Twelve Candidates, One Seat: The Fight for Werribee Heats Up!

The candidates, listed in ballot paper order, are:

1. A. Raheem Rifai – Australian Greens

A. Raheem Rifai brings over 15 years of community service experience to his campaign. As President and Secretary of several local organisations, including the Werribee Islamic Centre, Rifai has strong ties to the local community. An active union member, Rifai is advocating for environmental sustainability, social equity, and better community services.

2. Steve Murphy – Liberal Party

Steve Murphy is a former police officer, army trooper, and town planner who has spent the last 26 years in real estate, running a local agency. A longtime Werribee resident before moving closer to family, Murphy’s campaign focuses on tackling cost-of-living pressures, supporting local businesses, and improving infrastructure.

3. Matthew Emerson – Family First Victoria

Matthew Emerson is a seasoned Family First candidate who previously contested this seat in 2022. Known for his conservative values, Emerson is focusing on family-oriented policies, community safety, and faith-based leadership. He is also running for Lalor in the upcoming Federal election.

4. Xavier Menta – Legalise Cannabis Victoria

Hailing from the western suburbs, Xavier Menta studied Sports Science at Victoria University and has worked as a horticulturist while balancing a passion for sports. Menta’s campaign centres on cannabis law reform, promoting its medicinal and recreational benefits, and fostering economic opportunities in the industry.

5. Munish Joshi – Independent

Munish Joshi is an independent candidate prioritising healthcare access, improved public transport, and grassroots community engagement. His campaign highlights his commitment to addressing local concerns and fostering inclusivity.

6. Sue Munro – Victorian Socialists

Sue Munro, a Werribee local and public acute-care nurse, brings personal experience to her campaign. As the mother of two young adults with disabilities, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by families in the west. Munro advocates for affordable housing, workers’ rights, and improved healthcare services. She received 3.6% of the vote in this seat at the 2022 state election.

7. Shohre Mansouri Jajaee – Animal Justice Party

Shohre Mansouri Jajaee, a software engineer and long-time advocate for education equality, founded a charity supporting disadvantaged children. Her campaign focuses on animal welfare, environmental protection, and promoting plant-based initiatives. She previously contested Footscray for the Animal Justice Party in 2022.

8. Kodei Mulcahy – Independent

Kodei Mulcahy is running as an independent candidate. His platform is focused on youth engagement and educational reform, aiming to empower young people and improve opportunities for the next generation.

9. Aidan McLindon – Independent

With over two decades in politics, Aidan McLindon has held numerous positions, including Mayor of Whittlesea and Queensland State MP. Known for his dynamic political career, McLindon’s platform focuses on transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and addressing community issues. He previously contested the Mulgrave seat against former Premier Daniel Andrews in 2022, polling 2.2%.

10. Paul Hopper – Independent

Paul Hopper is a lifelong Werribee resident and a respected businessman with deep local roots. His family’s legacy is enshrined in Hoppers Crossing, named after his ancestors. Hopper runs a successful car dealership chain and has long supported local sports clubs. His campaign prioritises small business support and enhanced community services.

11. John Lister – Australian Labor Party

John Lister, a 31-year-old Werribee local, works as a teacher and is a volunteer with the Werribee Country Fire Authority Brigade. A community-focused candidate, Lister’s platform includes education investment, improved public transport, and continuing Labor’s infrastructure projects for the district.

12. Aijaz Moinuddin – Independent

Aijaz Moinuddin has contested several elections, including the neighbouring Tarneit seat in 2022 and the Federal seat of Lalor. Known for advocating multicultural representation, Moinuddin’s platform includes fostering social cohesion and addressing the unique needs of Werribee’s diverse community.

Voting Details

Voting is compulsory for all registered voters in the Werribee District. Polling booths will be open from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 8 February. Early voting begins on Wednesday, 29 January, and continues until Friday, 7 February, at the following locations:

•22 Princes Highway, Werribee

•1st Iramoo Scout Hall, 66 Honour Avenue, Wyndham Vale

Postal voting is also available, with applications closing at 6 pm on Wednesday, 5 February. Ballots must be submitted by 6 pm on election day.

For more information, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website at vec.vic.gov.au.

This by-election presents voters with a broad spectrum of candidates, offering a chance to shape the future of Werribee District.