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.
In Fraser
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.
LISTEN TO
Labor's Fraser MP Daniel Mulino on SBS Greek, April 2025
05:26
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.
LISTEN TO
Huong Truong, Greens candidate for Fraser on SBS Greek, April 2025
04:02
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.
LISTEN TO
Joseph Youhana, Independent candidate for Calwell on SBS Greek, April 2025
04:43
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.
LISTEN TO
Fiona Patten, Legalise Cannabis Party's Senate candidate on SBS Greek, April 2025
04:52
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.
LISTEN TO
Maria Bengtsson, Family First's candidate for Calwell on SBS Greek
03:05
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.
LISTEN TO
Jo Briskey, Labor's candidate for Maribyrnong on SBS Greek, April 2025
03:38
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.
LISTEN TO
Uncle James Williams, Greens candidate for Maribyrnong on SBS Greek, April 2025
04:12
LISTEN TO
Virginia Tachos, Brimbank Councillor on SBS Greek, April 2025
03:36
Listen and read here the story in Greek
Μελβούρνη: Επτά πολιτικοί απαντούν σε τρεις απλές ερωτήσεις
