Full list of federal election candidates in Geelong region seats Corangamite, Corio, Wannon
Who can you vote for in the federal election? Get to know your seat and candidates in Corangamite, Corio and Wannon. SEE THE LIST
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With a date set for the federal election on May 21, these are the people vying for your vote.
See the full list of election candidates from the electorates of Corangamite, Corio and Wannon which cover the Geelong region.
CORANGAMITE
Libby Coker - Labor
Corangamite’s incumbent federal MP will look to seize on perceived failings of the Morrison Government to expand her margin that sat at just 2170 two-party preferred votes after the 2019 poll.
The backbencher’s first term in parliament has been marked by a commitment to grassroots issues such as securing a post office for Armstrong Creek, going into bat for residents of the Ashbury Estate in Armstrong Creek on infrastructure delays and road safety issues, and advocating for locals to get a fair go on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and to be secure in their jobs.
Ms Coker, 59, has also advocated for a treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for environmental improvements in her electorate that takes in some of the Surf Coast.
Ms Coker’s three-year tenure has seen a stronger focus on the need for immediate action on climate change following her defection within Labor’s factions.
Stephanie Asher - Liberal
The City of Greater Geelong mayor took a leave of absence in January to get a free run at her tilt for a seat in federal parliament.
She will be hoping to leverage her popularity on the Bellarine Peninsula and expand it across the 1215sq km Corangamite electorate.
Ms Asher, an author and former management consultant, is involved in a number of volunteer and community organisations.
She’s a former director of Barwon Regional Waste Management Group and a former vice president of Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club.
During her time with Geelong council Ms Asher worked with colleagues to secure government funding for the North Aquatic and Community hub at Corio, and for an outdoor 50m pool at Drysdale.
Ms Asher has stepped up her campaigning in recent weeks holding numerous public listening posts.
Alex Marshall - The Greens
The 22-year-old university student is aiming high and trying to nab marginal seat of Corangamite.
Ms Marshall, a Deakin University commerce student and disability support worker, will campaign on a policy platform aiming to expand Medicare to better cover mental health, establish a treaty with First Nations people, fix the NDIS, and increase free education through public schools, TAFEs and universities.
“Only through truth-telling and justice can we heal the wounds of the past, embrace the rich
and ancient heritage of this land and move forward together,” Ms Marshall, who lives between Belmont and Torquay, said about the need for a treaty.
Ms Marshall worked on grassroots campaigns including Fight for the Bight, and ran for election in the Surf Coast Shire’s 2019 by-election. She also pushed council to declare a climate emergency in the same year.
Paul Barker — Liberal Democrats
Surf Coast Shire Cr Paul Barker announced in September he would stand for the Liberal Democrats in the next federal election.
His motivation for nominating was “authoritarian measures” seen across the country throughout the pandemic.
“I have been motivated to take this stand based on support and encouragement from many in our community,” Cr Barker said at the time.
He has served with the Royal Australian Air Force, and was elected to the Surf Coast Shire in 2020.
After retirement from the air force, he worked in manufacturing and logistics roles before moving to Torquay to become a skydiving instructor.
As part of his campaign, Mr Barker has vowed to “respect your human rights”.
“Government has failed to lead, creating division and uncertainty. I want to heal those divisions; I stand for fair and just policies that unite Australia,” he said.
“I trust Australian families to make their own choices about health, education and lifestyle, and I respect those choices.”
Meg Watkins - Animal Justice Party
Animal Justice Party candidate for Corangamite Meg Watkins, 24, said action on climate change would be a “deciding factor” at the election, with the party wanting carbon emissions at net zero by 2035.
“The actual effects of the climate emergency aren’t being addressed in terms of their causes, which includes land clearing for grazing and animal agriculture,” she said.
“The whole idea of transitioning farmers to plant-based alternatives is going to have an enormous effect on climate change.
“That’s where our priorities are at in terms of reducing methane emissions.”
