Lawyer and political adviser Aria Bolkus has been preselected by the Labor Party as its candidate for the seat of Colton, in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
Well connected to the Colton community, Bolkus grew up in the area, attended Henley Beach Primary School, and had her first job waiting tables at the iconic Joe’s Kiosk on Henley Beach.
“I love this community,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“It’s where I first went to school, where I worked my first job, and where I learnt to swim between the flags as a nipper at Henley Surf Life Saving Club.”
Bolkus has political pedigree— she is the daughter of Nick Bolkus, former South Australian senator and immigration minister in the Hawke and Keating Labor governments. She credits her father with influencing her political values and fostering her passion for multiculturalism.
“Dad was a trailblazer in promoting multiculturalism,” she said. “He brought humanity and empathy into every political decision he made—especially as immigration minister.”
Aria also draws strength from her Greek heritage, saying her grandparents, who migrated from a small village in Greece, taught her the value of community.
“My yiayia and pappou instilled in me the importance of strong community ties—something I recognise and want to continue building in Colton.”
For the March 2026 South Australian election, Aria says her focus will be on “connecting, listening, and representing the views of the Colton community,” while working alongside Premier Peter Malinauskas to deliver for her constituents.
At a press conference this week, Premier Malinauskas praised Aria’s candidacy.
“Aria is a great young woman who brings legal expertise to her candidacy but is also very much part of the Henley Beach community—and has been her whole life,” he said.
He noted Labor’s success in preselecting high-calibre women for parliament. “We have a pretty good track record in the Labor Party in preselecting women who have an awful lot to contribute to the parliament more broadly—and that’s elevated the performance of the team,” Malinauskas said.
Although Aria stands on her own merits, the Premier Malinauskas acknowledged her father’s legacy.
“Nick was an amazing contributor not just to the Labor Party in South Australia but more broadly to thoughtful political debate over a long period of time.”
Aria Bolkus is one of four new Labor candidates announced this week, joining nominees for the seats of Light, Heysen, Unley, and Morphett.
“As a government, we have a strong and united team with an unwavering focus on delivering long-term, sustained improvement to the lives of South Australians,” said the Premier.
The seat of Colton spans Adelaide’s western suburbs, including Henley Beach, Fulham Gardens, West Beach, Lockleys, and Adelaide Airport.
