The Electorate of Bennelong includes the suburbs of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Ryde, Eastwood, Macquarie University and the business estate at Macquarie Park. The seat has been held by Labor MP Mr Jerome Laxale since the last federal election in 2022.
JEROME LAXALE
Record
Jerome is the current Member for Bennelong, elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. After entering politics, Laxale accepted the role as Chairperson of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Union (Friendship Group). During his term, Laxale assisted in securing an additional $300,000 funding grant for the Armenian Resource Centre helping provide refugee services to newly arrived Armenian migrants. In addition, he seconded the first ever motion on Artsakh, tabled by the Liberal Party in the Federal Parliament calling for pro-Armenian measures following Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. Laxale also assisted in securing $500,000 in humanitarian aid from Australia to support Armenian refugees from Artsakh following the forced displacement. He has risen in the House of Representatives on numerous occassions speaking about recognition of the Armenian Genocide and condeming Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenians.
Laxale has attended community events including the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Film Festival. Although committing to participate in a delegation to the Republic of Armenia, Mr Laxale did not attend the 2023 delegation of Australian politicians.
Commitments
Laxale has committed to continue support for local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Bennelong. If re-elected has is committed to continue advocate for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, as well as supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
Laxale has also made a $30,000 commitment to support the Armenian Film Festival in Bennelong on its 10th Anniversary if Labor is re-elected to government.
SCOTT YUNG
Record
Scott Yung is the Liberal candidate for Bennelong. In 2024, Yung organised a meeting between the Armenian National Committee of Australia and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood, where he urged the Liberal Party to table the first ever motion on Artsakh in the Federal Parliament, which was undertaken. He also urged the Liberal Party to recognise the Armenian Genocide. In 2024, Yung co-signed a letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP publicly calling on his own leader to accurately characterise the events between 1915-1923 as Genocide in his annual statement.
During the election campaign, Yung organised an intimate meeting with over 20 Armenian-Australian community leaders, in the presence of the Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, providing the community with a platform to discuss support for the local issues, as well as the longstanding issues of Australian recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support for the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
Yung has attended several events since being nominated as the candidate for Bennelong, including the 2024 and 2025 National Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Chatswood and the 60th Anniversary celebrate of the establishment of the Armenian Relief Society.
Commitments
Yung has committed to supporting local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Bennelong. If elected, he has also committed to advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh and participating in an Armenian National Committee of Australia led delegation to the Republic of Armenia.
BRADFIELD
The Electorate of Bradfield includes the suburbs of Willoughby, Killara, Lindfield, Gordon, Pymble, Turramurra, Wahroonga, Roseville, Castle Cove and parts of Chatswood. The seat has been held by Liberal MP, the Hon. Paul Fletcher, since 2009, who announced his retirement from politics earlier this year.
GISELE KAPTERIAN
Gisele Kapterian is the Liberal Candidate for Bradfield. She is the descendant of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, born to migrant parents who once lived in Jerusalem. Kapterian has grown up involved with the Armenian General Benevolent Union and more recently serving on the National Board of the Armenian National Committee of Australia.
Record
Kapterian - in her role as Board member of the Armenian National Committee of Australia - helped lead the third delegation of Australian politicians to Armenia in 2023. She was one of the faces of the delegation, which achieved mass media coverage while delivering Australian-sourced aid from the Armenian Relief Society to Artsakh refugees in the border town of Goris, immediately following the ethnic cleansing of the junior Armenian state by Azerbaijan.
Kapterian has actively participated in Armenian-Australian community events, including the keynote speaker at the AGBU Young Professionals networking event and as a speaker at the Armenian Youth Federation leadership seminar. Each year Kapterian attends both the National Armenian Genocide Commemoration and the Armenian National Committee of Australia Annual Gala, where she has also been a speaker.
In 2024, Kapterian co-signed a letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP calling on him to accurately characterise the events between 1915-1923 as Genocide in his annual statement.
Commitments
Kapterian has committed to supporting local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Bradfield. If elected, Kapterian has committed to vocally advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh and participating in an Armenian National Committee of Australia led delegation to the Republic of Armenia.
NICOLETTE BOELE
Record
Nicolette Boele is running as an Independent for the seat of Bradfield. This is Ms Boele’s second time running for the seat of Bradfield, after losing to Paul Fletcher in the 2022 Federal Election. Ms Boele attended the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in 2025.
