Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah is Labor’s candidate for the Australian Senate in the upcoming federal election.

In 2022, Michelle made history as the first Labor Member in the seat of Higgins 76-year history and was its last MP after the seat was abolished in 2024.

Born in the UK to Sri-Lankan parents, migrating from Zambia as a child, Michelle understands the power education, opportunity and a welcoming society can play in changing lives.

Prior to politics Michelle was an infectious diseases and general medicine doctor of 26 years' experience who worked at The Alfred Hospital. Michelle achieved her medical degree from the University of Sydney (1996) and her PhD from the University of Melbourne (2016). She was an award-winning researcher, an Associate Professor at Monash University and remains an associate editor of BMJ Leader, a medical journal. As a Research Australia finalist (2021) for her work in artificial intelligence, Michelle understands the roadblocks faced by innovators.

Michelle will bring reason and pragmatism to the Senate so that a second term Labor Government can pass changes that matter to Victorians.

Michelle lives in Melbourne with her husband, two children and a rescued German Shepherd.