Darren Cheeseman forced to resign from Labor, commits to stay on as independent to ‘serve the people of South Barwon’

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman’s axing from the government benches was the talk of Spring St during Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, but the man himself was nowhere to be seen.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens and South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman at an Australian Services Union-organised protest in 2023. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Darren Cheeseman’s ability to effectively advocate for the South Barwon region from the crossbench is under question as Premier Jacinta Allan defends her decision to wait 72 hours before forcing his resignation from the Labor Party.

The 47-year-old’s axing from the government benches was the talk of Spring St during Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, but the man himself was nowhere to be seen.

The door at his Torquay home went unanswered when the Addy visited mid-afternoon.

Ms Allan issued a short statement at 9.50pm Monday confirming Mr Cheeseman, a state MP since 2018 and federal MP from 2007-2013, had resigned from Labor’s parliamentary team at her request.

In an embarrassing turn of events, the statement came 72 hours after the Premier requested Mr Cheeseman stand down from his parliamentary secretary for education role, which he did.

He is alleged to have made multiple female staff feel “uncomfortable” with unwanted comments of a sexual nature, according to sources familiar with the situation.

At least two formal complaints have been made, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

Ms Allan’s change of heart, which she said stemmed from fresh allegations of “persistent, inappropriate behaviour”, pleased many of her colleagues who were initially dismayed that Mr Cheeseman wasn’t booted when the allegations were brought to her attention on Friday.

Darren Cheeseman (right) with Richard Marles and Julia Gillard during the 2007 federal election campaign. Mr Cheeseman held the Corangamite electorate from 2007-2013. Picture: Reg Ryan.

Ms Allan said the alleged actions did not warrant police action, rather Mr Cheeseman was removed “as a consequence of upholding the highest standards”.

“Following these new allegations it is now clear to me that there is no place for the Member for South Barwon in my government,” Ms Allan said.

“There’s simply no room … no tolerance for this type of behaviour within the government.”

Mr Cheeseman has kept silent other than for a Facebook post in the early hours of Tuesday morning where he said he would “continue to serve the people of South Barwon as their MP”.

“This is an incredibly distressing time for me and my family and I ask our privacy to please be respected,” he said.

Mr Cheeseman’s parliamentary biography now lists him as an independent.

His decision to stay in parliament, rather than resign altogether, has significant financial implications.

Assuming he remains until the November 2026 election, his annual backbench salary of almost $200,000 will see him earn more than $512,000 pre-tax, as well other perks and allowances.

The demotion from his parliamentary secretary role had already cost him $49,710-a-year.

Deakin University politics lecturer Geoff Robinson said Mr Cheeseman’s move to the crossbench “had to be a bad thing” for residents of South Barwon, which takes in the growth suburbs of Armstrong Creek, Mount Duneed, and Charlemont.

“They’re now lacking that voice in the government,” he said.

“On the other hand, Labor will be very keen to win the seat and put all of this drama behind it, so they’ll have to give it attention.”

One Labor insider said Mr Cheeseman would find it difficult to effectively engage the community without a “mea culpa”.

“Would the local school or community group be comfortable standing next to him for a photo currently?” they said.

“I wouldn’t have thought so.”

Darren Cheeseman during the 2018 state election campaign. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton called into question Ms Allan’s leadership during a visit to Torquay alongside Corangamite Liberal candidate Darcy Dunstan.

“If numerous allegations have been made over a long period of time, then I think Premier Allan needs to explain why action hasn’t been taken before now,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton visited Zeally Bay Sourdough in Torquay alongside Corrangamite candidate Darcy Dunstan and Senator Sarah Henderson. Picture: Alison Wynd

Victorian Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said women should feel safe in the workplace.

“I’m glad that he’s no longer sitting on our side of the bench in the Labor Party,” she said.

Questions to Ms Hutchins 24 hours earlier were answered by the Premier’s media team with audio of Ms Allan’s press conference on Sunday that defended her initial decision.

Originally published as Darren Cheeseman forced to resign from Labor, commits to stay on as independent to ‘serve the people of South Barwon’