Ms Watkins said the government’s low and middle-income tax offset (LMITO), which will give some a tax break of up to $1500 in the 2021-22 financial year, should be continued into the 2022-23 financial year.
The government policy is worth $7.8bn a year to the budget.
With predictions the federal government’s gross debt will hit $1 trillion by June 2025, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg canned the LMITO at the federal budget in March.
Ms Watkins said live exports should be banned and an independent national office of animal protection developed.
Daniel Abou-Zeid — United Australia Party
Daniel Abou-Zeid was raised in Geelong, and describes his upbringing as diverse and dysfunctional.
“The adversity of my life has equipped me to adapt to new challenges while seeking the best possible outcomes. I am a man of conviction and faith who is motivated by values and I strive to accomplish positive and enduring outcomes for all Australians,” he said.
The Torquay Christian pastor is passionate about “creating a healthy functional society so that marriages, families, communities, businesses and individuals can flourish”.
The United Australia Party, founded by mining magnate and former parliamentarian Clive Palmer, is campaigning on a platform that includes an anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine passport mandate.
The party said it wanted to freeze the fuel excise which was dropped to 22 cents per litre for six months by the government in March.
According to Google’s Transparency Report The United Australia Party has spent $8.32m on advertising on that platform since November 15, 2020.
Stephen Juhasz — Australian Federation Party
Stephen Juhasz is back to contest a second federal election after a tilt in 2016.
Once an independent who tried to clinch a senate seat, at the 2022 election Mr Juhasz will run as a member of the Australian Federation Party.
On its website the party outlines it is “all about including you in the development, growth, and improvement of ourgreat nation.”
The party operates on mantras including improving welfare for defence force veterans; achieving a “true” representative democracy by in part having each elected member of the party having a monthly town hall with constitutents; preserving animal welfare; putting greater scrutiny of international corporations operating in Australia; and adopting responses to future pandemics which include keeping borders opened, banning lockdowns, ending quarantine, ending mandatory masks requirements and ending workplace vaccination mandates.
Mr Juhasz, whose name will appear at the top of the Corangamite ballot paper, has worked in retail and hospitality and has studied arts-commerce at Deakin University.
Luke Sorensen - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Mr Sorensen, a licensed firearms dealer in running in Corangamite with One Nation which is putting candidates up in every lower house seat at the election. A biography of Mr Sorensen is not yet available.
Jean-Marie D’Argent - Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party
Mr D'Argent came to Australia in 1967 from Mauritius.
As a child he was raised by his sisters and the “number 1 rule” for him is to “respect females.”
Mr D'Argent grew up watching Derryn Hinch on TV and saw him protecting victims of indecent behaviour.
“He let people know who these evil humans were and that’s when I started to respect this person who wasn’t scared to mention names and go to prison to protect these innocent victims,” Mr D'Argent said.
“When I had the honour to be asked to be a candidate for in his party it was a no brainer for me to say yes because I stand for what he has achieved in his life and if I had the same opportunity to help innocent people in need I will be there without a doubt.”
CORIO
Richard Marles — Labor
Labor’s federal deputy leader, and member for Corio since 2007, is hoping his party will have a change of fortune at the federal election and be returned to government for the first time since 2013.
Mr Marles previously held the defence portfolio for the opposition for more than four years.
The 54-year-old, hoping for his sixth term in parliament, now leads the federal Labor Party’s position on employment, skills, small business and science.
Labor’s $1.2bn education policy, that it will take to the election, will commit $621m to free TAFE before 2025, and $481.7m to create up to 20,000 new university places in 2022 and 2023.
“Through Labor’s free TAFE, more locals of all ages will have access to good careers and more businesses will have a pipeline of skilled workers to meet demand,” Mr Marles told the Addy last year.
Manish Patel - Liberal
Born in India Mr Patel migrated to Australia with a hope of better life in 2007.
