BREAKING: Amelia Hamer, a 32-year-old millennial, has been preselected as the candidate for the Liberal Party in the safe state seat of Malvern, Melbourne. This announcement comes just months after her narrow defeat against high-profile independent Monique Ryan in the federal seat of Kooyong, where she lost by a mere 0.7 percent margin.
The preselection vote took place at Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday, with around 200 party members participating. Hamer will be taking over the role from former opposition leader Michael O’Brien, who is set to retire at the upcoming November 2026 election.
Hamer’s previous campaign, which focused on her struggles as a renter, faced backlash when it was revealed she owned multiple properties, including apartments in Canberra and London. Despite this, she is now positioned to lead her party in a bid to regain power in Victoria, where the Coalition has been in opposition for three terms.
The timing of Hamer’s preselection is significant, occurring just days after fellow millennial Jess Wilson became the new state opposition leader, marking a historic first for women in this role. In a statement, Hamer outlined her top priorities: tackling rising crime, addressing economic pressures, and supporting local businesses.
“Locals are fed up with rising crime, rising cost of living, and a government that is tired and completely out of touch,” she emphasized, addressing the urgent concerns of her constituents.
While the Coalition’s support has been slipping, recent surveys indicate they may have slightly more backing than the Labor Party. Hamer, who is the grand-niece of former Victorian Premier Dick Hamer, brings a strong educational background as a graduate of Oxford University and current senior equity research analyst at wealth management firm Ord Minnett.
As the political landscape in Victoria continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Hamer as she prepares for the challenges ahead. With a contentious election on the horizon, her potential impact could reshape the future of the Liberal Party in the state.
Stay tuned for further developments as Hamer gears up for her campaign and the challenges that lie ahead in the Malvern seat.
