Perth Voice Interactive

A POLICY adviser for the Australian Retailers Association has been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the state seat of Mt Lawley.

Dianella’s Ben Cornel beat out Inglewood real estate director Eric David and motivational author James Fairbairn, while ending the hopes of former Stirling councillor Joe Ferrante to be a face in the March 2025 election.

Mr Cornel said he had strong backing from the local branch and his background with the ARA in government advocacy gave him first-hand experience of how poor policy and red tape can impact businesses and the community.

“I want to use these insights to fight for our community, and advocate effectively for practical solutions that grow the local economy and provide people living here with more opportunities,” Mr Cornel said.

A research officer under former Barnett minister Dean Nader, he says a key priority is home affordability for young people.

“As a member of the WA Liberal team, I’m also fighting for real action on the cost-of-living crisis, better access to health services, more resources for local police, and more effective support for local businesses and entrepreneurs to create jobs,.

“Our community in the Mt Lawley electorate deserves a fresh approach – and I’m ready to bring my energy and experience to fight for you in the state Parliament.”

Mr Cornel grew up in Morley and earned bachelors in education and drama from Edith Cowan University, and said his migrant parents had been hard-working small business owners.

“Through their example, I learned the importance of hard work, responsibility and resilience,” he said.

“The same values… my parents instilled in me growing up, are what led me to join the Liberal Party over 12 years ago, and now run as a candidate for Mt Lawley.

Mr Cornel will be up against Labor candidate Frank Paolino, who hopes to replace incumbent Simon Millman following his announcement he was leaving politics to get back into practicing law.