Key Takeaways
- Amelia Hamer, a former federal Liberal candidate, has won preselection to contest the state seat of Malvern in Melbourne’s inner east at the next Victorian election.
- Ms Hamer was endorsed by the Liberal Party after former opposition leader Michael O’Brien announced he would not contest the next election.
- The electorate of Malvern has been a safe Liberal seat since 1945 and covers affluent suburbs such as Toorak, Armadale, and Malvern.
- Ms Hamer’s priorities for the upcoming election include ending Labor’s "era of waste and financial mismanagement" and restoring quality of life in the Malvern community.
- She has promised to tackle rising crime, ease cost of living pressures, and make it easier to do business in the area.
Introduction to Amelia Hamer’s Preselection
Amelia Hamer, a former federal Liberal candidate, has been endorsed by the Liberal Party to contest the state seat of Malvern in Melbourne’s inner east at the next Victorian election. This announcement comes after former opposition leader Michael O’Brien declared that he would not be contesting the next election. Ms Hamer’s preselection is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2026 Victorian election, and her candidacy is expected to generate considerable interest in the Malvern community. As a member of Jess Wilson’s next-generation Liberal team, Ms Hamer is poised to play a key role in the party’s efforts to regain power in the state.
Background on Amelia Hamer’s Political Career
Ms Hamer’s entry into state politics follows her unsuccessful bid for the federal seat of Kooyong at this year’s election, where she narrowly lost to teal MP Monique Ryan. During her federal campaign, Ms Hamer faced criticism for presenting herself as a renter despite owning two investment properties. However, her connection to the Malvern community, where she grew up and continues to live, is expected to be an asset in her state election campaign. The Liberal Party has released an image of Ms Hamer walking with newly elected leader Jess Wilson, signaling her integration into the party’s leadership team.
The Electorate of Malvern
The electorate of Malvern covers over 20 square kilometers and encompasses some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs, including Toorak, Armadale, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, and parts of Glen Iris. Since its creation in 1945, Malvern has been a safe Liberal seat, and the party will be keen to retain it in the upcoming election. The area is known for its high standard of living, excellent schools, and vibrant community, making it an attractive location for families and professionals. As a local resident, Ms Hamer is well-placed to understand the concerns and aspirations of the Malvern community and to advocate for their interests in the state parliament.
Amelia Hamer’s Policy Priorities
In a statement, the Liberal Party outlined Ms Hamer’s priorities for the upcoming election, which include ending Labor’s "era of waste and financial mismanagement" and restoring quality of life in the Malvern community. Ms Hamer has also identified rising crime, cost of living pressures, and difficulties in doing business as key issues that need to be addressed. She has promised to tackle these problems head-on, making it easier for businesses to operate in the area and improving the overall quality of life for residents. By focusing on these critical issues, Ms Hamer aims to resonate with voters and persuade them that the Liberal Party is the best choice to represent their interests in the state parliament.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The preselection of Amelia Hamer as the Liberal candidate for Malvern marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 Victorian election. As a local resident with a deep understanding of the community’s concerns, Ms Hamer is well-placed to connect with voters and advocate for their interests. While the electorate has traditionally been a safe Liberal seat, the party will need to work hard to retain it in the face of strong competition from other parties. With her focus on key issues such as crime, cost of living, and business development, Ms Hamer is poised to run a competitive campaign and make a positive contribution to the Liberal Party’s efforts in the upcoming election.