Commitments
Boele has committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Bradfield. If elected, she has also committed to advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
FOWLER
The Electorate of Fowler includes the suburbs of Liverpool, Warwick Farm, Chipping Norton, Cabramatta, Canley Vale, Mount Pritchard, Abbotsbury, Bossley Park, Edensor Park, Greenfield Park, Prairiewood, St Johns Park, Wakeley, Wetherill Park, Bonnyrigg, Canley Heights, Carramar, Fairfield East.
DAI LE
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Daie Le is the current member for Fowler, elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. During her tenure, Le attended the Armenian Cultural Panoyan Centre in 2024 for the Western Sydney ‘End of Year Armenian Christmas Carnival’.
TU LE
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Tu Le is the Labor candidate for Fowler. As the Labor candidate for Fowler, Tu Le met with the Armenian National Committee of Australia on two occasions, one of which she visited the Armenian Cultural Panoyan Centre. In 2025, Tu Le joined the Armenian-Australian community at the Western Sydney Armenian Genocide Commemoration.
MACKELLAR
The Electorate of Mackellar includes the suburbs from Dee Why to Palm Beach, Terrey Hills, Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Davidson and Forestville.
SOPHIE SCAMPS
Record
Sophie Scamps is the current Member for Mackellar, elected in 2022. After entering politics, Scamps became a member of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Union (Friendship Group). Scamps has continuously supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support for the rights to self-determination of the people of Artsakh.
On several occasions Scamps rose in the Australian Federal Parliament to condemn Azerbaijan’s human rights violations against the people of Artsakh. Notably, she spoke on the first ever Artsakh motion in the Parliament which called for Pro-Armenian measures following the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.
Commitments
Scamps is committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Mackellar. She is also committed to continuing advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
JAMES BROWN
Record
James Brown is the Liberal Candidate for Mackellar. Brown travelled to Azerbaijan in 2023 to attend the International Astronautical Congress, the world’s largest space conference and a forum for space-related international diplomacy, which was hosted in Baku that year. Brown was then the CEO of the Space Industry of Australia and was required to attend in his capacity as lead organiser of the 2025 International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. Brown chose to boycott the opening address given by the Azerbaijani President due to his concerns about hostile military activity being conducted in Artsakh by Azerbaijan.
Commitments
Brown has committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Mackellar, during a meet and greet with Galstaun College school principal. During the meeting, Brown has also committed to advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
MCMAHON
The Electorate of McMahon includes the suburbs of Fairfield, Fairfield West, Fairfield Heights, Smithfield, Greystanes, Pemulway, Seven Hills, Prospect, Blacktown, Arndell Park, Eastern Creek, Horsley Park, St Claire, Kemps Creek, Mount Vernon and Cecil Park.
CHRIS BOWEN
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Chris Bowen is the current member for McMahon, elected to the House of Representatives in 2004. 15 years after entering Parliament, in 2019, Chris Bowen spoke in support of a motion to recognise the humanitarian efforts by Australians, but did not accurately characterise the events as Genocide. Bowen travelled to Azerbaijan in 2024, in his capacity as the Australian Minister for Climate Change. During meetings with the ANC-AU, Bowen advised it was his duty to do so in his capacity as the Minister for Climate Change.
CARMEN LAZAR
Record
Carmen Lazar is the Liberal candidate for McMahon. Over the years, Lazar worked alongside the Armenian-Australian community to help establish the Armenian Resource Centre. Lazar has attended several Armenian Genocide Commemorations in Sydney and Western Sydney and has joined the ANC-AU in Federal Parliament, on behalf of the Assyrian community advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Lazar is also a current member of the Australian Friends of Artsakh network, supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
PARRAMATTA
The Electorate of Parramatta includes the suburbs of Carlingford, Dundas, Ermington, Rydalmere, Oatlands, Harris Park, Westmead, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill, Girrawheen and parts of Toongabbie and Seven Hills.
ANDREW CHARLTON
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Andrew Charlton is the current member for Parramatta, elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. During his tenure, Charlton wrote to the former Minister for Immigration, citizenship and Multicultural Affairs pushing for additional funding for the Armenian Resource Centre.
KATIE MULLENS
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Katie Mullens is the Liberal candidate for Parramatta. After being appointed as the candidate for Parramatta, Mullens visited the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Trinity in Wentworthville to meet with community and religious leaders.
