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  2. The Hon Darren Chester MP
The Hon Darren Chester MP

The Hon Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel

Minister Chester was sworn in for a second term as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel on 29 May 2019, with the portfolio being elevated to Cabinet on 6 February 2020. In his previous term, Minister Chester also served as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac. In February 2016, Minister Chester was appointed to Cabinet as the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. He served for three months on the backbench from December 2017 to February 2018. Minister Chester is the member for Gippsland, Victoria, and was first elected to Federal Parliament on June 26, 2008.

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The Hon Darren Chester MP is the Member for Gippsland, in Victoria.  Born and educated in Sale, Darren lives in Lakes Entrance with his wife Julie and their four children.

He was sworn-in as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel on 29 May 2019, with the portfolios being elevated to Cabinet on 6 February 2020.

Darren was first elected to Federal Parliament on June 26, 2008.  He has served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence under the Abbott Government and Assistant Minister for Defence under the Turnbull Government.  In February 2016, Darren was appointed to Cabinet as the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.  He served three months on the backbench from December 2017 to February 2018. He was sworn-in as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac on 5 March 2018.Following the 2019 federal election, Darren was reappointed as the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel. He was sworn-in on 29 May 2019. 

Prior to entering Federal Parliament, Darren Chester worked as a newspaper and television journalist and then became Chief of Staff to the Leader of The Nationals in Victoria, Peter Ryan.

Darren is a keen sportsman who enjoys boating, camping and running marathons. He also assists as a volunteer with his children’s junior sporting interests, including the Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club and Lakes Entrance Football Netball Club.
 

Review of Unit Recognition for Somalia Service

25 June 2021

Navy Indigenous Graduates Congratulated

24 June 2021

Defence Peace Operations Training Partnership

19 June 2021

Defence's Commitment to Closing the Gap

17 June 2021

Inaugural 'Women in Defence expo' in the NT

9 June 2021

Preparations for Royal Commission move to next phase

22 May 2021

Recruiting Services Contract 2022

19 May 2021

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View full list of Minister media release by The Hon Darren Chester MP

Commemorative address at the Military Working Dog memorial dedication at the Australian War Memorial

24 February 2020

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Informing the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission

3 May 2021

Statement from Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel

18 December 2020

IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry findings

19 November 2020

Terms of settlement reached on PFAS class actions

26 February 2020

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View full list of Minister statement by The Hon Darren Chester MP

Australian War Memorial Unit Citation for Gallantry – Fire Supports Bases Coral and Balmoral

14 May 2018

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View full list of Minister transcript by The Hon Darren Chester MP

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