Amelia Hamer Secures Liberal Preselection, Signaling Shift in Victorian Politics

Amelia Hamer has won the Liberal Party preselection for the state seat of Malvern. The vote was held on November 23, 2025, at Caulfield Racecourse. She defeated three other contenders to become the candidate for the 2026 Victorian election. Her victory marks a significant step for the party.

This preselection follows the retirement of long-serving MP Michael O’Brien. Hamer now joins a new generation of Liberal candidates. Her win is the first major candidate selection for the party ahead of the state poll.

A Contested Battle for a Safe Seat

The preselection contest was highly competitive. Over 200 local party members attended to cast their votes. Hamer successfully defeated a rival candidate who was publicly backed by former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the race was seen as a test of influence within the party. Hamer’s victory demonstrates her strong support among the local membership base. It sets the stage for her campaign in the traditionally safe Liberal electorate.

Hamer’s Background and Campaign Focus

Amelia Hamer is a senior equity research analyst at Ord Minnett. She has a professional background in finance and technology. Her local roots in the Malvern community were a central part of her preselection pitch.

She has outlined key priorities for her campaign. These include tackling rising crime and addressing cost-of-living pressures. Hamer also aims to restore business confidence in Victoria, criticizing what she calls Labor’s financial mismanagement.

Her campaign message resonates with local concerns. She stated that locals are fed up with current state government policies. Her focus remains on practical solutions for the community.

The Road to the 2026 Victorian Election

The seat of Malvern has been a Liberal stronghold since 1945. It covers affluent suburbs including Armadale, Toorak, and Glen Iris. The upcoming election will be a critical test for the party.

Hamer’s selection represents a fresh face for the Liberals. Her professional expertise in finance is seen as a major asset. The party hopes her candidacy will energize their campaign.

Victorian voters will go to the polls in 2026. All eyes will be on whether Hamer can maintain the party’s hold on this key seat. The result could signal broader political shifts in the state.

The Liberal preselection in Malvern has positioned Amelia Hamer as the standard-bearer for the party’s renewal. Her victory signals a new chapter for the Liberals in this long-held seat. The upcoming campaign will test whether her local focus and professional background can secure electoral success.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Amelia Hamer?

Amelia Hamer is a finance professional and senior equity research analyst. She won the Liberal Party preselection for Malvern. She will be the candidate for the 2026 Victorian state election.

When is the next Victorian state election?

The next Victorian state election is scheduled for 2026. All lower and upper house seats will be contested. The exact date is yet to be announced by the government.

What area does the seat of Malvern cover?

The electoral district of Malvern covers several inner-eastern Melbourne suburbs. This includes Malvern, Armadale, Kooyong, and parts of Glen Iris. It has been a safe Liberal seat for decades.

Why is this preselection significant?

This preselection is the first major candidate decision for the Liberals ahead of the 2026 election. It follows the retirement of a long-serving MP. The result indicates the party’s direction for the upcoming campaign.

What are Hamer’s main policy priorities?

Her main priorities include addressing community crime concerns. She also focuses on cost-of-living relief for families. Restoring business confidence in Victoria is another key goal.