Dr Anna Finizio again selected as Liberal candidate for Dunstan – setting up rematch of 2024 by-election

The Liberals have preselected Dr Anna Finizio as their candidate for the seat of Dunstan at the 2026 state election – setting up a by-election rematch.

The Liberals have preselected Dr Anna Finizio as their candidate for the seat of Dunstan at the 2026 state election – setting up a rematch of last year’s by-election.

Dr Finizio was defeated by Labor’s Cressida O’Hanlon by less than 400 votes at a March 2024 by-election held in the former seat of Steven Marshall.

Her re-nomination for the general election cements Dunstan – the state’s most marginal seat – as one electorate the Liberals will be fighting hard to reclaim in 2026.

Dr Finizio, a lawyer-turned-Liberal staffer, said she was passionate about driving change.

Dr Anna Finizio in the lead-up to the Dunstan by-election. Picture: Dean Martin

Cressida O’Hanlon won the by-election by less than 400 votes. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

“I was not going to turn my back on the significant amount of the community who put their trust in me,” she said.

“That’s why I have continued to advocate for residents, businesses and community groups who have been let down by Labor.”

The Dunstan by-election descended into a bitter political row, with both Labor and the Liberals launching repeated attacks on the candidates – but Dr Finizio said she was undeterred.

“Each day I just remained focused on the community, it was a privilege to be invited into people’s homes, hear their stories and share so many incredible moments,” she said.

“I want my community to know I’m there for them, no matter how tough it gets.

“My greatest fear was the Dunstan by-election would deter women who were considering putting themselves forward from running. You can’t be what you can’t see.

“I want women and girls in my community to know they have a place in the parliament and as leaders in their communities.”

Greens preferences were the deciding factor in the 2024 by-election, with Dr Finizio winning 43.5 per cent of the first preference vote compared to Ms O’Hanlon’s 32.1 per cent.

Dr Finizio, a moderate Liberal, said the Greens had ironically hindered a progressive candidate with “a strong voice on many issues their voters care about”.

She said the cost-of-living and housing crisis remains the biggest issue facing young people.

“I am part of a generation who will be facing a poorer standard of living than their parents,” she said.

“As the granddaughter of Italian and Maltese migrants who worked multiple jobs to ensure the next generation had the best opportunities in life, I find this completely unacceptable and so do many in my community.

“Like many, I am struggling to access the housing market and am part of a growing cohort who feel like this may never be a reality for them.”

She said Dunstan residents are also concerned about crime and safety, and frustrated with the health system.

Originally published as Dr Anna Finizio again selected as Liberal candidate for Dunstan – setting up rematch of 2024 by-election