Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah has been endorsed as Labor's candidate for Higgins at the next federal election.
Dr Ananda-Rajah is a clinician-researcher and physician in infectious diseases and general medicine at Alfred Health.
Together with thousands of frontline healthcare professionals, Michelle led the fight to better Australia's pandemic response.
Frustrated with the lack of consultation around safety at healthcare-related workplaces during the pandemic, Michelle co-founded Health Care Workers Australia, to advocate for better outcomes for healthcare workers.
Michelle will work hard every day for a better future for residents of Higgins by advocating for action on climate change, a powerful role for women in modern Australia, and putting scientific expertise back at the heart of government.
Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah:
"I'm running as Labor's candidate for Higgins, because I believe that Higgins deserves better.
As a hospital doctor serving the community of Higgins - I've seen the toll this pandemic has taken on Victorians.
I've also seen how the Morrison Government has squandered the sacrifices made by all Australians last year.
Put simply, the Morrison Government has mismanaged Australia's pandemic response and vaccination rollout - and I can't sit by and watch.
Leadership matters and so does showing up in a crisis.
I show up in a crisis. I know how to fix problems and get things done.
I want people to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccines are safe and effective and they save lives - it's that simple.
I have the experience and the expertise to help lead Australia out of this pandemic, and I want to do that as your Member for Higgins."
Richard Marles MP:
"Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah is a fantastic candidate for Higgins.
She's a health expert from Alfred Health - one of Australia's best hospitals.
I look forward to working with Michelle to deliver for Higgins and I'm proud to announce she will be Labor's candidate for the seat for Higgins.
Local residents want to see Australia's vaccination rollout get back on track, they want to see purpose-built quarantine and a plan to manufacture mRNA vaccines in Australia.
There's no better person to help with the huge challenge of getting our pandemic response back on track than Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah."
