Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has returned to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, following new Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor’s announcement of shadow ministerial arrangements last week.
Mr Chester said he was proud to take on the role again, representing the interests of Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, and their families.
“Whether at home or abroad, respecting and recognising the work of our ADF personnel, our veterans, and their families has been the greatest honour of my time in Federal Parliament,” he said.
“I will work with the government in a
bipartisan way where possible, but I will have no hesitation in speaking out when more
action is required.”
Throughout his parliamentary career, Mr Chester has held senior roles in both government and opposition, overseeing major reforms affecting more than 600,000 Australian veterans and their families. Key initiatives under his previous stewardship included changes to benefits assessments, increased focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and support for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“Work in this portfolio is never finished because the needs of modern veterans differ from previous generations,” Mr Chester said.
He stressed the importance of continued transparency, accountability, and reform to ensure timely and accessible support for veterans across the country.
“The vast majority of our ADF personnel will train well, serve well, and transition well to civilian life, but when support is required, it must be delivered efficiently and be available nationwide,” he said.
