2026 Victorian State Election
Mathew Clarke — Independent Candidate for Melbourne

I am Mathew Clarke, an independent candidate for the Melbourne District at the 2026 Victorian State Election.

I am a devoted father who values the simple things in life — spending time with family and friends, being part of the community and enjoying the opportunities that Melbourne has to offer.

Raising young children has given me an even greater appreciation of the importance of creating a safe, supportive and affordable community where families and independent people can build a good life.

I work as a security specialist and have spent much of my working life in roles focused on helping and protecting people. I've also been involved in Melbourne's creative community for many years. I founded and run Melbourne Writers, a community that brings writers and creatives together to share their work, ideas, and experiences.

Writing remains a personal passion of mine. I enjoy writing novels in my spare time, with the hope that one day I can turn that passion into something more.

I am running as an independent because I believe Melbourne deserves a representative whose first responsibility is to the people who elected them — not to a political party. They have their agenda. I'm interested in yours.

Links: Facebook Instagram WordPress YouTube

Why am I running?

I am running because I believe Melbourne deserves an independent representative whose first responsibility is to the people who elected them—not to a political party.

Political parties have their own agendas, priorities and obligations. I don't.

I'm interested in your agenda.

As a genuine independent, I have no political party directing how I should vote or telling me which position I must take. I believe an elected representative should listen to their community, consider the evidence and make decisions based on what is best for the people they represent.

I also believe voters deserve greater transparency about the influence that political parties can receive from organisations, interest groups, unions and businesses.

There is another way.

Don't vote for a political party simply because it tells you what to think. Vote for someone who is prepared to listen to what you think.

A different approach to politics

Every election produces mountains of promotional material that is often discarded almost immediately. I don't believe taxpayers' or campaign resources should be wasted simply to put another piece of paper in your hand on the way into a polling booth.

I want to campaign differently.

I want to focus on the issues that matter to people in Melbourne rather than slogans, party talking points, and political games.

If elected, my responsibility will be to the people of Melbourne. I will not be required to put a party's interests ahead of yours.

I believe government should spend public money carefully and responsibly. Your money is not an unlimited resource, and every dollar spent should have a purpose that benefits the community.

Your voice. Your priorities. Your independent representative.

You shouldn't have to agree with me on everything.

What I believe you should be able to expect is that I will listen to you, consider your concerns seriously, and represent you independently.

I am not running to become another political party representative.

I am running to be an independent voice for Melbourne.

2026 Victorian State Election

Candidate: Mathew Clarke
Electorate: Melbourne District
Position: Independent candidate
Election: 2026 Victorian State Election

If you would like to know more about my campaign, discuss an issue affecting you or find out how you can support the campaign, please get in touch through the contact details on this website.

Want to help?

If you believe Melbourne deserves a genuinely independent voice, there are several ways you can support the campaign.

Nominate me for the upcoming state election in 2026.
Send me questions, concerns, or issues you would like me to know about.
Follow the social links and like/share as much as you can.
Volunteer and help with the campaign.

Socials:

Policies

Not listing my ideas for policies means I am not telling the people of Melbourne what to do (even if I think my policies are very helpful). Policies are to be listed anonymously alongside those in Melbourne who would also like a say. Experts in their field (often experienced leaders within that particular department) will list probable outcomes, so that the Melbourne people are fully informed. These policies would then become the best policies Melbourne (and I) could offer. Lastly, you will also get the opportunity to voice your opinion on the listed policies.

Why?

Simple, you have been fooled into voting for popular slogans (they are not proper policies). Even now, many of you are thinking, but you need to list policies. How else do we know whether to vote for you or not?

This is exactly why policies need to be listed anonymously. If we don't do this now, we will be stuck in the cycle of voting for slogans that don't help us, and only help political parties get votes.

It's up to you to help me get into the Melbourne seat and change things. I can do it; I just need you to spread the word that a "1" needs to go next to my name in November 2026. It is the only way I can help.

If this has not answered your questions fully, then it is because it is a very brief summary. The entire website explains everything in more detail. Listing hundreds of pages of operating procedures would not be practical (I enjoy taking time out of my day/kids/job to help, but even my time is finite).

Want more than the summary? Go HERE

Melbourne CBD - West Melbourne - North Melbourne - Carlton - East Melbourne - Docklands - Parkville - Kensington

Melbourne Chooses the Policies it wants.