The Liberal Party has selected real estate agent Steve Murphy as its candidate for the Werribee seat in the upcoming by-election on February 8.
The by-election follows the resignation of former Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas last month after nearly 20 years in state parliament. The contest will also feature high school teacher John Lister for Labor and Rifai Raheem for the Greens.
Liberal Candidate Steve Murphy
Opposition Leader Brad Battin announced Mr. Murphy’s candidacy on Saturday morning, following his pre-selection the night before.
“I’ve always been the person behind, and this time I just thought it’s time to step up because Werribee needs someone to be able to do the right thing by Werribee,” Mr. Murphy said.
Mr. Murphy has lived and worked in Werribee for over 30 years, raising a family with his wife, Gayle Murphy, who has previously run as a Liberal candidate in state and federal elections. His extensive career includes roles in real estate, local government planning, policing, and the army.
Highlighting key issues such as cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, and crime, Mr. Murphy said, “Werribee’s got so much to offer … I love it. Unfortunately, it’s been neglected. It hasn’t kept pace with the population and there’s certainly a number of issues that are there for people.”
Mr. Murphy has also been involved with various community boards, including Mackillop College and Wyndham Track and Field Athletics, where he served as president for six years.
Labor Candidate John Lister
Labor’s candidate, John Lister, is a 31-year-old English teacher at Wyndham Central College who grew up in Werribee and attended Mackillop College. He joined the Labor Party in his final year of high school and was pre-selected just before Christmas.
“The fastest growing demographic out here are people my age, between 25 and 35, so I think it’s important to have people my age in politics,” Mr. Lister said.
He praised former treasurer Tim Pallas for championing upgrades to local services, including the critical care unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital and the construction of seven new schools in the area.
“I want to be local MP for the same reason I became a teacher and CFA volunteer, and that’s to make a difference to the community,” Mr. Lister said.
Since beginning his door-knocking campaign two weeks ago, Mr. Lister identified cost-of-living pressures and road infrastructure as major concerns for voters.
Disagreeing with Mr. Murphy’s criticism of the government’s performance, he said, “I can see all these projects around me and as someone who’s grown up here and lived here for quite a long time, I’ve been a beneficiary and used different things that Labor’s invested in.”
Greens Candidate Rifai Raheem
The Victorian Greens announced Rifai Raheem as their Werribee candidate on Friday. Mr. Raheem, who has strong ties to the local community through his involvement with the Werribee Islamic Centre and the union movement, will focus his campaign on affordable public transport and sustainability.
A statement from the Greens outlined Mr. Raheem’s plan to advocate for 50-cent public transport fares, increased funding for Werribee Mercy Hospital, and a freeze on rent increases.
“We need more voices outside the two major parties, and people in Werribee deserve another option,” acting party leader Sarah Mansfield said.
The Werribee electorate encompasses suburbs including Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Mambourin, Manor Lakes, Cocoroc, Little River, and Quandong. Voters will decide between the candidates’ visions for the rapidly growing region in the by-election next month.