The mortgage and finance broker said he wanted people to share ideas with him about how health, education, welfare, infrastructure, the economy and national security could be improved.
“I am passionately committed to serve our community and make changes to make Australia even better place to live and be proud of,” Mr Patel, a married father-of-two, said.
“I have studied Bachelor of Science (Chemistry, Physics, Maths), Advanced Diploma of Computer Programming, Diploma of Community Welfare, Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking.
“I have unique knowledge of working in various sectors and running a small business. I want to use my exceptional knowledge to improve life of our community.”
Simon Northeast - The Greens
Simon Northeast is back for another tilt at Corio after running in 2019.
Directing more money to social housing, higher taxes for the wealthy and giving people a fair go will be priorities for the Mr Northeast, if he wins the seat.
Mr Northeast, a Geelong lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, said he wanted to address homelessness and the number of people relying on social support.
“If you want to get people out of poverty the most effective thing to do is provide social housing, that would be my starting point,” he said.
“There’s 23,000 families attending food banks in the (Geelong region) in order to ask for food charity.
“I’m told by my clients (in my legal work) that there’s a hell of lot of young people who are couch surfing locally. There’s a big wait for people to get into priority housing.”
The 58-year-old said the Corio electorate had been neglected in federal funding.
“I just want to ensure that (the people) get seen. It’s a safe seat, they don’t get promised funding anything like the other electorates. I just think more attention needs to be paid to the people of Corio.”
Mr Northeast, who has moved from Fairhaven to Geelong, has run for parliament three times, twice at state level, and was a Surf Coast Shire councillor for four years.
Sue Bull - Socialist Alliance
Occupational health and safety teacher Sue Bull will take up the task of trying to unseat federal deputy Labor leader and Corio MP Richard Marles, who won 47.6 per cent of the first-preference vote at the last election.
Ms Bull, of Manifold Heights, said stopping Viva Energy’s gas import terminal at Corio and creating more jobs in Geelong’s north would be among her priorities if she won the seat.
“There has to be emphasis put on green alternatives (so we can) transition (energy) in that way rather than opening up more fossil fuel outlets. It doesn’t mean that we think Viva has to be shut down,” she said.
Ms Bull, 64, said the federal government needed to boost health funding, reduce elective surgery waiting lists, address poor wage growth and change private schools funding.
“It has been revealed that Victoria has the lowest level of funding for public hospitals per head of population in the country,” she said.
“I think it’s time the federal government stop funding private education at the level they do. “You see some of the public schools in Geelong, they could really do with an extra dose of funding.”
Ms Bull contested Geelong council’s mayoral election in 2012, and has also contested the , 2010, 2013 and 2016 federal elections.
Robert Jones - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Robert Jones has lived in Corio for the past 10 years and has worked in the security industry, for more than 15 years.
Mr Jones said he was passionate about improving support for families in Corio.
He said more people in Corio needed to start apprenticeships and traineeships which would enable young people to be competitive in the job market.
On affordable energy Mr Jones said: “We need to work smarter and better in using new technologies and relining on our natural resources not for the benefit of our global competitors. Building low-emission coal-fired power stations, restoring our essential fuel reserves, and investigation of nuclear power. One Nation’s affordable energy and cost of living policies are the way forward.”
Mr Jones said Australian governments’ handling of the Covid response meant a broad royal commission into the state and federal Covid responses was needed.
Mr Jones said he was standing with One Nation to bring back Australian values, jobs, and manufacturing.
“I intend to make a difference by ‘keeping the bastards honest’.”
Jessica Taylor - Australian Federation Party
A biography of Ms Taylor is not available.
Maxim Payne - Liberal Democrats
Mr Payne has lived in the Corio electorate for most of his life and has previously worked in hospitality, retail, musical education and landscaping.
He is running to give voters a change from, what he said was, “political apathy” in the electorate because of its safe Labor status.
