Community advocate Rakesh Raizada has announced he intends to contest Victoria’s November state election as an independent candidate for the Legislative Council’s Western Metropolitan Region.
Raizada, whose campaign material identifies him as Werribee-based, says he wants to bring his community service and professional experience to Parliament, with an emphasis on inclusion, opportunity and government accountability.
“After decades of community service and professional leadership, I believe the time has come to contribute in a new way,” he said in his announcement.
“My commitment is simple: to listen, to serve, and to bring practical experience, integrity and independent thinking to public life.”
His campaign posters outline four broad priorities: stronger communities, a more sustainable Victoria, a fairer economy and a more accountable government.
The material supplied does not set out detailed policy proposals, costings or positions on specific legislation. Raizada says he plans to meet residents across the region to hear their concerns and aspirations.
“I believe in stronger communities, greater opportunities, inclusion and accountable leadership,” he said.
His campaign is using the message: “Service before self. Community before division. Opportunity for all.”
Raizada’s announcement builds on a documented history of involvement in community initiatives in Melbourne’s west.
The Australia Today coverage of the launch of Women of Wyndham identified him as president of the not-for-profit organisation Ramon Helps and coordinator of the launch event. The initiative focused on women’s participation, cultural inclusion, gender equality and awareness of domestic violence.
Women of Wyndham’s account of its 2017 Family Well Being Day also identified Raizada as the founder of Ramon Helps. The event promoted support for people affected by family violence and brought together community representatives involved in education and advocacy.
Earlier community records indicate a professional background in banking. A 2011 Melbourne event report identified him at the time as head of Indian banking for Commonwealth Bank in Victoria. That historical reference does not establish his current employment or position.
Raizada is seeking an upper-house seat across a region rather than contesting a single Legislative Assembly electorate.
Western Metropolitan encompasses 11 lower-house districts: Footscray, Kororoit, Laverton, Niddrie, Point Cook, St Albans, Sunbury, Sydenham, Tarneit, Werribee and Williamstown.
Each of Victoria’s eight Legislative Council regions elects five members, giving the upper house 40 seats.
The Council reviews legislation passed by the lower house and scrutinises government activity. For an independent, securing a seat would provide an opportunity to advocate for regional priorities and negotiate over legislation, although the extent of that influence would depend on the chamber’s composition.
Western Metropolitan’s current representatives are Labor’s Lizzie Blandthorn and Ingrid Stitt, Liberal MP Trung Luu, David Ettershank of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, and Moira Deeming, according to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
Raizada’s campaign launch establishes his intention to stand. Formal nomination and inclusion on the ballot are separate steps in the electoral process; neither has been independently confirmed for this article.
The Victorian election will be held on 28 November.
Raizada has invited residents to share ideas and support his campaign, saying his aim is to listen across the region rather than focus solely on one community.
“I look forward to meeting residents across the region, hearing your concerns and aspirations, and working towards a better future for everyone,” he said.
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