In 2024, Mullens co-signed a letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP calling on him to accurately characterise the events between 1915-1923 as Genocide in his annual statement. In 2025, Mullens joined the Armenian-Australian community at the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Chatswood.
Commitment
Mullens has secured a pledge of $450,000 funding for the Armenian Festival and associated festivals and carnivals if the Coalition wins Government. She has also committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Parramatta, including the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Wentworthville. If elected, Mullens has also committed to advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and has committed to participating in an ANC-AU led delegation to the Republic of Armenia.
WARRINGAH
The Electorate of Warringah includes Cammeray, Crows Nest, Cremorne, North Sydney, Waverton, Kirribilli, Mosman, Seaforth, Clontarf, Balgowlah, North Balgowlah, Manly Fairlight, Manly Vale, Brookvale, Curl Curl, Freshwater, Queenscliff and Allambie Heights.
ZALI STEGGALL
Record
Zali Steggall serves as the Member for Warringah, elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. Following the 2022 federal election, Steggall became a member of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Union (Friendship Group). In 2023, Steggall met with Armenian-Australian residents living in her electorate and committed to advancing recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Australia. During the Artsakh Blockade, Stegall also wrote to the Foreign Minister of Australia, the Hon. Penny Wong called on Australia to make immediate representation to the Azerbaijani Ambassador and took to social media to raise awareness about the blockade. Steggall has actively supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and initiatives, particularly through engagement with the ANC-AU and its youth-led programs, including the Junior Advocates and Youth Advocates based in Canberra.
Commitments
Steggall is committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures. If re-elected she is committed to vocally advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
BEROWRA
The Electorate of Berowra includes the suburbs of Hornsby, Pennant Hills, Cherrybrook, Thornleigh and Epping as well as the communities along the Pacific Highway between Mt Colah and the Hawkesbury River. It also includes Annangrove, Dural, Glenorie, Maroota and Wisemans Ferry.
JULIAN LEESER
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Julian Leeser is the current Member for Berowra, elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. Following the 2022 federal election, Leeser became a member of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Union (Friendship Group). Lesser has actively supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and initiatives, particularly through engagement with the ANC-AU and its youth-led programs, including the Junior Advocates and Youth Advocates based in Canberra. He has risen in the Federal parliament calling for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supported the rights to self-determination of the people of Artsakh by condemning Azerbaijan’s crimes against indigenous Armenians.
Commitments
Leeser is committed to continue supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures. He is also committed to continuing his vocal advocacy for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
ASTON
The electorate of Aston includes the suburbs of Wantirna, Bayswater, The Basin, Boronia, Knoxfield, Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Lysterfield.
MANNY CICCHIELLO
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Manny Cicchiello is the Liberal candidate for Aston and has had a successful career as a teacher for 25 years, currently working as the deputy principal of a prep-year 12 school. Mr Cicchiello has also served in public office, in 2004, Manny served as Mayor of Knox City Council.
In March 2025, Cicchiello visited the AGBU Centre in Scoresby alongside members of the ANC-AU and AGBU Melbourne Executive Committee. Prior to his visit, in 2024 Cicchiello co-signed a letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP calling on him to accurately characterise the events between 1915-1923 as Genocide in his annual statement. In 2024, Cicchiello joined the Armenian-Australian community at the Melbourne Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
Commitments
Cicchelio has committed to supporting local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Aston, including the AGBU Melbourne Center, located in Scoresby. If elected he is committed to vocally advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
MARY DOYLE
Record
Mary Doyle is the current Member for Aston, elected to the House of Representatives following the 2023 Aston by-election. In March 2025, Doyle visited the AGBU Centre in Scoresby alongside members of the ANC-AU and AGBU Melbourne Executive Committee.
Commitments
Doyle has committed to supporting local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures in Aston, including the AGBU Melbourne Centre, located in Scoresby.
CHISHOLM
The electorate of Chisholm includes, Ashwood, Ashburton, Box Hill, Burwood, Burwood East, Box Hill South, Camberwell, Glen Iris, Glen Waverley, Malvern East, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill.
KATIE ALLEN
Record
Katie Allen is the Liberal candidate for Chisholm. Following her appointment as the candidate Allen visited the Armenian Community Centre in Melbourne, and brought with her Jason Wood MP - Liberal Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs. In 2024, Allen co-signed a letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP calling on him to accurately characterise the events between 1915-1923 as Genocide in his annual statement.
