Jarred Bingham: catching a different kind of snake

In the often-unpredictable ecosystem of Victorian politics, the recent pre-selection of Jarred Bingham as Liberal candidate for Melton is already creating quiet ripples across the political landscape of Victoria.

Mr Bingham, who currently serves as Moorabool Shire deputy mayor and as a CFA volunteer, previously ran as an independent candidate for Melton at the 2018, and 2022 state election and for the Federal seat of Hawke in 2022.

Politics is much like a jungle – full of twists, turns, and the occasional snake in the grass. But Bingham’s candidacy suggests a different type of reptile entirely: less the lurking political snake and more the kind that catches attention for all the right reasons.

Melton, located on Melbourne’s expanding western fridge, has long been a seat shaped by rapid population growth, diverse communities and the everyday pressures of infrastructure, education, health, crime and cost of living concerns.

“Melton is emblematic of the challenges facing outer- suburban Victoria: booming development, stretched services and a community demanding stronger representation.”

“I have already knocked on more than 1000 doors and local residents are telling me the same thing – it’s time for change.”

“I am working extremely hard every day to bring this much needed change to my community. I am fighting to protect the people of Melton from another four years of labour’s lies and broken promises,” Mr Bingham said.

Bingham’s challenge will be navigating a landscape where expectations are high and whether or not voters are ready to translate years of dissatisfaction at the ballot box.

Victorian politics has seen many come and go from both side of the isles, but Jarred Bingham told CBD News that he is here to stay.

“If I am given the honour of serving my community in parliament for the Victorian Liberal Party, I will be the first snake catcher ever elected.”

“I do hope that I will not have to fight another red tail black snake in Melbourne’s CBD on Bourke St again. I much prefer to be inside of parliament catching a different type of snake – one that cannot run and hide,” Mr Bingham said.

Caption: Jarred Bingham with an albino carpet python.