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.