Darren Cheeseman makes a return to Geelong politics

FORMER Corangamite federal member Darren Cheeseman has re-entered Geelong politics, winning pre-selection to represent Labor in the seat of South Barwon in next year’s state election.

Mr Cheeseman was formerly the Labor MP for the federal seat of Corangamite, defeating Liberal Stewart McArthur in 2007 and losing the seat to incumbent Liberal Sarah Henderson in 2013.

He was officially endorsed by Labor last week. “I think South Barwon is very much a seat that Labor can win – it’s quite different today to what it was like even five or six years ago, with all of the growth that’s happening in Armstrong Creek,” he said.

“It’s a very different electorate from the southern end to the northern end.”

Liberal MP Andrew Katos holds South Barwon by just under three per cent and Mr Cheeseman said Armstrong Creek would be “a bit of an X factor”.

“We don’t know how they’re going to vote, though I suspect they’ll be Labor voters, or at least a large percentage.”

He said his previous experience with South Barwon – which lies entirely within Corangamite – would be an advantage.

“I know these communities inside out, I know what motivates them in terms of how they vote, and I think bringing all that experience and knowledge to the table will, I believe, be the difference in winning the seat.”

After losing Corangamite in 2013, Mr Cheeseman moved to his home town of Ballarat and took up a position in the office of Labor Senator Gavin Marshall.

Mr Katos said he did not underestimate Mr Cheeseman as a political rival.

“He’s a very experienced opponent, he’s been there and done it, he knows what it’s about, but I’m happy to stand by my track record of delivering infrastructure for the communities of South Barwon.

“But I don’t know why he still references himself as a local – quite frankly, I don’t think anyone’s seen him in four years.”