• National Party Representative for Gippsland
• Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (since 28 May 2025)
• Entered House of Representatives on 28 June 2008 — Byelection
• Email me whenever Darren Chester speaks (no more than once per day)

• Voting record
• Numbers
• Register of Interests

Statements by Members: National Party of Australia (11 Mar 2026)

“Today the Nationals parliamentary party room voted for a new leadership team after the decision by the former leader, the member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, to stand down. And, refreshingly, there was no plot. There was no undermining of David Littleproud. David made the decision himself to stand down as leader. So I want to thank him for his humility and the authenticity he showed...”

Constituency Statements: Neille, Mr Josh (10 Mar 2026)

“Students of Australian politics would know that the totem animal of the Nationals is the wombat. The story of the wombat and the National Party dates back about 60 years. It was known as the 'wombat trail' on the campaign, when the journalists would join the leader of the day and travel throughout regional Australia to some of the more far-flung places. Deputy Speaker Aldred, as a country...”

Grievance Debate: Early Childhood Education and Care (10 Mar 2026)

“I'm often critical of the Canberra bubble, and for good reason. Too many decisions made in this place reflect decisions made in the bureaucracy by people with a lived experience very different to that of the people I represent in Gippsland. The rich diversity of rural, regional and remote communities is nothing like the Australian Capital Territory. We face many different challenges, and...”

More of Darren Chester's recent appearances

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Please note that numbers do not measure quality. Also, Representatives may do other things not currently covered by this site. (More about this)

• Has spoken in 52 debates in the last year — above average amongst Representatives.
• People have made 15 comments on this Representative's speeches — well above average amongst Representatives.
• This Representative's speeches are understandable to an average 18–19 year old, going by the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score.
• 36 people are tracking whenever this Representative speaks — email me whenever Darren Chester speaks.
• Has used three-word alliterative phrases (e.g. "she sells seashells") 689 times in debates — well above average amongst Representatives. (Why is this here?)

Darren Chester's latest interest statement