About

About David

David Hodgett was elected as the State Member for Kilsyth in November 2006. He was elevated to the position of Shadow Cabinet Secretary in 2009 and became Cabinet Secretary following the election of the Baillieu Government in 2010. In 2013 he was appointed the Minister for Ports, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Manufacturing.

As Minister for Manufacturing, David was attuned to the needs of manufacturers in Victoria. His electorate of Kilsyth contained a substantial manufacturing base, and he had an excellent knowledge of the industry and manufacturing based businesses around the state.

David entered the political arena after working in the Commonwealth public sector for 23 years. During that period, David was involved in local government as a Councillor at the Shire of Yarra Ranges from 1997-2005, and was elected as Mayor on three separate occasions.

Through his time in local government, David developed a deep understanding of the needs of his local community. He has been involved with various local community groups, including as Chair of the Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres, and continues to serve on the boards of several local organisations. David is also a registered Justice of the Peace.

David has strong beliefs that every person is entitled to feel safe in their streets and homes, and has the right to an efficient and reliable public transport system. Since his election to parliament in 2006, David has continued to push these views and has fought for the needs of his constituents, while also advocating that all Victorians should have access to more affordable housing.

David, his wife Tina, and their children have lived in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for over 30 years. In that time, through his knowledge and experience with a wide range of matters, he has become a well-respected and valued member of the community. David took pride in being the State representative for his electorate of Kilsyth, as well as serving as Minister for Ports, Major Projects and Manufacturing in the State Government of Victoria.

David was re-elected as the Member for Croydon (the redistributed seat of Kilsyth) at the 2014 State Election, and continued to represent his electorate with the same passion, dedication and commitment as he had for the previous eight years. He was voted in by his colleagues as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in December 2014 and was also Shadow Minister for Public Transport and Ports.

In September 2017, David became the Shadow Minister for Roads & Infrastructure; & the Shadow Minister for Ports & Freight. He again successfully held his seat at the November 2018 election and was the Shadow Minister for Sport, Tourism & Major Events until December 2020, when he became the Shadow Minister for Education, Early Childhood, Higher Education, Training and Skills.

My Portfolio

Past Major Projects

My Agenda

Testimonials

Hi David,

You attended the EDFL finals at Bayswater last Saturday, on your way into the ground you stopped and spoke to our son who played in the under 18’s grand final for Lilydale, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to have a chat with him, he was very impressed as were we his parents, it was a surprise because most other local politicians do not take the time to acknowledge people within the community other than at some official function where there are points to be won.

Once again thank you and all the best for the future.

Regards,
Wayne Mooroolbark

It is pleasing to see David showing concern for issues within the area as well as having a presence at the numerous events within the area to listen to resident’s issues.

Mr Macrae, Kilsyth

Hi David,

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the 'do not knock' sticker we received in the mail today.

Best thing ever!!!

Thanks for making our area a better place to live 🙂

Sally

Thank you for the Birthday Card for my mother-in-law who turns 96 in Sept.

It is much appreciated and sits proudly on the mantelpiece.

Regards,
Vin

Dear Mr Hodgett,

last week my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I am just writing to thank you for organising the many letters of congratulations from many politicians and officials representing their area. They were thrilled and delighted to receive so many, and had a wonderful day.

Thanks again,
Lyn

I also appreciate David and your own efforts to keep the outer eastern areas a great place to live. I am sure that you are bombarded with requests for help daily; that you do take each one seriously is a credit to all of you at David's office. All of you have been extremely helpful and approachable and I know my parents have been grateful for David's help over the years. He must hate getting up on cold mornings to stand at the railways stations to say good morning as we all commute in.......I have never known a member to be so diligent, visible and genuine in his efforts.

In the past I have been a green/independent voter but David has been something of a catalyst for questioning just why I voted the way I did. By being who he is, and by having a great team around him to support his genuine work I have been impressed enough to change.

Please accept my gratitude for all your help, now and to my family in the past.

With kind regards,
Ms Thomas.

About David

My Portfolio

10+

$1.9BN

12YRS

Past Major Projects

My Agenda

Testimonials

Out and about with Hodgey