Anthony Gerard "Tony" Lupton (born 10 January 1957) is an Australian former politician. He served as the member for Prahran in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 2002 to 2010, representing the Labor Party.
Early life
Lupton was born in Melbourne and educated at Christian Brothers College in St Kilda. After leaving school, he became an apprentice motor mechanic. In 1978, he returned to school at Caulfield Institute of Technology, successfully completed the Higher School Certificate and gained entrance to an Arts/Law degree course at Monash University.
After graduating he worked as a barrister, specialising in personal injuries cases for injured workers. Lupton joined the Australian Labor Party as a teenager.[1]
Political career
Member for Prahran
At the 2002 Victorian state election, Lupton was elected as the member for Prahran after defeating sitting Liberal MP Leonie Burke.[2][3] He was re-elected to a second term in 2006 after defeating Liberal candidate Clem Newton-Brown, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation following the election. After John Brumby took office as the new premier in 2007, Lupton was appointed Cabinet Secretary.
Lupton lost his seat at the 2010 state election in a rematch with Newton-Brown.[4]
In 2014, Lupton sought Labor preselection but was defeated by Neil Pharaoh.[5]
2025 by-election
In December 2024, Lupton announced he would run as an independent candidate at the 2025 Prahran state by-election, following Labor's decision not to endorse a candidate after the resignation of Greens-turned-independent MP Sam Hibbins. He was endorsed by former Labor premier Steve Bracks.[6]
Lupton attended a campaign meeting with conservative lobby group Advance.[6] On his how-to-vote card, Lupton preferenced Liberal Party candidate Rachel Westaway.[6][7]
Political views
In an article published in The Australian in October 2024, Lupton said he is a Zionist and is against "identity politics".[1]
Personal life
Lupton is the partner of journalist Julie Szego, and the pair have two daughters.[1][8] He is a supporter of the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
References
- ^ a b c Lupton, Tony (11 October 2024). "After a lifetime of Labor membership I find the party no longer represents my values". The Australian. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
- ^ "It's David v. Goliath for the vanquished". The Age. 2 December 2002. Archived from the original on 17 January 2025. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ Rees, Margaret; Head, Mike (5 December 2002). "Prime Minister's party reduced to a rump in Australian state election". World Socialist Web Site. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ Kapetopoulos, Fotis (28 November 2010). "Baillieu edges closer to victory". Neos Kosmos. Archived from the original on 17 January 2025. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ Campbell, James (28 November 2013). "Union boss's partner spurns seat". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 4 February 2025.
- ^ a b c Eddie, Rachel (2 February 2025). "Ex-Labor MP targets Greens in Prahran, boosting Liberal hopeful's bid". The Age. Archived from the original on 2 February 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ "HOW TO VOTE FOR TONY LUPTON IN PRAHRAN" (PDF). Victorian Electoral Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 February 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
- ^ Bonham, Kevin (15 January 2025). "Prahran and Werribee By-Elections". Dr Kevin Bonham. Archived from the original on 19 January 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2025.