General News
28 March, 2025
Olsen to run for Mallee seat
Labor has endorsed Greg Olsen as their candidate for Mallee — a seat held exclusively by the Nationals since its formation.
Although being Labor’s candidate felt like the culmination of Mr Olsen’s lifelong commitment to the party, he understands the odds are stacked against him.
“I’m not unrealistic in terms of the task,” he said.
Established in 1949, Mallee has consistently been held by the Nationals or its earlier iteration the Australian Country Party.
While Mr Olsen doesn’t expect to buck the historic trend he hopes to see some movement in how the votes land in the upcoming election.
“I don’t think I’ve got unrealistic expectations to try to at least put a bit of pressure on that margin,” he said.
Mr Olsen believes in equal opportunity irrespective of economic background, a need to grow the business sector, and fair wage growth and job security amongst cost of living pressures.
Although he said a willingness to encourage discussion, without judgement or dismissal, underpins his candidacy.
“It just helps me understand that breadth of issues and concerns across this extraordinary electorate,” he said.
This may be particularly important, Mr Olsen recognised, due to the size of the electorate — covering 36.7 percent of the state — and the diverse challenges people may face.
“It’s one of those opportunities, let’s give it a go and get out there and meet people,” he said.
Mr Olsen grew up in Castlemaine but moved to Melbourne to study at Melbourne University. His degrees in music, social work, and public policy and management, have supported his work in corrections, child services, and disability services.
Mr Olsen said, after a number of years in Melbourne, he returned to care for his elderly parents. While being a carer he did a variety of work including fruit picking and factory work.
Keen to meet people across the Mallee region Mr Olsen said it’s a “privilege” to be the Labor endorsed candidate.