Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj slams South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has launched a scathing attack on South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, accusing him of “taking the piss” by remaining in parliament.

Darren Cheeseman has come under fierce criticism. Picture: Aaron Francis.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has taken an extraordinary swipe at Darren Cheeseman, claiming the South Barwon MP is “taking the piss” by remaining in parliament.

Mr Kontelj labelled Mr Cheeseman a “complete waste of space” and said the 49-year-old would be sacked “for a lack of endeavour and contribution” if he worked in the private sector.

“There’s a term for it – ‘taking the piss’ – and that’s what he’s doing,” Mr Kontelj said.

“We have a guy there who is on a quarter of a million dollars, plus an office and staff, and he’s achieved nothing, absolutely nothing but lining his own pockets.

“We all know he’s doing the bare minimum to remain in his position, but he’s not advocating, not engaging with the decision makers in the city … what justifies his salary?

“It’s intolerable and it’s inexcusable that he’s there (in parliament), it makes me furious and I’m not the only one … he should be ashamed of himself.”

Mr Cheeseman, elected in 2018, is paid an annual salary of $205,798 and has claimed almost $67,000 in allowances in the nine months to March.

He deactivated his website and social media accounts after being forced to resign from Labor in April last year following allegations of “persistent, inappropriate behaviour” from former staff members.

The allegations have never been investigated.

Mr Cheeseman took leave following the furore and while he has since mostly attended parliament since August, his absence in the electorate has angered many.

Mr Cheeseman’s office was contacted by phone and email, but no response was received, as has become the norm.

Stretch Kontelj has slammed Darren Cheeseman. Picture: Alan Barber.

Mr Kontelj, a long-time Liberal Party member, saw red after being asked if Mr Cheeseman had advocated for any project funding in Geelong council’s 2025/26 budget.

South Barwon takes in the southwest portion of the City of Greater Geelong.

Mr Kontelj said he had no intention of running for state parliament, rather his comments stemmed from a desire to deliver the best outcomes for the community.

“I interact monthly with all other (local) members of parliament, federal and state, and we don’t always agree, but ultimately we are striving to achieve the best outcome for the people of the City of Greater Geelong,” he said.

“Yet with Darren Cheeseman, he has not been in touch, he has never written to me, he has never emailed me, nothing.

“Honestly, we should all act in unison and remove him.”

Former Labor colleagues, now crossbenchers, Darren Cheeseman and Will Fowles in state parliament in March. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis.

Local Labor MPs Gayle Tierney, Christine Couzens, Alison Marchant and Ella George were asked if Mr Cheeseman should remain in parliament, but none responded.

Liberal Polwarth MP Richard Riordan said Mr Cheeseman had turned down multiple parliamentary speaking opportunities since moving to the crossbench.

Mr Cheeseman asked Premier Jacinta Allan in question time last month whether “there are any remaining impediments to delivering (the) suburban rail loop”.

Deakin University senior politics lecturer Geoffrey Robinson said it was apparent Mr Cheeseman was not making an effort to return to the Labor parliamentary party or be re-elected as an independent.

“He’s just going to sit there until the (November 2026) election,” he said.

“It’s bad obviously for the image of the parliament, bad for the image of the Labor Party as well … he’s not doing Labor any favours.”

Originally published as Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj slams South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman