Staffers and Canberra community figures are remaining tight-lipped about Labor Party preselection for next year's ACT election, adding to the ranks of those expected to run for the Legislative Assembly.
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Thomas McMahon, an adviser to Fraser MP Andrew Leigh, referred questions about a possible preselection tilt to ACT Labor Party branch secretary Matt Byrne while Canberra City Residents Association president Joshua Ceramidas said he intended to stand for preselection. The party is yet to announce how and when process will take place.
Mr McMahon has worked in the departments of Immigration and Prime Minister and Cabinet as well as for the federal Labor Party and in Dr Leigh's office.
Mr Ceramidas is a public servant and editor of the ACT Labor branch annual magazine.
Labor will need to find 25 candidates for the expanded Assembly, with a decision on the process expected by November. The party will allow candidates to stand for preselection after just one year as members.
One Labor member who confirmed her preselection bid for the Woden-Weston Creek seat of Murrumbidgee bid is ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body member Jo Chivers.
The mother-of-two is a 20-year veteran of the federal public service, working in childcare, education and Indigenous policy areas including at the Aboriginal and disbanded Torres Strait Islander Commission.
Ms Chivers is the chair of the Canberra and District NAIDOC Aboriginal Corporation and has worked as a community volunteer and with Canberra's annual National Multicultural Festival.
She is expected to campaign on issues related to public transport, community services, education and Indigenous services.
"I've lived in Lyons for 22 years; my kids and I love it," Ms Chivers said.
"During that time I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to work with the community and with the government. I'm dedicated to our community and I want to make Canberra even better for my kids to grow up in, and for all of us.
"I want to bring my passion and skills to the positive changes that good government can bring for Canberra, and particularly for Murrumbidgee. "
Other likely Labor preselection candidates include public servant Mark Kulasingham, Belconnen Community Council chairman and blogger Tara Cheyne, high profile Mr Fluffy campaigner Brianna Heseltine and Australia India Business Council president Deepak-Raj Gupta.
Former public servant and staffer Kim Fischer said last month she would seek preselection for Labor in the Belconnen seat, Ginninderra.
The ACT Greens won't stand a full slate of 25 candidates next year, and the party would not comment on who has nominated for preselection. Announcements of successful candidates will be made in October or November.
Liberal candidates will have to wait until 2016 for preselection processes to take place.
