Meet Bendigo’s candidates for the federal election

THE 2025 Australian Federal Election, which will determine the makeup of Parliament and the leadership of the nation for the next three years, is this Saturday 3 May.

Ahead of the election, the Times News Group sent a list of identical questions to nine candidates in Bendigo, either to a direct e-mail or via their party. No contact information could be found for 10th candidate David Vincent (Independent).

Responses from candidates are on this page.

We received no responses from Avery Barnett-Dacey (The Greens), Heather Freeman (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation), Matt Bansemer (Libertarian), Rohan Tyler (Victorian Socialists), David Vincent (Independent), or Wayne Taylor (Legalise Cannabis Party).

For information on how and where to vote, head to aec.gov.au.

 

ANDREW LETHLEAN

OCCUPATION: LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER
RESIDES: BENDIGO, BORN AND BRED
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR ELECTORATE? NEARLY ALL OF MY LIFE. I GREW UP IN GOLDEN SQUARE, HAVE RAISED MY FAMILY HERE AND HAVE OWNED AND OPERATED LOCAL BUSINESSES.

What’s your involvement with the community?
I’ve been heavily involved in sport all my life, particularly basketball, football & tennis. I followed in my Dad (Barry) and brother (Tony) footsteps, being on the board and Vice President of Bendigo Tennis Association. I am also the
Bendigo delegate for the Australian Hotels Association and previous chair of the Bendigo Liquor Accord. As a business owner I have also supported and sponsored many sporting, community and charity events over numerous years.

Are you associated with or have you been associated with a political party or movement?
I’m a member of The National Party but prior to running as a candidate I have not been involved in a political party or movement.

Who are you preferencing?
Our Coalition partner the Liberals.

What is your campaign budget?
The budget is managed by The Nationals.

Are you receiving financial assistance?
The I’m not getting paid to campaign or run as a candidate, but the running of the campaign is being financially supported by The Nationals and local donors. My investment is a huge amount of personal time and effort to make our region so much better. For you, what are the three most important issues in your electorate? Locals have told me that the biggest issues for them are the cost of living, crime and community safety and the availability and affordability of housing

 

EVELYN KEETELAAR

OCCUPATION: SELF-FUNDED RETIREE
RESIDES: IN SUBURB OF BENDIGO – ASCOT
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR ELECTORATE? MOVED TO BENDIGO IN 1981.

What’s your involvement with the community?
Prior to retiring I managed the large piggery Rivalea in North Huntly which employs 70 local people. I attended several different business related groups including a Coliban Water community group. I also attend Life Blood regularly, ride in several local cycle groups and help out at my local church.

Are you associated with or have you been associated with a political party or movement?
I’ve been a member of Family First since they reformed in Victoria. Was a candidate for East Bendigo in the last State Election. Member of ACL who lobby the government on unfavourable bills being presented.

Who are you preferencing?
Every voter decides their own preferences. Family First will provide a guide for voters which will ultimately go to the

Nationals if voters choose to follow it. What is your campaign budget? Are you receiving financial assistance?
Minimum budget which is supported by Family First members and supporters.

For you, what are the three most important iissues in your electorate?
1.Cost of living! Cut power prices. Australia must urgently abandon net zero, the Paris accords and the roll out of windmills and solar factories. This is driving up the cost of electricity and therefore the cost of everything for no good reason. We must return urgently to affordable and reliable sources of power generation such as Victoria’s abundant coal and gas.
2. Protecting the rights of parents in schools. Stop the pushing of poisonous ideas on our children.
3. Keeping biological males out of girls/ womens’ spaces and sports.

 

LISA CHESTERS

OCCUPATION: CURRENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO
RESIDES: BENDIGO
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR ELECTORATE? BEST PART OF TWO DECADES

What’s your involvement with the community?
Supporting a range of local organisations, cultural groups and sporting clubs. Have worked with countless groups and individuals to secure Federal Government funding for region. Personally donated 1000s of books to schools within electorate. Proud advocate and sponsor
of women’s sport. Local mum who volunteers to help daughter’s ballet school performances and enjoys exploring towns of the region.

Are you associated with or have you been associated with a political party or movement?
Member of the Labor party since 19 years old and a member of a union since 15. As a young hospo worker I was not paid properly by my employer and that motivated me to get more involved in the Labor movement.

Who are you preferencing?
My how to vote can be found as a pinned post on my Facebook page.

What is your campaign budget? Are you receiving financial assistance?
I have organised my own fundraising. Local Labor supporters have contributed small amounts of money towards my campaign.

For you, what are the three most important issues in your electorate?
Health and Medicare – Improving access to healthcare in our region. Labor is committed to rebuilding Medicare and will invest $8.3 billion to restore bulk billing for all Australians.
Education – I’m an ongoing advocate for the early childhood education and care sector and I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken toward creating universal child care system in Australia. Free TAFE is helping more than half a million Australians, and this is at stake in this election. Labor will also reduce student debt by 20% and increasing funding for public schools. Cost of living support – Labor is offering tax cuts for every taxpayer, more energy bill relief for households and small businesses.

 

MATT EVANS

OCCUPATION: MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
RESIDES: STRATHDALE
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR ELECTORATE? MOVED TO BENDIGO AT THE END OF 2018.

What’s your involvement with the community?
Worked in communications roles at local schools, play local footy and cricket, and have previously served on local council.

Are you associated with or have you been associated with a political party or movement?
Liberal Party

Who are you preferencing?
Nationals

What is your campaign budget? Are you receiving financial assistance?
I am grateful for the support I am receiving from local donors and volunteers.

For you, what are the three most important issues in your electorate?
First is tackling cost of living. Second is crime and community safety. Third is fixing and upgrading our local roads and community infrastructure.