Australian Democrats Introduce Victorian State Election Team as Party Returns to State Politics

The Australian Democrats are proud to introduce their team of candidates contesting the November 2026 Victorian State Election, marking an important step in the party’s return to Victorian state politics after approximately 20 years.

Under the banner “Change Politics – Together,” the Australian Democrats are preparing to take their message of sensible, accountable and people-focused politics to voters across Victoria.

Victorian and Tasmanian State President Ryan Parris said the campaign represented the culmination of months of hard work by dedicated members, volunteers and supporters who believe Victoria deserves a stronger voice for the sensible centre.

“This campaign is about more than candidates and election day. It is about rebuilding a political movement that believes politics should work for ordinary Australians, that elected representatives must be held accountable, and that the community deserves better than the political status quo.”

“We have worked hard to rebuild our presence in Victoria, grow our membership and secure our state registration. Now, we are taking the next step and putting together a team ready to stand up for Victorians.”

— Ryan Parris, Victorian & Tasmanian State President

Introducing the Victorian State Election team

The Australian Democrats’ current campaign team includes candidates across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Northern Metropolitan Region

• Andrew Rowse
• Sahar Khalili

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

• Heath McKenzie
• Jacqui Morel

Western Victoria Region

• Andy Meddick
• Peter Kelly

Western Metropolitan Region

• Chris Thiery-Lai
• Nigel Keenan

Southern Metropolitan Region

• Clive Jackson
• Philip Broadbridge

North-Eastern Metropolitan Region

• Leonie Green
• Ryan Parris

The party will share further information about individual candidates, their backgrounds and their priorities as the campaign progresses, but you can read their brief bios on our website: vic.democrats.org.au/candidates.

A campaign built by its members

The Australian Democrats’ Victorian campaign is being driven by its growing membership and a commitment to building a strong, sustainable presence in state politics.

Members and volunteers will play a vital role in connecting with voters through community engagement, local campaigning, letterboxing, distributing how-to-vote cards and supporting candidates across the state.

Mr Parris said the party’s return to the Victorian election stage was an opportunity to build momentum towards the next federal election while giving Victorian voters another choice at the ballot box.

“We are not a party backed by big corporate interests. We are building this campaign through the commitment of our members, the generosity of our supporters and the belief that politics can be done differently.”

“Our message is simple: we want to change politics, together. We invite Victorians who share that belief to join us, get involved and help make this campaign count.”

— Ryan Parris

The Australian Democrats encourage members, supporters and interested Victorians to follow the campaign, meet their local candidates and consider volunteering in the lead-up to election day on 28 November 2026.