Matt Moran, the Liberal candidate for Bullwinkel, is more than a politician-he’s a veteran, journalist & community advocate whose story blends national service with local roots. His rise through defence, media & public life reflects the disciplined approach that defines his leadership across Western Australia.
Early Life & Connection to Bullwinkel
Matt Moran was born in Kalamunda and raised in Boya, grounding his values in the Perth Hills. His grandfather served as shire clerk of Kalamunda, his grandparents managed a chicken farm in Mundaring, and his parents owned a small farm in Toodyay-a symbol of the self-reliant WA lifestyle he champions.
From his first job at Dragon Village near Midland to his early education at Greenmount Primary School, Moran’s roots run deep in the communities that now make up the Bullwinkel electorate. It’s this local heritage that drives his belief in practical problem-solving and genuine service.
Matt Moran Liberal-Military Discipline & Public Service
Before entering politics, Matt Moran served in the Australian Army as a Public Affairs Officer, with deployments in East Timor (2007) and Afghanistan (2009). Working alongside Andrew Hastie, he learned that leadership means discipline, communication & trust — lessons that continue to guide his civic engagement.
Moran often credits his military background for shaping his sense of purpose: serving others before self. This philosophy later became the cornerstone of his Liberal campaign message-“service, discipline & listening to the people.”
Matt Moran Liberal-Journalism Career & Awards
After leaving the Army, Matt Moran transitioned into journalism, starting as a rural reporter with ABC in Esperance. His storytelling ability soon led him to Network Ten Perth, where he rose to become a federal political reporter from 2011 to 2015.
His reporting on national issues earned him some of Australia’s top media awards, including a Walkley Award, Paul Lyneham Award & two UN Association of Australia Media Awards. He was also shortlisted for the 2011 Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year & recognised as a Logie finalist. In 2012, he joined the Walkley Awards judging panel, a testament to his integrity and reputation in the media industry.
Matt Moran Liberal-Transition to Defence & Government Advisory Roles
In 2015, Moran joined the Prime Minister’s Office as a media adviser, before becoming a policy adviser to the Minister for Defence Industry in 2016. His skills and experience quickly elevated him to senior adviser in 2017, where he helped manage some of the nation’s most complex defence projects.
By August 2018, he was appointed senior adviser to the Minister for Defence, shaping policy decisions that influenced Australia’s defence strategy & industry capability.
Matt Moran Liberal-Leadership in Defence & Industry
Following his time in Canberra, Moran returned to Western Australia to strengthen the State’s defence presence. He became the inaugural Executive Director of Defence West (2019–2021), improving WA’s participation in national shipbuilding & defence contracts.
Later, he joined Luerssen Australia-the German-led builder of the Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels-as Head of Strategy and Government Relations. His focus on defence industry growth, local job creation & WA–Canberra collaboration continues to shape national security conversations.
Matt Moran Liberal-Academic & Community Advocacy
Beyond politics, Matt Moran serves as an Adjunct Professor of Practice at the University of Western Australia’s Defence & Security Institute, providing insights into defence strategy & government engagement.
He also sits on the Board of RSL WA, promoting veteran welfare, employment & reintegration programs-a cause close to his heart. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Curtin University & is completing his MBA at UWA, blending practical experience with academic leadership.
Matt Moran Liberal-Candidacy for Bullwinkel
In September 2024, Moran was endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the new seat of Bullwinkel, covering Perth Hills, outer-eastern suburbs & Wheatbelt towns such as Beverley, York & Toodyay.
During the campaign, former Prime Minister John Howard personally visited Bullwinkel to endorse Moran, describing him as “a disciplined leader with the dedication to serve his community & his country.”
Moran’s campaign focused on local issues over party politics, championing solutions on housing, cost-of-living relief, and infrastructure planning. He publicly opposed the North Stoneville development, supported telecommunication upgrades for bushfire safety & defended WA’s livestock industry amid the live export ban debate.
Matt Moran Liberal-Election Campaign & Community Engagement
Moran’s campaign was one of visibility & engagement. He toured polling stations from Kalamunda to Mundaring, attended local markets & met with shire councils to understand regional challenges.
He consistently emphasised:
“Meet the local cities, meet the local shires, go to the markets-be visible & available.”
His promises included 25 cents per litre fuel relief, tax cuts up to $1,200 & first-home buyer support-initiatives designed to ease cost pressures on working families and small business owners.
Matt Moran Liberal-Close Election Battle in 2025
The 2025 federal election in Bullwinkel was one of WA’s tightest races, a three-way contest between Trish Cook (Labor), Matt Moran (Liberal), and Mia Davies (Nationals).
Although Davies’ preferences flowed strongly to Moran, Labor ultimately edged ahead through absent votes (≈58.5% for Labor). The final two-party-preferred count saw Trish Cook win 51.3% to Moran’s 48.7%, a margin of roughly 990 votes.
Despite the narrow loss, Moran achieved a 2.9% swing to the Liberal Party in a seat initially considered safely Labor & marking one of the strongest Liberal performances in WA that year.
Matt Moran Liberal-Professionalism & Future Outlook
After the election, Moran graciously congratulated Trish Cook and pledged to continue representing local interests. His conduct was widely respected across political lines, earning praise for professionalism & resilience.
Political analysts noted that Bullwinkel’s outcome demonstrated the cost of divided centre-right representation, sparking fresh calls for a Liberal Nationals merger in WA to unify conservative voters.
Matt Moran Liberal-New Chapter as CEO of Master Builders WA
In July 2025, Moran was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Western Australia, officially beginning on 11 August 2025. The former CEO stayed on through September for a smooth transition.
As CEO, Moran’s mission focuses on housing supply, industry training, and collaboration between construction, government, and community sectors. He summarised his approach simply:
“Deliver more homes, more jobs, and stronger communities across WA.”
This appointment marked his continued contribution to Western Australia’s growth & infrastructure, reinforcing his legacy as both a leader & advocate for opportunity.
Matt Moran Liberal-Ongoing Commitment to Service
Today, Matt Moran remains active with the RSL WA & UWA Defence & Security Institute, continuing to champion veteran support, housing reform & defence capability development.
Seen as a future Liberal leader, Moran’s journey from soldier to journalist to political figure reflects his enduring message & that leadership begins with service.
Conclusion
The story of Matt Moran Liberal represents the modern face of public service in Western Australia-grounded in community, strengthened by military experience & guided by practical action. Whether in uniform, in the newsroom, or leading in policy & industry, Moran’s path is defined by one consistent thread-commitment to serve.
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