WA Electoral Commission confirms nine candidates to run for the Albany seat in the Legislative Assembly

Albany officially has nine candidates locked in to vie for the State seat as the WA Electoral Commission released the nominated list — which includes three current City of Albany councillors — on Thursday. Incumbent Labor MLA Rebecca Stephens will have to fight for a second term against Tom Brough (Liberal Party), Scott Leary (The Nationals WA), Gerrit Ballast (Australian Christians), Lynn MacLaren (The Greens WA), Quintin Bisschoff (One Nation), Philip Arnatt (Legalise Cannabis Party WA), Synjon Anstee-Brook (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party WA) and Mario Lionetti (Independent). Ms Stephens first won her seat in 2021, continuing a successful 20-year Labor legacy held by Peter Watson and becoming the first female representative of the region. The former city councillor grew up in Albany and has had roles with not-for-profit WorkLink WA, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Albany Surf Life Saving Club. Liberal candidate Tom Brough currently splits his time between serving on the Albany council, working as an emergency doctor at the Albany Health Campus, volunteer firefighting with the Kalgan brigade and operating a tree farm. Mr Brough sparked headlines in early 2023 for asking councillors — on behalf of a ratepayer — whether the plus in the LGBTQIA+ acronym included paedophiles. Nationals hopeful Scott Leary has worked as director of Albany City Motors since 1995 and has served on many community committees, including the Centennial Stadium Incorporated Board, South Regional TAFE and the Albany Volleyball Association. The March 8 election is not Mr Leary’s first shot at politics, with the Albany resident of 30 years having gone for the seat with the Liberals in 2021 and vied for the Albany mayoral position in 2023. The Greens put up fellow Albany councillor and experienced Upper House politician Lynn MacLaren as their candidate following the 11th-hour withdrawal of Giz Watson. The Colorado-born politician first served as MLC for the South Metropolitan region in 2005, and then again from 2009-2017. South African native and Mt Barker small business owner Quinton Bischoff will run with One Nation, indicating a platform of conservative beliefs that include opposition to firearm reform and a Royal Commission into COVID-19. Australian Christians candidate Gerrit Ballast works as an electrician and small business owner and lives in Robinson with his family. A religious man who has advocated to Parliament on several issues, including the parental rights of same-sex couples and single men, Mr Ballast has listed applying “biblical standards” to government as his vision for Albany. Albany councillor and lifelong Great Southern resident Mario Lionetti has also thrown his hat in to the ring, running as an independent. Mr Lionetti runs a stockfeed and fresh food store and is the brother of late celebrated businessman Paul Lionetti. Running with SFFPWA is podcaster and content creator Synjon Anstee-Brook. Producing under the name The Aussie Outdoorsman, Mr Anstee-Brook is an avid hunter and has previously advocated to WA Parliament in support of recreational hunting and the control of feral animals. Self-employed disability carer Philip Arnatt will run for the Legalise Cannabis Party WA. The English-born Mr Arnatt has lived in Albany since 2004 and is an advocate for plant-based medicines.