Former AFL star Anthony Koutoufides is reportedly considering a bid for the federal seat of Melbourne, currently held by Greens leader Adam Bandt, in the upcoming election.
According to The Guardian, a source close to Koutoufides confirmed he was approached to run as an independent and is expected to make a decision soon, with the election set to take place by May 17.
Koutoufides, who previously ran in last year’s Melbourne local council election, came fourth with nearly 13% of the vote. His campaign, under the “Team Kouta” banner, was marked by a pro-business stance, including proposals like requiring CBD workers to return to the office four days a week.
Despite spending $449,000, Koutoufides’ ticket won just one seat on Melbourne’s city council. He has since hinted at further political ambitions, saying after the council election, “I’ve got a taste for it, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Bandt, who has held the seat since 2010, recently secured nearly 50% of the primary vote in the 2022 election. In response to potential challengers, he said, “I never take the seat of Melbourne for granted and will campaign hard whoever runs,” pointing to his accomplishments like securing dental coverage for children under Medicare and advocating for climate action.
While some in the Liberal Party see Bandt’s seat as safe, Koutoufides’ high profile could make the race more competitive. A Greens source noted that Koutoufides’ run could shift focus to workers’ rights and divert resources from the Greens’ bid to win the nearby seat of Wills from Labor.
Source: The Guardian.
