Michael Abelman is the One Nation candidate for the Victorian lower house district of Caulfield.

His decision to stand for the Victorian Parliament comes from a deep concern about the decline of what he believes was once one of the country’s strongest states economically, culturally, and socially.

Having lived in East St Kilda and now Caulfield, Michael has developed a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local residents, particularly concerns around community safety and growing distrust in the state government.

Michael is the son of World War II refugees and a hands-on father of three children and grandfather of two. He is deeply conscious of the sacrifices his parents made to give him opportunities they had been denied, particularly a good education.

Throughout his career, Michael has owned and operated three pharmacies and an import and wholesale business, worked as a public servant, and currently works as a community pharmacist. He has also worked for the Victorian Health Department, giving him firsthand experience of how the public service operates, makes decisions, and manages public money in delivering government policy.

Michael also volunteers his time teaching street-safety skills to children and adults in the community.

He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs, and a Certificate in Permaculture, and has almost completed a Diploma in Counselling.

The COVID-19 vaccine mandates and extended lockdowns also had a significant influence on Michael’s decision to become more involved in public life. He became concerned about what he saw as insufficient consideration of the medical, psychological, and physical consequences of government decisions, particularly for children who lost important years of development and social interaction.