Publican Andrew Lethlean has officially announced he will contest the Victorian seat of Bendigo East, setting up a high‑profile showdown with Premier Jacinta Allan in this year’s state election.
In a video posted to social media on Saturday, the Nationals candidate said he had “had enough of this government” and believed the people of Bendigo “deserve better”. He said many locals were struggling and that “things have to change”.
Lethlean accused the government of having its “priorities all wrong”, listing community safety, education, health and housing affordability as key issues he would focus on if elected. “Crime is out of control, cost of living through the roof, local businesses are battling when they should be thriving,” he said.
He spoke emotionally about growing up in Bendigo, recalling a vibrant, safe city full of opportunity a version of the town he says his children no longer recognise.
Lethlean enters the race with momentum after delivering a major swing against Labor in last year’s federal election the largest in the country, according to analyst Antony Green. But his candidacy has not been without controversy. During the federal campaign, one of his bars was found to be serving alcohol while its licence was suspended, an issue he blamed on an “administrative oversight” that was later resolved.
Bendigo East has been a safe Labor seat since 1999, when Jacinta Allan won it at just 25 years old. She became premier two years ago following Daniel Andrews’ resignation. Allan has previously dismissed suggestions that last year’s swing against Labor was linked to her, attributing it instead to a “cashed‑up Nationals campaign”.
Victorians head to the polls in November, and while the outcome will ultimately be decided by voters, the contest in Bendigo East is shaping up as one of the most closely watched races of the campaign. Voters should confirm all election‑related information with trusted official sources.
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