Labor’s vice-like grip on Lalor will be put to the test following the 16.5 per cent swing against the party’s primary vote in February’s Werribee state by-election.
One of Australia’s fastest growing corridors and boasting a relatively young population, many of Lalor’s voter base will be voting for the first time on May 3.
The seat, which includes the suburbs of Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Williams Landing and parts of Truganina and Point Cook, has been held by Labor since 1969.
After an electoral restructure in 2022, Lalor lost around 10,000 voters in parts of Truganina, Williams Landing and Point Cook to Gellibrand in the east.
Despite the seat shrinking in area from 464 to 180 square kilometres, much of which was down to a thinly populated corridor in Little River that was redistributed to Corio, Labor’s margin remained relatively unchanged.
Holding the seat since 2013, former school principal and current federal government whip Joanne Ryan will attempt to win re-election for the fifth time.
Despite a 7.5 per cent swing against her on first preferences at the 2022 election, Ryan maintained a 19.2 per cent first preference lead over the Liberal candidate.
The Liberal Party has fielded tech firm founder and Victorian Multicultural Committee member Mira D’Silva to challenge Labor.
Describing himself as a university student and a campaigner in Melbourne’s west, Owen Parris will look to add to the 2.4 per cent swing the Greens gained in 2022.
A series of conservative parties will also attempt to make ground in the outer west.
Family First’s Matthew Emerson will back up his 2022 run and Pauline Hansen’s One Nation will continue its attempt to contest Melbourne’s west with first-time candidate Jason Oosthuizen.
Libertarian and City of Wyndham Action group member Patrizia Barcatta will return to contest the seat for the Libertarian party.
Aijaz Moinuddin will also reprise his role as an independent running on a platform against the major parties, like he did in 2022.
What the candidates had to say:
Patrizia Barcatta Libertarian:
I am an active local resident and licensed conveyancer who has seen how over-taxation, red-tape and poor government policy is destroying this country. This cost-of-living crisis is entirely government-made. I will fight against government over-reach. The major party duopoly must end. We need a better alternative. A minority government will be a good thing, it will force the major parties to listen to the people again. I want my children to be able to afford to buy a house one day. I will fight for them and for your family. Help me to restore freedom and prosperity for everyday Australians.
Mira D’Silva Liberal:
Labor’s cost of living crisis is hurting the entire Lalor community. Rent is up, housing is up, groceries are up, electricity is up, insurance is up. Only a Coalition Government led by Peter Dutton has a plan to provide sustainable cost of living relief. We will cut petrol tax by 25 cents a litre, saving families with two cars $1,500 a year. And we will deliver most Australians up to $1200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year. Australians cannot afford another three years of Labor. It’s time to get Australia back on track.
Matthew Emerson Family First Party:
As a local father of five young kids, I will put Lalor Families First! Families need cost-of-living relief now! I will fight against extreme “net zero” policies that are driving up the cost of everything! Our highly-religious community values our faith-based schools but they are under attack by anti-faith agendas like “gender fluidity”. I will fight to protect kids from harmful agendas that undermine the rights of parents. Just like Donald Trump did, I will fight for girls in sports by protecting our two genders through government policies. Vote 1 Family First.
Aijaz Moinuddin Independent:
The major parties are offering more of the same—and Lalor continues to be left behind. I’m standing as the only Independent candidate in Lalor, with no party ties and no hidden agendas.
My commitment is simple: people before politics. Our roads are congested, our schools overcrowded, and our hospitals under strain. Many families are doing it tough, and it’s time for a new approach. I’ve lived, worked, and stood with this community for years. As an Independent, I will fight for fair funding, better infrastructure, quality education and health services, and genuine support for our multicultural communities.
Jason Oosthuizen One Nation:
Your vote is your voice—use it to shape Australia’s future. As the One Nation candidate for Lalor, I stand for honesty, transparency, and putting Australians first. Whether you were born here or immigrated, we are all Australians, united in our love for this great nation. Reject false promises and demand real change. Vote 1 for me and One Nation to protect our values, secure our children’s future, and hold the government accountable. Together, we can build a stronger, prouder Australia that works for everyone. Make your mark—choose integrity, choose One Nation.
Owen Parris Greens:
You and the west have been taken for granted. Healthcare, education and transport services have been underfunded in our growing communities by Labor and Liberal governments alike. That’s why the Greens want to put mental and dental into Medicare, fully fund our public schools and make them genuinely free, and deliver cheaper and more frequent public transport to take traffic off our roads. The Labor party will be watching your seat closely and by voting 1 Greens, you can send the message that you want more for your community, not less.
