Sarah Witty | |
|---|---|
 Witty in 2025 | |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Melbourne | |
| Assumed office 3 May 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Adam Bandt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1972-12-12) 12 December 1972 |
| Citizenship | British (1972–2025) |
| Party | Labor |
Sarah Jane Witty (born 12 December 1972)1 is an Australian politician who has served as the member of parliament (MP) for the Victorian division of Melbourne since 2025. She is a member of the Labor Party.23 In the election, Witty defeated Adam Bandt, the leader of the Australian Greens, who had held the seat of Melbourne since 2010.2
Early career
Prior to entering politics, Witty worked with several charitable organisations, including as CEO of The Nappy Collective and as a staff member at Homes for Homes. She had also run a ballet studio, owned a Subway franchise and worked as both a small business lender and insurer.4 Witty has also been a foster carer.4
Political career
Witty was the Labor candidate for the Melba Ward of Yarra City Council at the local government elections in 2024. She came second with a 46.86% vote after preferences, losing to independent candidate Meca Ho.5
Following the local elections, Witty was asked to run for the division of Melbourne at the 2025 federal election.6 Her federal election campaign was launched by Labor federal minister Penny Wong, who was a fellow member of the Labor Left faction.4
Witty is part of Labor's Socialist Left faction and is a member of the Australian Services Union.7
References
References
- "Qualification checklist" (PDF). Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- Evans, Jake (7 May 2025). "Greens leader Adam Bandt projected to lose in Melbourne, leaving party without its captain". ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- Basford Canales, Sarah (7 May 2025). "Adam Bandt projected to lose Melbourne seat leaving federal Greens without a leader". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- Kolovos, Benita (7 May 2025). "Who is Sarah Witty? The Labor candidate set to dethrone Greens leader Adam Bandt in Melbourne". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- "2024 Yarra City Council election results". Victorian Electoral Commission. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- "Melbourne MP Sarah Witty didn't plan to run in the federal election. Then she toppled the leader of the Greens". 9 News. 12 July 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- Barlow, Karen (28 June 2025). "Exclusive: Labor has first Left-majority caucus". The Saturday Paper. Archived from the original on 1 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.