Our candidates
Western Australia - Senate
Vote 1 Elana Mitchell
“Australian politics has been greatly diminished without the influence of the outcomes-focused Democrats.”
”My aim is to drive action on addressing the systemic inequalities in our social security systems, and action on violence toward women.”
Elana is a National Vice President of the Australian Democrats, and host of our podcast – Keep the Bastards Honest.
Elana has been an IT business and systems analyst for almost twenty years. She has worked for some of Australia's largest companies, helping them deliver value to their customers and stakeholders. Facilitating large scale change in complex organisations has given her a unique perspective on the power of governments to transform the lives of their constituents for the better, and make positive changes to safeguard the environment and our planet.
Elana is spokesperson for Global Affairs and Defence.
She lives on Whadjuk country.
Vote 2 Simon Simson
“It is my goal to contribute to and support legislation around creation of safer communities, improved access to health services, access to quality education and the preservation of our environment.”
“The challenges Australian families are facing are increasing, whether it is access to health care, affordable housing, or cost of living to name a few. We live in a rich country, and it is becoming more and more apparent that the Australian Democrats are needed to keep our government honest and accountable!”
Simon is the vice president of our Western Australian state division.
He has lived in and around Southern River for the past 37 years, making this community his home. A parent of two children, aged 16 and 21, he has been a successful business owner in Kenwick for over 20 years.
He is passionate about returning integrity, transparency, and trust to our political processes.
“If elected to the Senate for WA, I will work tirelessly as a strong advocate for our State and for evidence-based legislation that is fit for purpose and not adherent to vested interests.”
Victoria - Senate
Vote 1 Heath McKenzie
“In each of the last six federal elections, I have been unable to find a political party that shares my values on integrity and evidence-informed policy. I’m unwilling to stand on the sidelines any longer, frustrated by politicians putting their interests above all else.”
“Governments have been far too slow in adopting new technologies for a low emissions future. The gap between the wealthy and poor has grown and we need an economy that looks after its people as well as the environment.”
Heath represented the Australian Democrats in the 2024 Dunkley by-election, and is a deputy president of our Victorian state division.
Married with three young children, Heath has lived in the Seaford area for 14 years. He is a qualified landscape gardener, managed a large client portfolio for a major paint manufacturer, now a business development manager for a major producer of vegetable seedlings, supplying to farmers around Australia.
“I am passionate about the horticulture industry and chair Tree and Shrub Growers of Victoria. I am deeply involved in the local community and my parents and extended family also live close by. I am the immediate past President of Mordialloc Superules Football Club and coach a junior basketball team. “
Vote 2 Carly Noble
“The cost-of-living pressure has continued to increase the divide between the wealthiest and the poor, pitting one against the other. In a time marked by challenges, Victorians deserve more.”
“The neglect of our critical areas such as mental health support in rural areas and the depletion of skilled workers in trade fields due to ageing workforce reflect a lack of proactive governance.“
“The widening gap between the affluent and the underprivileged exacerbates social tensions, fostering a divisive environment.”
Carly’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Criminology in 2023, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a postgraduate law degree, showcases her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Having held diverse leadership roles, she has actively engaged and sought innovative solutions across various sectors for the past 26-years, with the objective of effecting positive change.
This includes serving on the Research Development and Adoption committee for Cattle Council Australia, contributing to the LEAD Loddon Mallee Community Leadership Program board, and advocating for artisan and primary producers within the City of Gastronomy in central Victoria.
As a versatile advocate, she emphasises the importance of integrating agriculture into the curriculum of all Australian schools. She continues to push for increased mental health funding and support for rural and regional communities, improvements in our road infrastructure, sustained support for our domestic supply chain, and policy reforms concerning water management, among other crucial issues.
“Those in power struggle to remain connected to the constituents they represent and support. Climate change, emissions reduction, house volatility, rising inflation and an increased national debt has not been a priority and our government has sat idle for too long.”
New South Wales - House of Representatives
Vote 1 Phillip Pearce
“I am a plant and machinery valuer and also have 15 years’ experience in project management with 5 years as a senior project manager.
My role gives me exposure to a vast cross section of sectors including transport, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, and more.”
Phillip was born and raised in Milperra, and with his father’s family growing up and staying in the Mortdale area. He has had a lifetime of being in and involved with the full breadth of the Banks electorate.
“I could think of no other place I wanted to raise my own children and intend to work towards ensuring that there is always a place for people to stay in or come to this great area.”
Phillip is spokesperson for:
- Transport and decarbonisation
- Schooling
- Early childhood development
- Ocean plastics