Labor’s Lisa Chesters has retained the federal seat of Bendigo she has held since 2013 despite a swing away from Labor.
The Bendigo seat came right down to the wire, with first-time Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean proving to be a strong opponent. Results were uncertain until Friday afternoon.
Lethlean, a publican and businessman, ran a hefty campaign with prominent billboards and signage, particularly in the city of Bendigo where he was born and raised.
Bendigo was previously viewed as a safe Labor seat. Lisa previously held the seat with a margin of 11.2 per cent.
On Saturday, Chesters said she was “honoured and humbled” to have been elected to represent Bendigo for the fifth time.
“I love our community, and just as I have done over the past 12 years, I will continue to work hard every day to deliver the things people and businesses in our region need and deserve,” she said.
Chesters garnered the most support at voting booths in Kyneton, Malmsbury and Castlemaine. Lethlean’s support was strongest from booths including Axedale, Bendigo, Big Hill, Eaglehawk, Maiden Gully and Kangaroo Flat.
The electorate runs as far north as Rochester, west to Carisbrook and south to the Macedon Ranges – Kyneton sitting at its southern edge.
Chesters said her “grassroots local campaign” was focused on “things that were most important to the community – not on negative personal politics”.
“I am so proud to work in our community, to represent Bendigo in Canberra and be a strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government – now it’s time to get back to work and deliver on the better healthcare, higher wages, greater housing options and world-class education and training,” she said.
“I’m deeply grateful to my wonderful family, campaign team, incredible volunteers and the mighty Australian Labor Party for all their support.”
