Darren Leicester Cheeseman (born 8 June 1976[citation needed]) is an Australian politician. He has been a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since November 2018, representing the seat of South Barwon. He previously held the federal seat of Corangamite from 2007to2013.[2]
Darren Cheeseman
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| Member of the Victorian Parliament for South Barwon | |
| Assumed office 24 November 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Andrew Katos |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Corangamite | |
| In office 24 November 2007 – 7 September 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Stewart McArthur |
| Succeeded by | Sarah Henderson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1976-06-08) 8 June 1976 (age 48) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Independent (since 2024; parliamentary affiliation) |
| Other political affiliations | Labor[a] |
| Alma mater | University of Ballarat |
| Occupation | Union organiser |
| Website | www.darrencheeseman.org.au |
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Cheeseman was born in Christchurch, New Zealand.[3] He grew up in Ballarat and attended Mount Clear College. He later studied for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geology at the University of Ballarat. He worked for the Association for the Blind, and during that time also served as a councillor for the City of Ballarat. He later worked for the Community and Public Sector Union.[4]
In 2006, Cheeseman contested Labor preselection for Corangamite against the Labor candidate at the 2004 election, former Geelong mayor Peter McMullin.[2] Having secured preselection, he went on to defeat long-time Liberal incumbent Stewart McArthur with a 6.6% swing. McArthur had held the seat since 1984. Cheeseman attributed his win to opposition to WorkChoices, the Liberal government's industrial relations laws.[5] Cheeseman was only the third Labor member ever to win Corangamite, and the first since 1929.[2] He narrowly held Corangamite at the 2010 election, against Liberal candidate Sarah Henderson, becoming the first Labor member to win a second term in the seat. However, he was defeated by Henderson at the 2013 federal election.
In 2018, Cheeseman was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the Labor member for South Barwon.[6] in 2022, Cheeseman was re-elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the Labor Member for South Barwon.
In 2024, Cheeseman was asked to resign from the Labor Party after allegations of misconduct.[7]
Allan said it was a matter for the wider Labor party whether to remove him as a member.
| Parliament of Australia | ||
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| Preceded by | Member for Corangamite 2007–2013 |
Succeeded by |
| Parliament of Victoria | ||
| Preceded by | Member for South Barwon 2018–present |
Incumbent |