Hello, my name is Manal Bahsa. I am a lawyer and a passionate advocate for civil rights. I live in the heart of the Barton electorate. While I was born in Australia, my family’s diverse heritage has deeply shaped who I am—my mother is of Greek and Ghanaian descent, and my father is Lebanese.
To me, Australian democracy is about more than just elections. It’s about valuing the inherent dignity of every individual and ensuring everyone has the right to live free from oppression, discrimination, and fear.
For the past five years, I have worked at a legal centre, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I’ve stood alongside them during some of the toughest times in their lives, fighting for justice and their rights.
At the same time, I’ve witnessed the growing struggles in Barton. Rising costs of living are making it harder for people to make ends meet. Many are forced to choose between paying their mortgage or affording essential items, while large corporations benefit from massive subsidies and record-breaking profits.
I am committed to addressing this inequality and becoming a voice in Parliament for the people of Barton. I pledge to stand with my community, work alongside them, and help drive meaningful change for a fairer future.
