Our 6 Upper House Candidates

#1. Dr Brian Walker MLC:

Brian is a sitting member of the Legislative Council, and a medical practitioner. He has worked in various countries, including Scotland, England, Germany, the USSR, Hong Kong, and China, before returning home to WA. Elected in March 2021 as an MLC for the Legalise Cannabis WA Party. He continues his medical practice in Claremont and is dedicated to promoting evidence-based policies, encompassing physical, mental, social, and financial and environmental wellness. He hopes to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren. His popular YouTube channel is packed with engaging and thought-provoking videos.

#2. Melissa D’Ath:

Mel is an entrepreneur and current Councillor of Margaret River with extensive public service experience, including serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about supporting rural communities and the industrial hemp industry, incorporating hemp into her businesses to promote zero waste and a sustainable environment. An active community member, Melissa volunteers her social work expertise and engages in multiple local groups. She continues to advocate for the community and preserve the region's unique qualities. Get to know Mel in this recent interview.

#3. Dr Craig Buchanan:

Craig is an academic and political research officer, who knows first-hand the benefits of medicinal cannabis after a personal battle with cancer. A resident of the South Metropolitan Region and a published author, Craig is a two-term Councillor on the City of Rockingham Council, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia, having obtained his Ph.D. from UWA in 2019. Now in his early 50’s, he is married, with two adult step-children. Have a listen to Craig's story.

#4. Frances Barns:

Frances has over 20 years of experience in international development and public policy. Holding a Bachelor’s in Asian Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy, she focuses on human rights, harm reduction, and public health. As a candidate for the Legalise Cannabis Party in WA, Frances advocates for inclusive reforms, restorative justice, and improved health services for those affected by addiction. She is dedicated to evidence-based policymaking and social justice.

#5. Will Safar:

Will is a local pharmacist and the owner of both Serpentine Pharmacy and Medical Centre. A true West Australian, he was educated and trained locally. Will is well-known for putting people first and fostering a strong sense of community. He is passionate about managing his multiple businesses and is also a devoted father of four.

#6. Jason Meotti:

Jason has dedicated over two decades to campaigning for cannabis law reform, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the cause. In 1998, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation WA, serving as its president until 2005. Beyond his advocacy work, Jason is passionate about simplifying and improving Australia’s tax system to ensure it is fairer and more beneficial for all Australians. In his downtime, he enjoys fishing as a way to unwind to connect with nature and his family. Learn more about Jason from this interview.

Our 34 Lower House Candidates

	Albany Phil Arnatt Phil is committed to fair representation and advocating for policies that prioritise personal freedom and community well-being.
	Balcatta Christopher Cole Practicing barrister and RAAF veteran. Christopher will challenge Labor’s David Michael, the Road Safety Minister responsible for driving laws that adversely impact medicinal cannabis patients.
	Baldivis Mark Charles Mark, a 47-year-old father of two, has worked across retail, labouring, and small business. After losing a kidney to cancer and battling chronic pain, he found real relief in medical cannabis—but outdated laws now limit his job opportunities. He’s running for Baldivis to fight stigma, push for fairer drug policies, and challenge Environment Minister Reece Whitby with his first-hand experience of workplace discrimination.
	Bibra Lake Bradley Gibb Bradley is passionate about sensible cannabis reform and ensuring patients have access to the treatment they need without stigma.
	Bunbury John Bell Local sailmaker John will take a swing at Labor’s Minister for Regional Development and Fishers, Don Punch, in defence of our local, and often neglected hemp industry.
	Butler Ramon Granados Civil engineer and CEO of a specialist hemp engineering firm. Ramon will contest the seat long-held by Attorney General John Quigley.
	Cockburn

