many backgrounds and be across so many issues. For example, in his first week in the job with Minister Taylor, Rory was involved in a government initiative to provide free menstrual hygiene products in all public schools.

Another thing Rory has learned is that being a politician is an incredibly hard job. Most politicians, he says, run for office for the right reasons; once elected, they have to work very long hours, spend a lot of time away from their family and manage negative media coverage.

When Rory goes to bed, he’s never entirely sure what the following day will bring. First thing in the morning, he checks his phone, sees what’s making news … and the cycle continues.