He promises to “fight the nanny state and economic overreach of governments that have increasingly sought greater and greater control over the finances, speech and education of its people” if elected.
Mr Payne said: “It is time that the people of Geelong have a member who serves them, rather than continue to be the long suffering servants of government.”
Shane Murdock - United Australia Party
United Australia Party candidate for Corio Shane Murdock wants the Geelong refinery to be a key part of making the nation “energy independent.”
The former Virgin Airlines pilot said if successful at the federal election he would push for Viva Energy to lift oil refining at Geelong.
“I would like to see Australia get to the point where we are energy independent ... and refining more oil here,” he said.
Mr Murdock, 63, said increasing oil refining in Australia meant the nation would not be beholden to global prices, which could translate to price relief at the bowser for motorists.
As national gross debt sits about $963bn, he said debt needed to be paid down quickly but he would not say if the low and middle-income tax offset, which offered a tax break of up to $1080, should be abolished.
Asked about carbon emission reduction, he would not offer his opinion on a target but said: “We have to be looking at new ways of developing power so we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
Mr Murdock, who has lived in the region for 18 years and now resides in the Geelong CBD, said UAP policies were about freedom of movement, freedom of decision and freedom to earn a living.
He said he felt compelled to nominate as an election candidate because he was not supportive of Covid lock downs and vaccine mandates.
Mr Murdock recently lost his job as a pilot with Virgin Airlines because he did not abide by a Covid vaccine mandate.
“I value my health and integrity higher than I do my job,” he said
Naomi Adams - Animal Justice Party
The psychologist and animal assisted therapist with 20 years counselling experience who works at Ocean Grove is running on a platform to ensure human rights and the environment is protected.
Ms Adams, a former youth worker, wants to end live animal exports “of all animals to all countries in all seasons.”
She wants to farmers and regional communities by supporting them to transition to sustainable horticulture and to drive plant-based innovation in the sector.
Ms Adams wants to ban the “toxic” bait sodium monofluoroacetate (1080 poison) to prevent the torturous death of wildlife and domestic animals occurring all around the country.
Ms Adams holds a graduate diploma and post graduate diploma in psychology; Bachelor of Human Services (Social Welfare); and Cert IV Community Services – Alcohol & Other Drugs.
She ran as an AJP candidate for the Bellarine Ward at the 2017 and 2020 City of Greater Geelong Council elections and the 2018 Victorian election. She also ran at the 2019 federal election.
WANNON
Dan Tehan - Liberal
The government frontbencher is the minister for trade, tourism and investment.
He’s overseen significant trade deals with India and the United Kingdom.
Mr Tehan was elected to Federal Parliament in 2010 and has held positions including as the chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security; co-chair of the parliamentary friends of youth mental health, and; chair of the coalition friends of tourism.
Mr Tehan was involved in establishing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam.
Mr Tehan said the agreement would present trade opportunities for Australian farmers and businesses.
The Liberals have held Wannon — a 33,500 sq km electorate that extends from the Victorian-South Australian border to Cape Otway and along the Surf Coast from Apollo Bay to Lorne to Anglesea and up to Winchelsea — since 1972.
Gilbert Wilson - Labor
Mr Wilson who lives at Portland, and has a long family history there, wants to address “the problems of disadvantage and inequality” if elected to parliament.
He wants to maintain funding to Medicare and is appalled by cuts to it resulting in bulk billing, increased up-front costs for medical servicing such as x-rays, and the loss of many doctors from rural and regional areas.
A former tradie, Mr Wilson wants to see more young people go into trades and provide a framework that allows them to achieve their potential.
Mr Wilson said protection of the environment was important. He wants the federal government to take necessary action to protect the planet for future generations.
Mr Wilson is concerned for people facing the issues of unemployment, homelessness, addiction and isolation.
Hilary McAllister
Ms McAllister says the Greens can hold the balance of power in federal parliament if “just a few hundred people changed their vote from the last election.”
