Monique Ryan wins Kooyong
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to hold the government to account," Dr Ryan stated.
Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan has secured re-election in the seat of Kooyong, defeating Liberal Candidate Amelia Hamer.
Dr Ryan first won the traditionally Liberal-held seat in 2022, unseating former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg. In this election, she increased her primary vote by 3.2 per cent.
Following her victory, Dr Ryan stated, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to hold the government to account on the economy, climate, health, and the other critical issues for my community.”
Australian Jewish community leaders congratulated Ryan on her win. Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said, “We congratulate Dr Ryan on her re-election in Kooyong. At the recent pre-election community debate, she condemned antisemitism and spoke of the importance of a whole of community response to fighting racial hatred. She also supported Israel and Zionism and spoke of tackling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Hamas. We look forward to continue working with Dr Ryan in the next term of Parliament.”
Aghion also praised Amelia Hamer for her efforts, noting, “We also commend Amelia Hamer for consulting with our community and running a competitive campaign which increased her party’s share of the vote, against the national trend.”
Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler added, “We congratulate Monique on her re-election, and look forward to engaging constructively with her on issues that matter to the Jewish community.”
Speaking to The AJN in April, Dr Ryan described rising antisemitism since October 7 as “awful” and “distressing” to witness, asserting “We have to push back against it as strongly as we can in all its forms.”
While she has criticised aspects of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza calling for adherence to international law, she also believes that “Hamas has no place in Gaza”.
Ryan has also said that she supports and respects the ICC after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I think that we have to act in accordance with treaties to which we are a signatory,” adding “I don’t believe the government should intervene either way … the decision as to whether or not to arrest him would be up to the police forces.”
She has stated that her support for United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) in a letter co-signed by other teals last year was based on getting aid tho those who need it rather than backing the organisation itself. She welcomed the government’s recent funding for alternative aid providers like Project Rozana.
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