Election voices from multicultural Melbourne's west: Where the candidates stand
Politician who spoke the SBS Greek during the SBS Election Exchange, Broadmeadows Central, April 2025 Like Western Sydney, Melbourne's western suburbs are among the most multicultural regions in Australia. Thousands of Greek Australians live across the key federal electorates of Calwell, Fraser, and Maribyrnong. SBS invited current and prospective MPs and Senators to a special event at Broadmeadows Central on Wednesday, April 23, offering them a platform to share their views and answer community questions. While SBS extended an invitation to candidates from the Liberal Party, they were unable to attend. The Fraser electorate includes suburbs like Footscray, Yarraville, Sunshine, and St Albans. Labor MP Daniel Mulino spoke with SBS Greek, highlighting the Albanese government's efforts to bring inflation down, which he said will gradually lead to lower interest rates—an important issue for households with mortgages. He also pointed to reduced medicine costs, tax relief measures, and a planned return to pre-pandemic migration levels. Mr. Mulino emphasized his ongoing engagement with migrant communities, including the Greek Australian community.
Running against him in Fraser is Greens candidate Huong Truong , who said her party's top priority remains climate action. She also highlighted the housing crisis as the electorate's most pressing concern. Ms. Truong called for tax reform targeting large corporations and said Greek Australians in the area have told her they're ready for change and to move away from the major parties.
In Calwell The Calwell electorate covers suburbs including Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, and Campbellfield. Cypriot Australian MP Andrew Theophanous was first elected here in 1984 for Labor. In 2001, Maria Vamvakinou took over the seat and served until recently, opting not to recontest this election. Labor's new candidate is her former staffer, Bassem Abdo, who couldn't attend the SBS event. Independent candidate Joseph Youhana spoke to SBS Greek, criticizing Labor's dominance in Calwell, which he says has led to neglect of the area. He hopes no party secures a majority so independents can play a key role in shaping government policy. He believes his Christian values and work in humanitarian and nonprofit organizations will resonate with Greek Australians.
Also running in this election is former Victorian MP Fiona Patten, now head Senate candidate for the Legalise Cannabis Party . Ms. Patten said she was the first elected official in Victoria to advocate for cannabis decriminalization and believes much more can be achieved at a federal level. She hopes to bring her parliamentary experience and track record on social justice, equality, and human rights to Canberra. She expressed pride in representing an area with so many Greek Australian families.
In the same electorate, Maria Bengtsson is running for Family First . With roots in Croatia and Sweden, she supports continued use of coal for electricity until better alternatives emerge and wants more greenfield land released for housing development. She attributes the cost-of-living crisis to Australia's shift toward renewable energy.
In Maribyrnong The Maribyrnong electorate, covering suburbs like Essendon, Ascot Vale, Tullamarine, and Keilor, has been held by former Labor leader Bill Shorten since 2007. Mr Shorten has announced his retirement from politics. Labor's new candidate, Jo Briskey , believes the Albanese government's initiatives—such as cheaper medicines, better wages, and free TAFE education—are improving Australians' quality of life.
Greens candidate Uncle James Williams , a proud Wakka Wakka Elder, is also contesting the seat. He believes tackling supermarket price manipulation is key to addressing the cost of living. He proposes capping public transport fares at 50 cents and hopes Labor doesn't secure a majority, giving the Greens more leverage in Parliament.
Finally, Greek Australian and Brimbank Councillor Virginia Tachos spoke to SBS Greek about local concerns, including traffic congestion, gaps in public transport, a lack of mental health programs, and issues in aged care services.
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