After two decades in the role of MP, senior Victorian Liberal David Hodgett has announced he won’t be contesting the seat of Croydon at the next election.
The shadow minister for manufacturing and innovation and for employment and industrial relations informed the Opposition Leader, Brad Battin, of his decision, with a statement released on Wednesday 6 August.
“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve in the Parliament from November 2006, taking the seat back off Labor and successfully winning the seat at five State Elections,” Mr Hodgett said.
“November 2026 will mark 20 years serving the people of the District of Kilsyth / Croydon and much has been achieved and delivered locally over that time.
“It is time for a change and now is the right time for me to leave and allow someone else to seek preselection for the seat of Croydon.”
Mr Hodgett first served as a councillor at Yarra Ranges Council before switching to state politics, running for the then seat of Kilsyth and being elected in 2006.
When the redistribution occurred ahead of the 2014 election, he became the representative for Croydon, a position he has held ever since. This accumulates to 6830 days of parliamentary service at the time of writing.
During that time, Mr Hodgett has held senior cabinet positions, served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, and held numerous ministerial and shadow minister portfolios.
“I am particularly proud to have served as Minister for Ports, Minister for Major Projects, and Minister for Manufacturing in the Napthine Cabinet,” he said.
“The breadth of responsibilities enabled me to develop relationships across private industry, and I maintain many of these friendships today.”
Mr Hodgett said at one point he was responsible for $1.9 billion in major projects, including the $366 million Melbourne Park Redevelopment and the $45 million Shrine of Remembrance: Galleries of Remembrance.
“I have had a solid innings, covering many senior roles and I have been fortunate to serve under six incredibly capable and dedicated leaders.”
Mr Hodgett thanked those leaders for their “belief, confidence and trust” over the two decades.
“His legacy is one of deep commitment to public service and delivering real outcomes for the people he represents,” Mr Battin said.
“He has always brought integrity, passion, and purpose to his work, with a strong focus on community and a belief in leaving things better than he found them.”
Mr Battin confirmed Mr Hodgett would remain in his current role in the Shadow Cabinet and would be an integral part of the Liberal team ahead of the 2026 election.
“David’s departure will leave big shoes to fill. On behalf of the entire Liberal team, I thank him for his outstanding contribution to our party and to Victoria,” Mr Battin said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with him over the coming year and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Mr Hodgett said none of his service to the Croydon district would have been possible without the support of his staff, Croydon Branch Members, his constituents and Liberal Party members across the state.
“I sought preselection and was elected to make a difference to our community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of significant positive changes to our local area and to the State,” he said.
“As I said in my inaugural speech to the Parliament, I enjoy being involved in my community, contributing and giving something back to the people and the area in which I live; working hard, earning respect, looking for the best in others and giving the best of myself, and leaving the place better than I found it.
“This is what drives me. I hope I have repaid the trust, confidence, and belief in me.”
