Counter-terrorism expert Anne Aly says she wants to combat terrorism from "the inside" of federal politics after being named Labor's candidate for the West Australian seat of Cowan.
The Egyptian-born academic is a professor at Edith Cowan University, an adjunct associate professor at Curtin University and the founding chair of People Against Violent Extremism.
Dr Aly, who also served two terms as a member of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations, said she had dedicated her life to counter-radicalisation to protect Australia's lifestyle.
"I have met parents of children who have joined ISIS, I have dedicated my life to stopping young people from making this decision," Dr Aly said.
"I think I've done as much as I can working from the outside. I think now is the time to move and start doing some work on the inside.
"I have very strong ideas about how we should battle terrorism."
The recently redrawn seat of Cowan is held by Liberal MP Luke Simpkins by a margin of four per cent.
Mr Simpkins has previously raised concerns Australians are unknowingly being converted to Islam by eating Halal meat.
Dr Aly, a Muslim, said she and Mr Simpkins had different views on religion and its role in Australian politics and society.
"The fact is, yes, I am Muslim," she said. "The fact is also I am a very strong believer in a liberal-secular democracy and particularly in the principles of our constitution that states religion and the state are separate."
WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said Dr Aly represented "the Australian dream" and was an appropriate choice for the northern seat of Cowan given her background.
"It's one of the most diverse electorates in Australia, and I think in Anne, Cowan would have a great representative."
Dr Aly has lived in Perth for 25 years and is married with two children.
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