Ryan Parris is the Victorian and Tasmanian State President of the Australian Democrats and a candidate for the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region in the 2026 Victorian election.
Ryan joined the Australian Democrats during the 2020 Victorian lockdowns, driven by a belief that Australia needs sensible, independent voices committed to accountability, integrity and putting people ahead of political self-interest.
With a background in business, Communications & electrical contracting, including renewable energy, Ryan has spent much of his career building businesses, managing projects and finding practical solutions to complex challenges. As the founder of a solar energy business, he gained firsthand experience in the challenges facing small businesses, the importance of responsible leadership and the need for policies that deliver real-world results.
Since becoming State President in December 2025, Ryan has helped lead a significant rebuilding effort within the Victorian and Tasmanian division. Working alongside dedicated members and volunteers, he has helped grow party membership, strengthen the organisation and secure Victorian Electoral Commission registration — paving the way for the Australian Democrats to contest a Victorian state election for the first time in 20 years.
Ryan is standing for election because he believes Victorians deserve a stronger voice in Parliament — one that asks the difficult questions, scrutinises government decisions and puts transparency, accountability and evidence ahead of party politics.
He believes politics works best when people are prepared to listen, work across political divides and focus on practical solutions rather than political point-scoring. For Ryan, the Australian Democrats’ role is as important today as ever: to keep the bastards honest.
Ryan is committed to helping rebuild a political movement that gives Victorians a genuine alternative and proves that politics can be done differently.
Together – We can do this!
Contact Ryan: NorthEast@vic.democrats.org.au
