The Prime Minister has been caught lying again in a Canberra media conference where he falsely claimed an Australian wine tourism and cellar door program has been ‘saved’ by defecting independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and...
News
BUDGET ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’ FOR FARMERS
Despite handing down the highest taxing Federal Budget in history, the Albanese Government cut the agriculture budget by more than $190 million in a ‘slap in the face for Australian farmers’, according to Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren...
FERTILISER SCHEME FAILS TO HIT THE MARK
Federal Government interference could reduce the amount of fertiliser available to Australian farmers this year, according to Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the Albanese Government’s commitment to underwrite...
GIPPSLANDERS URGED TO COMMEMORATE ANZAC DAY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has urged Gippslanders to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families on Anzac Day. Mr Chester says commemorative services across the region are an opportunity to ‘give...
CHESTER SUPPORTS LANDCARE PROJECT
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the Paynesville Landcare Coastcare Group on the successful completion of environmental works at a reserve in Eagle Point, supporting the ongoing development of the Dinni Birraark Walk. Mr Chester met with...
GIPPSLANDERS URGED TO BACK TRARALGON BYPASS PETITION
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is set to table a petition in parliament calling for the fast tracking of the Traralgon bypass and has urged Gippslanders to add their names to the campaign. Mr Chester said the petition was available for signing at his...
CHESTER WELCOMES GENEROUS GIPPSLAND LAUNCH
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the establishment of Generous Gippsland, a new community fund launched by the Gippsland Community Foundation to support community-led projects and create lasting local change. Mr Chester said the initiative,...
Call to Fast Track National Food Security Strategy
LETTER TO THE EDITOR A deteriorating global strategic environment has strengthened the need to fast track the ‘National Food Security Strategy’ and elevate the issue of food and fibre security to a matter of national importance. When it comes to food security, I agree...
INTEREST-FREE LOANS NEEDED FOR AGRICULTURE AMID FUEL CRISIS
The Albanese Government should release the details of its plan to provide interest-free loans to businesses impacted by the fuel crisis and add the agricultural sector to the program. Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie said the Labor...
HUB BOOSTS HEALTH ACCESS IN EAST GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the growth in The Centre Combined Health in Bairnsdale, describing it as an innovative approach to improving access to healthcare services in regional communities. Mr Chester recently visited the purpose-built...
EDUCATION GAP FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has highlighted growing concerns about gaps and inconsistencies in the education system for children with autism, following a meeting with a local mother worried her son may be left without a suitable schooling option. Mr...
EAST GIPPSLAND FIELD DAYS: CHESTER
The East Gippsland Field Days are much more than a social event on the local calendar. They are a celebration of the people, industries and community spirit that make our region unique. By bringing together farmers, families, businesses, community groups and visitors...
GOVERNMENT ‘LIGHT ON DETAILS’ FOR FOOD SECURITY
The Albanese Government has been challenged to provide greater assurances that fuel will be prioritised for agriculture, food manufacturing and the transport sector if the war in Iran causes further supply disruptions. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and...
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ATTRACT GP TO LAKES ENTRANCE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a community-driven campaign to attract a new general practitioner (GP) to Lakes Entrance, describing it as a positive step to strengthen local healthcare services. Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre has launched the...
TIME FOR ACTION ON EUROPEAN CARP: CHESTER
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester says it’s time to get serious about European carp, which are destroying waterways and impacting biodiversity across Australia. Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr Chester has backed the Victorian...
ALBANESE SELLS OUT AUSSIE FARMERS IN EUROPEAN DEAL
The Albanese Government has failed to secure a fair deal for Australian farms in an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement that has been slammed by agricultural organisations. Shadow Minister for Agriculture Darren Chester has challenged the Agriculture...
FRUIT AND VEGGIES YUMMY YUMMY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a new national campaign encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables, while also supporting Australia’s fresh produce industry. Mr Chester met with Jo Crawford-Wynd, Corporate Affairs and Policy...
CHESTER MEETS WITH ONE GIPPSLAND AHEAD OF FEDERAL BUDGET
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has met with representatives from One Gippsland in Canberra, highlighting the importance of regional advocacy as work begins ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget. "Engaging directly with regional leaders is incredibly important,...
94-YEAR-OLD EAST GIPPSLANDER SHARES LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE IN NEW BOOK
At 94 years of age, East Gippslander John Mulligan continues to share his knowledge and passion for the environment, with his new book Our Mismanaged Forests set to be officially launched this Sunday. Speaking in Federal Parliament, Member for Gippsland Darren Chester...
ENSAY RECREATION RESERVE REDEVELOPMENT DELIVERED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the Ensay Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and local volunteers on the successful completion of a major $2.2 million redevelopment, delivered as part of the Black Summer bushfire recovery. Mr...