Commitments
Allen has committed to supporting the growth and development of the local Armenian-Australian organisations and structures, including the Armenian Community Centre, located just outside of her electorate. If elected, Allen is committed to vocally advocating for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and has committed to participating in an ANC-AU led delegation to the Republic of Armenia.
DEAKIN
The electorate of Deakin, includes the suburbs of Blackburn, Blackburn North, Croydon, Donvale, Forest Hill, Kilsyth, Mitcham, Nunawading, Park Orchards Ringwood, Vermont, Vermont South, Warranwood.
MICHAEL SUKKAR
Record
Michael Sukkar is the current member for Deakin, elected to the House of Representatives in 2013. Sukkar has actively supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and initiatives, particularly through engagement with the ANC-AU and its youth-led programs, including the Junior Advocates and Youth Advocates based in Canberra.He has risen in the Federal parliament calling for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide as well as supporting the rights to self-determination of the people of Artsakh by condemning Azerbaijan’s crimes against indigenous Armenians. Sukkar more recently is acting as a protection sponsor for Armenian Political Prisoner held captive by Azerbaijan, Bako Sahakyan.
Commitments
Sukkar remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of local Armenian-Australian organisations and institutions. He is also firmly committed to continuing his vocal advocacy for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
GOLDSTEIN
The electorate of Goldstein includes the suburbs of Beaumaris, Bentleigh, Black Rock Brighton, Brighton East, Cheltenham, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, Glen Huntly, Hampton, Hampton East, Highett, McKinnon, Moerabbin and Sandringham.
TIM WILSON
Record
Tim Wilson is the Liberal Candidate for Goldstein. He is of Armenian ancestry and will re-contest the seat of Goldstein following his defeat at the 2022 election.
Whilst serving in Parliament, Tim was a staunch advocate for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, introducing a motion which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the UN Genocide Convention that also formally acknowledged the Armenian Genocide.
Over the last three years, he has maintained close ties with the Armenian-Australian community attending the Melbourne Armenian Genocide Commemoration in 2023 and 2024. Wilson has visited Armenia on two occasions, the first time was in his capacity as the Member for Goldstein in 2019 and the second time was in 2023.
Commitments
Wilson remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of local Armenian-Australian organisations and institutions. He is also firmly committed to continuing his vocal advocacy for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
MACNAMARA
The electorate of Macnamara includes the suburbs of Albert Park, Balaclava, Caulfield, Caulfield East, Caulfield North, Elsternwick, Elwood, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, Riponlea, Southbank, South Melbourne St Kilda, St Kilda East, St Kilda West and Windsor.
JOSH BURNS
Record
Josh Burns is the current Federal Member for Macnamara, elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. Following the 2022 federal election, Burns became a member of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Union (Friendship Group). Burns has actively supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and initiatives, particularly through engagement with the ANC-AU and its youth-led programs, including the Junior Advocates and Youth Advocates based in Canberra. Throughout his time in Parliament he has consistently called for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supports the rights to self-determination of the people of Artsakh. He has regularly met with international guests brought by ANC-AU including journalist Alexander Lapshin jailed by Azerbaijan, and Artsakh’s former Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan, and Member of the National Assembly Davit Ishkhanyan.
Commitments
Burns remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of local Armenian-Australian organisations and institutions. He is also firmly committed to continuing his vocal advocacy for Australian federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting the rights of the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh.
BRUCE
The electorate of Bruce includes Berwick, Cranbourne North, Dandenong North, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Harkaway, Mulgrave, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South, Noble Park North.
JULIAN HILL
Record
Julian Hill is the current member for Bruce, elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. Following the 2022 federal election, Burns became a member of the Australia-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary Union (Friendship Group). Over the years Hill has supported local Armenian-Australian organisations and initiatives, particularly through engagement with the ANC-AU and its youth-led programs, including the Junior Advocates and Youth Advocates based in Canberra. He has remained engaged on issues facing the Republic of Artsakh, participating in events welcoming Artsakh’s former Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan, and Member of the National Assembly Davit Ishkhanyan to the Australian Federal Parliament and attending the ANC-AU’S 2024 Ethnic Cleansing Exhibition in Federal Parliament.
