Ex-Labor lawyer Nomi Kaltmann to run as ‘independent’ teal candidate

Nomi Kaltmann will be running under the teal independent banner in the ultra-marginal seat of Caulfield, which is currently held by the Liberal’s David Southwick.

Nomi Kaltmann has been announced as a teal candidate, running for the seat of Caulfield. Picture: Supplied

A former Labor Party member has entered the state election race to challenge in the ultra-marginal seat of Caulfield as a “teal” candidate.

Lawyer and journalist Nomi Kaltmann will be running under the teal independent banner in Caulfield in Melbourne’s southeast, which is currently held by deputy Liberal leader David Southwick.

The 30-year-old mother of three, who has previously worked for two Labor MPs, including former minister Marsha Thomson and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, was approached by Voices of Caulfield at the end of last month and was officially nominated on Friday.

She was a Labor member but renounced her membership ahead of her announcement.

Its understood she is meeting with Climate 200, who bankrolled much of the teal movement at the federal election, on Tuesday to discuss funding for her campaign.

Caulfield is currently held by deputy Liberal leader David Southwick. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ms Kaltmann said her electorate was ready for a shake up.

“It’s really exciting,” she said.

“I think that Caulfield is ready for change.”

The independent is running on the same policies as the federal teals, such as high-profile Monique Ryan who snatched former treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s seat of Kooyong at the recent federal election.

This includes gender equality, greater action on climate change and integrity in government.

Alex Fein, president of Voices of Caulfield, said they had looked at a variety of candidates, but Ms Kaltmann was “the clear winner”.

“Caulfield deserves the best independent candidate to represent it in the parliament and we think Nomi is a brilliant candidate who has the drive, passion and community backing to succeed,” she said.

Ms Fein said Australia had shown it was ready for more women to jump into the political arena.

“Voices of Caulfield seeks to actively promote women to positions of leadership and we are so pleased that Nomi will be the candidate for Caulfield,” she said.