Fashion designer Marilena Di Florio to take on Andrew Wilkie at next election

The Liberal Party has announced its final Tasmanian candidate to run at the next federal election due by the end of May 2025. Find out who will run in Clark.

Marilena Di Florio is the Liberal candidate for Clark at the next federal election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Marilena Di Florio, a Glenorchy-based fashion designer and former air force medic, will run for the Liberal Party in Clark at the next federal election.

She is the last of the Liberals’ candidates to be pre-selected and will take on independent Andrew Wilkie who has announced he will recontest the seat he has easily held since he won it from Labor in 2014.

Ms Di Florio, who works in the Health Department, was born and raised in Hobart.

After leaving school she joined the Royal Australian Air Force, serving as a medic domestically and overseas before returning to Tasmania where she has worked in aged-care and health for 16 years.

Glenorchy-based fashion designer Marilena Di Florio who served as a medic in the Royal Australian Air Force. Picture: Supplied.

In 2019 Ms Di Florio started her own small business, as the designer behind the successful clothing-label Marilena Di Florio which has been on show at Tasmanian Fashion Festivals.

“As a former service-woman, I appreciate the value of service and all those who volunteer to defend our nation,” Ms Di Florio said.

“As a health professional, I am passionate about the need to ensure that Tasmanians and particularly the residents of Clark have the healthcare they need and deserve.

“And, as a current small businesswoman, I understand the challenges and demands that come with operating a small business, and I want to see reduced red tape so business owners can focus on their jobs.”

Her online fashion boutique says her designs are “versatility and personality woven together”.

Ms Di Florio recently ran as a candidate for alderman at this year’s Glenorchy City Council by-election, polling 2803 first preference votes and finishing third.

Marilena Di Florio is the Liberal candidate for Clark at the next federal election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She made headlines at the 2023 Tasmanian Fashion Runway when she hoped to make a statement about the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point but her tote bag with ‘yes stadium’ on it was pulled by the event co-ordinator.

At the time she said: “I don’t see it as a political statement, I see it as a personal statement.”

“Statements are made on runways around the world, there’s no reason Hobart should be different … but I do respect the sensitivity people have around it.”

Tasmanian Liberal Party president, Michael McKenna, said that with Ms Di Florio’s pre-selection, the Liberals’ team for the Federal election was now complete.

“Our high-quality team is now complete and ready to stand up for Tasmania and Tasmanians, whenever the Prime Minister calls the election,” Mr McKenna said.

“In contrast, Labor are still missing candidates including in the key seat of Braddon, where it is understood that potential candidates are refusing to put their hands up because of Ms Plibersek’s and Mr Albanese’s anti-salmon, anti-mining position.”

Mr McKenna said the Liberal team comprised a clear majority of women, including in winnable seats.

The Liberals have previously endorsed Mal Hingston in Braddon, sitting MP Bridget Archer in Bass, Susie Bower in Lyons and Josh Garvin in Franklin.

Latrobe councillor Jacki Martin will join sitting senators Claire Chandler and Richard Colbeck to contest the half-Senate election due before the end of May 2025.

The Labor Party was contacted for comment. It has yet to announce any candidates.