Chesters’ dominance continues

RE-ELECTED for a fourth term, Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said while she’s excited to be able to serve as part of the government, it won’t be without its challenges.

Ms Chesters was first elected in 2013 and has served in the Rudd and Shorten opposition, and now the Albanese Federal Government.

“It’s exciting, but at the same time very challenging because I can no longer say it’s the other guy’s fault, it’s now our responsibility,” she said.

“That’s something all my colleagues around the country are ready for, but at the same time know how important it is.

“When you spend nine years watching people do it really badly, the expectations you set yourself to do it better are really high.”

At time of writing, Ms Chesters has received her highest two-party preferred count with 62 per cent over Darin Schade’s 38 per cent, a 3.2 per cent swing from the 2019 election.

On primary vote, Ms Chesters fell 0.5 per cent, while the Liberal party fell 5.2 per cent.

“Some of the swings are just amazing, I never thought I could be in a seat where we’re looking at a six in front of it in two-party preferred,” she said.

Ms Chesters said to poll well in places that haven’t usually been Labor booths, such as Goornong, was a good feeling.

“It means there’s a bit of change going on in those areas and those people really want to see a change,” she said.

“We had some big swings in places like Marong and Big Hill, they’re growth areas for us with new families moving in, but what it also says is they’re areas where people care about health care, aged care and the issues Labor was focused on.”

Ms Chesters celebrated her win at the Bendigo Trades Hall, surrounded by her partner Matt Emond, daughter Daisy, son Charlie, State Labor members Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, and her supporters.