Australian Democrats Announce Two More Candidates as Victorian Election Team Reaches 14

The Australian Democrats are delighted to announce two additional Lower House candidates who will contest the November 2026 Victorian State Election, bringing the party’s statewide candidate team to 14.

The announcement of Karen Hyslop for the District of Lowan and Jack Pead-Philipson for the District of Richmond marks another important milestone in the Australian Democrats’ return to Victorian state politics after approximately 20 years.

Under the campaign banner “Change Politics – Together”, the party is continuing to build its presence across metropolitan and regional Victoria, offering voters another voice and a choice beyond the traditional political landscape.

Victorian and Tasmanian State President Ryan Parris welcomed the announcement.

“To be announcing our final two Lower House candidates is a fantastic way to round out what has been an extraordinary journey for our Victorian team.

“When we began rebuilding the Victorian branch, getting back onto the ballot seemed like an enormous challenge. Today, we have successfully re-registered, more than tripled our membership and assembled a team of 14 candidates ready to contest this election.

“That achievement belongs to our members, volunteers and supporters who have put in countless hours to make this happen.

“We are particularly pleased to have candidates representing both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. It’s important that communities across the state have an opportunity to hear from the Australian Democrats and understand what we stand for.”

— Ryan Parris, Victorian & Tasmanian State President

Introducing our two additional Lower House candidates

Karen Hyslop – Lowan District

Karen brings 12 years of local government experience to her candidacy, including two years as Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire.

A long-time Stawell resident, former midwife and farmer’s wife, Karen has firsthand experience of the challenges facing regional communities.

Her priorities include improving rural roads, addressing inadequate regional health services, tackling the rising cost of living and protecting productive agricultural land.

Karen is committed to ensuring the people of Lowan have a strong local voice in the Victorian Parliament.

Jack Pead-Philipson – Richmond District

Jack brings professional experience across energy, climate policy and public service, having worked with organisations including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and private-sector energy companies.

Raised in Ivanhoe and now living in Abbotsford, Jack is passionate about transparent and accountable government, evidence-based decision-making and giving communities a greater voice.

His priorities include practical solutions for local communities, responsible management of public finances, community participation and addressing the growing challenge of social isolation and loneliness.

A team of 14. One shared vision.

With these two additional candidates, the Australian Democrats will now contest the Victorian Election with:

• 12 Legislative Council candidates across all six metropolitan and regional upper house regions.
• 2 Legislative Assembly candidates in the districts of Lowan and Richmond.
• 14 candidates in total representing the Australian Democrats across Victoria.

Mr Parris said the campaign was about building something that would extend well beyond election day.

“We know we’re starting from a different position to the major parties. We don’t have the corporate backing or the enormous resources that others have.

“What we do have is a growing membership, passionate volunteers and people who genuinely believe politics can be done differently.

“This election is an important first step in rebuilding the Australian Democrats in Victoria, but our ambitions extend well beyond November. We’re laying the foundations for the future, including the next Federal Election.

“Our message remains simple: Change Politics – Together.”

— Ryan Parris

The Australian Democrats will contest the Victorian State Election on Saturday, 28 November 2026.

Victorians are encouraged to visit the party’s website to learn more about its candidates, policies and campaign.

Meet our candidates: vic.democrats.org.au/candidates