As the 2025 federal election approaches, the Division of Werriwa, with its focal point in the electorate of Liverpool, New South Wales (NSW), is shaping up to be a critical battleground. The area, known for its diverse demographic, pressing local issues, and evolving political landscape, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.
Liverpool is home to a population that is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. As of 2021, the Liverpool local government area (LGA) had an estimated population of about 234,000, with projections indicating it will reach approximately 257,000 by 2025. While the article originally estimated the population to be around 200,000, it is closer to 250,000 for the LGA as a whole. The suburb of Liverpool itself had around 31,000 residents in 2021. This population is characterized by a youthful demographic, with a median age of about 34 years, confirming a relatively young population, particularly those in the 25 to 44 age group.
Ethnically, Liverpool stands as a melting pot of cultures, with significant migrant communities from India, Vietnam, Lebanon, China, South Sudan, and the Philippines, which is consistent with census data and local profiles. This diversity is also reflected in the electorate’s religious composition, which includes large communities of Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus.
The current Member of Parliament (MP) for Werriwa, Anne Stanley, has represented the electorate since 2016 as a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). She succeeded Laurie Ferguson and has since focused on key local issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Under her leadership, Liverpool has seen improvements in local healthcare facilities, including funding for Liverpool Hospital, and a range of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing local transport. In the 2022 election, Stanley secured re-election with a margin of 5.3%, securing approximately 40.5% of the primary vote. While Stanley’s tenure has been marked by successes in key areas, the rise in living costs and ongoing concerns over public safety are expected to be prominent issues in the 2025 election.
The 2025 election will also feature a range of challengers. Sam Kayal, representing the Liberal Party, is a local accountant and community volunteer with a background in establishing healthcare initiatives and youth sports programs. His campaign is expected to focus on cost-of-living pressures, small business support, and local infrastructure development, appealing to voters concerned about economic growth and fiscal responsibility.
Jamal Daoud is running as an independent candidate, offering voters an alternative to the major parties. While details on his specific policy positions are sparse, independent candidates in this electorate typically emphasize local concerns and advocate for independent leadership.
Ian Cimera of One Nation is also contesting the seat. One Nation candidates traditionally focus on issues such as border security, economic nationalism, and conservative social values. His campaign is likely to attract voters who prioritize these concerns.
Historically, Werriwa has been a stronghold for the Australian Labor Party, but recent shifts in voter sentiment suggest the electorate could be more competitive in 2025. Issues such as housing affordability, healthcare access, education, and infrastructure will play a pivotal role in shaping voter decisions. Housing affordability, in particular, continues to dominate local discourse, as young families and first-time homebuyers grapple with rising property prices. In addition, the demand for improvements in healthcare and transport infrastructure, especially given Liverpool’s growing population, is a key issue among local voters.
The 2022 election saw a voter turnout of approximately 88.5%, slightly below the national average of 94%. Informal voting rates remain a concern in the electorate, especially among the multicultural communities, and this could affect the results in 2025.
Anne Stanley’s campaign strategy will likely revolve around her record of local improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. She has engaged with the electorate through multicultural events, door-knocking, and social media outreach, which will be crucial in maintaining her support base, particularly within the diverse communities of Liverpool.
In contrast, Sam Kayal’s campaign will likely emphasize economic recovery and fiscal policies aimed at alleviating cost-of-living pressures. He will focus on supporting local businesses and improving infrastructure to drive growth in the electorate.
Jamal Daoud, as an independent candidate, may appeal to voters seeking an alternative to the traditional party system. His message is likely to center on local issues and independent leadership, offering a fresh voice to the electorate. Ian Cimera’s One Nation campaign will focus on nationalistic policies, particularly around border security and conservative values, appealing to voters who feel the major parties have overlooked their concerns.
The political dynamics in Liverpool are set to evolve in the 2025 election. While Stanley’s record in securing funding for local projects will be central to her campaign, the broader issues of cost of living, housing affordability, and infrastructure are likely to dominate voter concerns. The candidates’ strategies will be crucial in swaying the electorate, with voter sentiment and the local issues that matter most to residents likely to play a decisive role in the election’s outcome. With rising living costs and public safety concerns becoming increasingly important, the election in Werriwa promises to be a closely contested race.
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