“(If this happens) the Greens can be in the balance of power and be able to push the next government to go bigger and bolder on confronting the climate crisis,” Ms McAllister, who lives at Aireys Inlet, said.
“The major parties aren’t taking climate action seriously and we’re running out of time.
“I will be a hardworking, bold representative for the people of Wannon so that we can thrive in a renewable, net zero future.
“I’m running for Wannon because I know what’s at stake. The climate crisis affects coastal communities and farming families before it affects anyone in Canberra, and I’m eager to do everything I can to ensure our people and places are safe, healthy, and thriving.”
Amanda Mead - Liberal Democrat
Amanda is a business owner, and lives on a small hobby farm.
She wants to reduce business taxes, remove pointless regulations and make it easier for new businesses to be created.
Ms Mead’s motivation for running at the federal election came after she saw rural and regional areas being neglected, divided and ignored by the government.
She said other issues the people of Wannon wanted change on were improving education, destruction of farm land, a lack of health services and medical segregation.
Craige Kensen - United Australia Party
The former employee of Ambulance Victoria and Royal Flying Doctor Service, Mr Kensen has lost his job as a result of not complying with vaccine mandates.
If elected Mr Kensen is determined to restore more personal freedoms.
“I am outraged and I’m determined to stand with the only political party doing something to fix these issues.”
The Wannon electorate was once held by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and has been largely considered a safe Liberal seat.
Alex Dyson - Independent
Former Triple J host, media personality and author Alex Dyson will take another tilt at politics, throwing his hat in the ring as an independent candidate for his home seat of Wannon for this year’s federal election.
The former Warrnambool College student, backed by wealthy climate activist Simon Holmes a Court and the Climate 200 fund, wants to increase government accountability and action on climate if he is elected to parliament.
Mr Dyson, 33, said parliamentary integrity would be a key part of his campaign platform, including pushing for an independent conduct umpire.
Mr Dyson’s first foray into politics was during the in the 2019 election, when he attracted 10.4 per cent of the first-preference vote in Wannon
Mr Dyson has the backing of the Voices for Wannon political movement.
Graham Garner - independent
A profile of Mr Garner is not yet available.
Ronnie Graham - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
The former sheet metal worker and truck driver is running at the federal election on a platform that includes getting more Australians into work.
“In an effort to bolster homegrown tradesmen and women, One Nation will increase its national apprenticeship scheme whereby first-year apprentices receive a 75 per cent wage subsidy, followed by 50 per cent in the second year, and finally 25 per cent in their third year,” Mr Graham said.
To become law any policy from One Nation would need the backing of members of parliament outside the party, which would have to include members of the Coalition and, or, Labor.
Mr Graham said he offers broad knowledge of city life and country life having lived and worked across different regions.
Former Corangamite suburbs (at 2019 election) now in Wannon
Aireys Inlet
Anglesea
Apollo Bay
Bambra
Barramunga
Barunah Plains
Barwon Downs
Beech Forest
Benwerrin
Big Hill
Birregurra
Boonah
Cape Otway
Carlisle River
Chapple Vale
Charleys Creek
Coradjil
Deans Marsh
Eastern View
Fairhaven
Ferguson
Forrest
Gellibrand
Gellibrand Lower
Gerangamete
Glenaire
Grey River
Hordern Vale
Johanna
Kawarren
Kennett River
Lavers Hill
Lorne
Marengo
Moggs Creek
Mt Sabine
Murroon
Ombersley
Pennyroyal
Petticoat Creek
Separation Creek
Simpson
Skenes Creek
Sugarloaf
Tanybryn
Warncoort
Weeaproinah
Wensleydale
Whoorel
Winchelsea
Winchelsea South
Wingeel
Wongarra
Wye River
Wyelangta
Yeodene
Yuulong
Originally published as Full list of federal election candidates in Geelong region seats Corangamite, Corio, Wannon
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