	Cottesloe Jessica Yu Local resident and web designer, Jessica will offer a viable alternative for those who are tired of the Liberal Party’s in-fighting, and the lack of focus on the issues important to ordinary residents.
	Darling Range Robert Peters Robert is running to challenge outdated policies and support a more rational approach to personal freedoms and medical cannabis access.
	Dawesville Sharlene Mavor Sharlene is a Medical Scientist and co-founder of Medical Cannabis Research Australia, a leading education charity supporting patients and scientific research. She is involved in clinical studies on CBD for methamphetamine addiction and medicinal cannabis for chronic pain. Sharlene has hosted national cannabis education events and promotes sustainable hemp construction, building WA’s first luxury hempcrete accommodation. Sharlene is also a founder of Omega Assets, producing hemp-infused beers and spirits at Valley Social in the Swan Valley.
	Forrestfield Steve Emmons Local businessman and graphic designer. Steve will take on Labor’s Stephen Price and the Liberals’ George Tilbury, the ex-president of the WA Police Union.
	Fremantle Dave Foley Young boilermaker and medicinal cannabis advocate. David will challenge sitting minister Simone McGurk in the port city. You can watch his recent interview with Dr Walker.
	Geraldton David Van Beek David is passionate about bringing practical and fair policies to the electorate, ensuring the community has a strong voice in Parliament.
	Girrawheen Nathan Kirk Nathan is standing to represent everyday Australians who want a balanced and evidence-based approach to drug law reform.
	Joondalup Samantha Law Long-time campaigner and cancer survivor. Sam brings personal experience of cannabis as a healing herb to the electorate.
	Kalamunda Penelope Young Local nurse with a master’s degree, 30 years of service, and a nationally accredited mediation qualification. Penelope provides a fresh alternative to Labor’s Matthew Hughes.
	Kalgoorlie Kelly Malcolm Kelly is committed to advocating for regional communities and ensuring fair access and employment opportunities.
	Kwinana Paul Mavor Paul is a registered Australian and UK pharmacist. His company was granted the first medicinal cannabis import and export license in Australia in 2017. He established national and international distribution of medicinal cannabis products to eligible patients. Paul is currently director of hemp food and beverage company Omega Assets that produces HERBEE hemp infused beer and spirits and Chanvre hemp fed beef. He recently co-founded Western Australia’s first dedicated plant based medicine dispensary in Malaga and recently opened his second in Mount Hawthorn.
	Midland Jane-Marie Southworth Aviation mechanic and mother. Jane advocates for sensible drug reform in her campaign.
	Mid West Shannon Yeh Young mother, graphic designer, and party state executive member Shannon will take the fight to Lands and Planning Minister John Carey.
	Mindarie Lee Hunt University researcher with first-hand knowledge of the Canadian cannabis system. Lee challenges ex-policeman Mark Folkard.
	Mount Lawley Leo Treasure Founding LCWA member, blockchain tech expert and Tezos baker, Leo will go up against Simon Millman in what has traditionally been a Liberal seat.
	Murray-Wellington Mark Schneider Mark an long time cannabis advocate dating back to the Marijuana party of the 90s is focused on community-driven policies and pushing for a more rational and compassionate approach to cannabis legislation.
	Oakford Srdjan Lazarevic Srdjan is standing to give the community a real choice for representation, advocating for individual freedoms and sensible reform.
	Pilbara Georgina Wilkinson Georgina Wilkinson, co-owner of the Margaret River Hemp Company and Hemp Homes Australia, has been a pivotal figure in the Australian hemp industry since 2001. Her dedication was recognised at the inaugural iHempWA Awards in 2023, where she received the Lifetime Contribution and Champion of Champions awards.
	Rockingham Phillip Leslie A medically retired mining employee, Phil will contest the seat of Rockingham, looking to build upon the 6.8% share of the vote that LCWA achieved at the 2023 by-election.
	Secret Harbour Jim Matters Father-of-two and Royal Australian Navy veteran Jim Matters will go up against Police and Veteran’s Issues Minister Paul Papalia.
	Southern River Graham Pereira Graham is passionate about challenging outdated laws and ensuring a fairer system for patients and consumers alike.
	Thornlie Fred Mulholland LCWA President and construction industry employee, Fred will be looking to make the most of Labor’s recent candidate confusion, and to focus on the real cost of living relief that the legalisation of cannabis could bring to first-time home buyers like himself.
	Vasse Shelley Leech Long-term disability worker and advocate Shelley Leech will take on current Liberal leader Libby Mettam.
	Waneroo Kunal Parbat Business manager for a local glass factory, Kunal will put cannabis law reform front and centre as he squares up against Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton.
	Warren-Blackwood Aaron Peet Farmer and permaculture advocate. Aaron is contesting one of the most winnable seats in the state, with Labor holding it by only a 2% margin.
	West Swan Elliott Taylor LCWA Policy Advisor, Mining sector manager and ADF veteran. Elliot will take on Treasurer Rita Saffioti.