Greek Australian lawyer and political adviser Aria Bolkus has been officially preselected by the South Australian Labor Party as its candidate for the marginal seat of Colton in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
The announcement, made this week by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Deputy Premier Susan Close, was part of a broader rollout of Labor’s new candidates for five key seats ahead of the March 2026 state election.
Currently an adviser to Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, Bolkus brings both political and legal experience to her campaign, having previously worked at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and Andersons Solicitors.
Bolkus is deeply connected to the Colton community. She grew up in the area, attended Henley Beach Primary School, and held her first job waiting tables at Joe’s Kiosk on the foreshore.
“My grandparents moved here from a small village in Greece and instilled in me that importance of strength in community, one I recognise and want to continue to build on in Colton,” she said.
Her candidacy also carries political legacy. Aria is the daughter of former South Australian senator and immigration minister Nick Bolkus, who served in the Hawke and Keating governments.
At a press conference this week, SA Premier Malinauskas praised Bolkus as “a great young woman” who brings legal expertise and strong local ties to the Labor team.
“She’s very much part of the Henley Beach community—and has been her whole life,” he said, noting the Labor Party’s consistent focus on preselecting high-calibre women.
The seat of Colton, which includes Henley Beach, West Beach, Fulham Gardens, and Adelaide Airport, is currently held by Liberal MP and former Paralympian Matt Cowdrey with a margin of around 2,500 votes. Labor is targeting the seat as part of its broader campaign to strengthen its presence in Adelaide’s west.
Also announced this week were four other Labor candidates: Marisa Bell (Heysen), Alice Rolls (Unley), Toby Priest (Morphett), and James Agness (Light).
