Leon Rebello: LNP candidate set to represent Gold Coast seat of McPherson in federal parliament

Leon Rebello once poured glasses of water for federal MPs as a part-time job while studying at university. Now, he’s set to not just become an MP in his own right but the youngest member.

Leon Rebello once poured glasses of water for federal MPs as a part-time job while studying at university.

Now, he’s set to not just become an MP in his own right but the youngest member of the House of Representatives.

The 30-year-old is on track to become the Baby of the House in the next parliament, holding a commanding lead in the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson.

It’s been a long journey for the lawyer, the son of Indian immigrants Valeriano and Liddy Rebello.

Leon Rebello is set to be elected to federal parliament. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“It means a lot to me and my parents because they migrated to this country and had very different experiences than me but I was brought up to love Australia,” he said.

“As migrants, they are the proudest Australians I know and that they perhaps have a son who will serve in the national parliament is something which is hard to describe and very touching.”

Mr Rebello, originally from Canberra, fell in love with politics while working as a chamber assistant at federal parliament where he assisted MPs from all parties and worked in the mail room.

Leon Rebello withstood a high-profile campaign by Erchana Murray-Bartlett who was unable to capture enough votes. Picture Glenn Hampson

He is understood to be the first person to have risen from that position to being elected in his own right.

While studying at Australian National University, Mr Rebello worked for then-foreign minister Julie Bishop, someone he said had been an inspiration.

“I worked on her ministerial team while I was studying at uni and got to see what it looked like to work in an office like that,” he said.

“She had an impeccable work ethic, which we were taught and that is something I relished.

“With her, I got to see much of the country and fell in love with Queensland along the way.”

Leon Rebello celebrated with his supporters on Saturday night, including his beloved parents. Picture Glenn Hampson

Leaving government service after Ms Bishop lost a 2018 leadership spill that delivered the prime ministership to Scott Morrison, Mr Rebello went on to work for commercial law firm King and Wood Mallesons.

During his time with the firm he represented the Commonwealth during the inquiry into the Black Summer bushfires and lived in Brisbane, before relocating to the Gold Coast in 2021.

Just three years later he was preselected by the LNP.

Mr Rebello’s LNP colleagues hold him in high regard, including state MP Hermann Vorster who campaigned with him.

“

Lawyer Leon Rebello, with his old boss Julie Bishop. Picture: Instagram

Leon is a thoughtful and focused community organiser that will work extremely hard for the southern Gold Coast.”

“I got to see that first-hand as we worked with Councillor Josh Martin to oppose an inappropriate development in Old Burleigh Town.”

“I saw someone that wasn’t waiting to serve his community but was already prepared to roll up his sleeves. That’s all the proof we needed that he is the right person for the job.”

“He knows that the big challenges on the southern Gold Coast will require a team player, and cannot be solved by a single voice.”

“It would be an incredible outcome for Leon to work alongside Laura, Ros, Ray, JP, and myself to look after this special part of the Gold Coast.”