Key Takeaways
- Amelia Hamer has been endorsed as the Liberal Party candidate for the state seat of Malvern
- Hamer won the preselection vote against three other contenders, including Jacqueline Blackwell, Xavier Boffa, and Lana Collaris
- The vote was held at Caulfield Race Course, with over 200 Liberal Party members in attendance
- Hamer is an Oxford-educated grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert "Dick" Hamer
- She has previously come close to winning the federal seat of Kooyong, falling short to incumbent teal MP Monique Ryan
Introduction to the Preselection Vote
The Liberal Party has endorsed Amelia Hamer as the candidate for the state seat of Malvern, following a preselection vote held at Caulfield Race Course on Sunday. The vote was attended by over 200 Liberal Party members, who gathered to select a new candidate after the retirement of former Liberal leader Michael O’Brien. O’Brien will step down after next year’s November state election, paving the way for a new candidate to take his place. The preselection vote was a significant event, with four contenders vying for the top spot.
The Contenders
The four contenders for the preselection vote were Amelia Hamer, Jacqueline Blackwell, Xavier Boffa, and Lana Collaris. Hamer, an Oxford-educated grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert "Dick" Hamer, was seen as a strong candidate. Blackwell, the chair of the Liberal Women’s Council of Victoria, had the backing of former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Boffa, a former adviser to former Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto, and Collaris, the Samuel Griffith Society executive director, also threw their hats into the ring. However, it was Hamer who ultimately emerged victorious, winning the vote in the first round.
The Voting Process
The voting process was expected to be close, with some predicting that multiple knockout rounds would be required to determine the winner. However, Hamer’s victory was resounding, with her winning the vote in the first round. This is a significant achievement, given the caliber of the other contenders. Blackwell, in particular, had been rising through the organisational ranks of the party, having become chair of the Kooyong Federal Electoral Conference and the Liberal Women’s Council of Victoria in recent months. Despite this, Hamer’s credentials and experience ultimately won out.
Amelia Hamer’s Background
Amelia Hamer is an impressive candidate, with a strong background in politics. She is an Oxford-educated grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert "Dick" Hamer, and has previously come close to winning the federal seat of Kooyong. In this year’s federal election, Hamer fell short to incumbent teal MP Monique Ryan by just 1500 votes. This experience will likely serve her well in her bid for the state seat of Malvern. Hamer has also received the endorsement of former premier Jeff Kennett, which will likely provide a significant boost to her campaign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amelia Hamer’s endorsement as the Liberal Party candidate for the state seat of Malvern is a significant development. Her victory in the preselection vote is a testament to her strength as a candidate, and her experience in politics will likely serve her well in the upcoming election. With the backing of former premier Jeff Kennett and her own impressive credentials, Hamer is well-placed to make a strong bid for the seat. As the Liberal Party looks to the future, Hamer’s candidacy is a positive sign, and her potential to make a real difference in the state seat of Malvern is significant.