Six Candidates, One Seat: Werribee Decides Its Future
The Werribee District is gearing up for a key by-election on Saturday, 8 February 2025, following the resignation of former Labor MP Tim Pallas on 16 December 2024. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has confirmed that 56,464 voters are enrolled, reflecting an increase of 6,502 electors since the 2022 state election.
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Voting Details:
•Early voting: Opens Wednesday, 29 January, and continues until Friday, 7 February. Voters can find opening hours and accessibility information through the VEC’s online voting centre locator.
•Postal voting: Applications are available online at vec.vic.gov.au, at post offices in the Werribee District, or by calling 131 832. Applications must be lodged by 6 pm on Wednesday, 5 February. Completed ballots must be mailed or delivered to a voting centre by 6 pm on election day.
•Compulsory voting: All enrolled voters are required to participate.
Candidates for Werribee District By-Election:
The ballot includes a wide range of candidates, listed alphabetically by surname:
1.Paul Hopper (Independent): A community advocate and previous candidate for Werribee in 2022.
2.John Lister (Labor): A local school teacher and volunteer firefighter with the Country Fire Authority.
3.Mansouri Jajaee, Shohre (Animal Justice Party): An advocate for animal welfare and sustainable environmental policies.
4.Sue Munro (Victorian Socialists): An agency-enrolled nurse and community activist advocating for stronger healthcare services and social equality.
5.Steve Murphy (Liberal): A real estate agent and former police officer.
6.Rifai A. Raheem (Greens): A social entrepreneur, community activist, and union organiser.
What’s at Stake:
This by-election is being closely watched as a barometer of political sentiment in Victoria ahead of the 2026 state election. It provides an opportunity for residents of Werribee District to shape their representation and influence broader political trends.
Encouraging Civic Engagement:
Residents are encouraged to attend candidate forums, explore policy platforms, and cast their votes either in person or via postal services.
For detailed voting information and candidate profiles, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission’s website at vec.vic.gov.au.
