Pundits are tight-lipped about who might win the race between a seasoned property developer, an MBA-qualified change agent and a former mayor from a nearby council.
With less than 90 days to go before the election on 28 November, the successful Liberal will have no time to waste in a contest where preferences will decide whether the party stays in the race.
The property developer
First up is Andrew Cook, a 71-year-old company director and property developer enrolled in the Nepean electorate. Educated at Scotch College and RMIT, Cook has run Arno Corporation since 1987, delivering more than 40 projects. Cook, who joined the party in December 2025, is an arts philanthropist and donor to the NGV, ACCA and Heide Museum. Cook says his negotiation skills and business background would help unify the party room and build a strong campaign.
The corporate change manager
Also vying for the seat is Trina Lewis, a 57-year-old management consultant enrolled in Albert Park. Lewis, who joined the party in June 2026, holds a B.Comm from the University of Melbourne and an MBA from Melbourne Business School. She is Manager of Enterprise Change at the Transport Accident Commission and has led transformation projects at AustralianSuper, PwC and Court Services Victoria. She previously ran as an independent candidate for Port Phillip Council in 2020 and 2024, securing about 25 per cent of the vote in South Melbourne Ward in 2024.
The former mayor of Malvern
The third candidate is Elizabeth Shalless, a 74-year-old company director enrolled in Malvern who rejoined the party in April 2025. Shalless brings local government experience, having served as a councillor for the City of Malvern from 1986 to 1992, including as mayor from 1991 to 1992. Shalless, who spent her early years in Middle Park, highlights her lifelong connection to the Albert Park recreation area.
With November’s election fast approaching, Liberal preselectors face a choice between Cook’s business acumen, Lewis’s local campaign experience and corporate leadership, and Shalless’s experience in local government.
The information is based on the candidates’ pitches to party members.
