Amelia Hamer Secures Liberal Preselection for Malvern: A New Era in Victorian Politics

Amelia Hamer Triumphs in Liberal Preselection Battle for Malvern

Change is in the air in Melbourne’s inner east. On November 23, 2025, Amelia Hamer, a finance professional and rising Liberal figure, clinched victory in the preselection contest for the state seat of Malvern. This wasn’t just a routine party meeting—it was a showdown. More than 200 Liberal Party members gathered at Caulfield Racecourse to pick their standard-bearer, and Hamer emerged as the clear winner, outpacing three rivals, including one backed by former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg (Australian Financial Review).

Her win comes on the heels of Michael O’Brien’s retirement, the seat’s long-standing Liberal incumbent and former opposition leader. O’Brien’s departure opened the field, setting the stage for a new generation to step forward. Hamer now joins Jess Wilson’s “next-generation Liberal team,” the first candidate selected for the party’s campaign in the 2026 Victorian election (ABC News).

From Malvern Local to Political Contender

Hamer’s roots in Malvern run deep. She grew up in the suburb, attended local schools, landed her first job there, and continues to call Malvern home. Her connection to the community isn’t just biographical—she’s pitched her campaign as a mission to restore the area’s quality of life. But this narrative hasn’t been without its bumps. During her earlier federal campaign for Kooyong, Hamer faced criticism for presenting herself as a renter while reportedly owning two investment properties. The tension between relatability and reality became a talking point among voters and commentators alike.

Professionally, Hamer’s résumé is equally notable. She has worked in both technology and finance, currently serving as a senior equity research analyst at Ord Minnett, a major Australian wealth management firm (Mirage News). Her experience in the private sector is a cornerstone of her pitch to voters, promising a pragmatic approach to economic management—a theme that resonates with many in the affluent suburbs of Malvern, Armadale, Toorak, Kooyong, Malvern East, and Glen Iris.

A Safe Liberal Seat Faces New Challenges

The seat of Malvern, covering over 20 square kilometers of some of Melbourne’s most prosperous neighborhoods, has been a Liberal stronghold since its inception in 1945. But the landscape isn’t as predictable as it once was. Rising crime rates, escalating cost of living, and public frustration with what many perceive as a “tired and out-of-touch” state government have shifted the mood. Hamer’s campaign pledges—tackling crime, easing financial pressures, and reviving the business climate—are tailored to address these anxieties head-on.

“Locals are fed up with rising crime, rising cost of living and a government that is tired and completely out of touch,” Hamer said in her post-selection statement (ABC News). Her priorities are clear: end Labor’s era of what she calls “waste and financial mismanagement,” bring business back to Victoria, and make life better for Malvern residents.

The Significance of Hamer’s Victory

Hamer’s win isn’t just personal—it’s emblematic of a broader generational shift within the Liberal Party. By defeating opponents, including a Frydenberg-backed rival, she demonstrated her ability to galvanize support among party faithful and position herself as a new voice for the region. Her selection is the first major move by the Liberals ahead of the 2026 election, signaling both continuity and change: continuity in the party’s hold on Malvern, and change in its approach to local and state-level issues.

As the campaign ramps up, Hamer’s challenge will be to translate preselection momentum into broader electoral appeal. The electorate’s affluence masks underlying tensions—cost pressures, concerns about safety, and skepticism about political promises. Hamer’s track record in finance and her local ties give her a platform, but voters will be watching closely to see if she can deliver more than rhetoric.

For now, the Liberal Party is banking on fresh faces and business-minded pragmatism to reclaim lost ground. Whether Hamer’s vision can cut through political fatigue and skepticism remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the race for Malvern in 2026 will be more than a contest of party lines—it will be a test of authenticity, competence, and the ability to speak to the lived experience of its residents.

Assessment: Amelia Hamer’s preselection victory marks a pivotal moment for the Liberals in Malvern, symbolizing both generational renewal and the party’s strategic response to shifting voter priorities. Her local roots and finance expertise position her well, but the challenges she faces—bridging relatability gaps and addressing community concerns—will define her campaign. The significance of her win goes beyond party politics; it signals a renewed contest for trust and relevance in one of Victoria’s safest seats.