Former federal Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer has won preselection to run for the seat of Malvern at the 2026 Victorian state election.
Ms Hamer is being heralded as one of the “next generation” of the Liberal Party, and her preselection paves the way for her to contest the seat after former state Coalition leader Michael O’Brien announced his retirement from politics earlier this year.
She won over Liberal Women’s Council chair Jacquie Blackwell.
The electorate of Malvern, considered a blue-ribbon stronghold, has been held by the Liberal Party since its establishment eight decades ago and is expected to be held by the Liberals despite Mr O’Brien’s departure.
Her surprise tilt at the state electorate comes after she conceded defeat in the prized blue-ribbon seat of Kooyong at the last federal election, narrowly losing to teal MP Dr Monique Ryan.
The move to run in Malvern could also clear the path for former treasurer Josh Frydenberg to nominate for his old seat of Kooyong at the upcoming federal election if he chooses to attempt a return to politics.
One Liberal source said Ms Hamer was an example of the “higher calibre candidates” the Liberal Party was looking for to appeal to young voters.
Ms Hamer who lives locally and grew up, went to school and had her first job in Malvern said she was ready for the challenge.
“Locals are fed up with rising crime, rising cost of living and a government that istired and completely out of touch,” she said.
“We will tackle crime, ease cost of living pressures and makeit easier to do business here again.”
Opposition leader Jess Wilson said she was “thrilled” to have Ms Hamer join the team.
“Amelia will be a strong local advocate and make an outstanding addition to my new generation Liberal team,” she said.
“I look forward to working with Amelia as we outline our priorities and vision for a better Victoria over the coming 12 months.”
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, “a big congratulations to Amelia Hamer, I am looking forward to suporting her and Jess Wilson in the state election”.
