John Pesutto
Liberal candidate for Hawthorn District in the Legislative Assembly (lower house) at the election on Saturday 28 November. Currently the member for Hawthorn, first elected in 2014.
Website: johnpesutto.com.auFacebookXInstagram
- On the ballot as
- PESUTTO, John
- Ballot position
- 7
- Stood for Parliament
- 1 time, elected once
- Running against
- 6 others
- Donations to them
- None disclosed
- Donations to their party
- $2.0m
Hawthorn in violet, within the Southern Metropolitan Region.
Election history
- 28 Nov 2026 · state electionStanding for Hawthorn District as Liberal.
- 26 Nov 2022 · state electionStood for Hawthorn District as Liberal, 42.3% of first preferences. Elected. Results
Covers Victorian state elections since 2022 (with by-elections) and federal elections in Victoria in 2022 and 2025, matched on name and party or electorate. A filled marker means elected. Council elections aren't included yet.
In their own words
Raised in Gippsland by hardworking Italian migrant parents, John Pesutto grew up understanding the value of opportunity, education and getting ahead through hard work. The first in his family to attend university, he graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in Law and Commerce.
An excerpt, word for word, from Victorian Liberal candidate profile, checked 13 Nov 2026. Follow the link for the full text.
Candidate or campaign team? Send us your website or a correction.
Their record and what they're campaigning on
John Pesutto is a sitting member, so each issue starts with their record in Parliament: a summary of how they voted, what they said and the portfolios they held, with the count of sources behind it. Party members usually vote together, so a vote often reflects the party's position. See the full record with every source.
Campaign quotes are word for word from Victorian Liberal candidate profile and johnpesutto.com.au. Each quote links to where it was published. “Not mentioned” means only that it isn't in those pages.
Crime and bail
In ParliamentHas said crime has risen and bail laws were fixed too slowly, and backed an opposition bill for protest registration and face covering bans. Voted for the Bail Further Amendment Bill 2025. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Housing and renting
In ParliamentHas said the government's housing statement is not delivering more homes or infrastructure funding, and raised safety in community housing. Voted to let the Greens' rent controls bill be introduced (a procedural vote). 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Treaty and First Peoples
In ParliamentAs Opposition Leader, withdrew Coalition support for the state treaty process in January 2024, preferring a focus on practical outcomes. Voted against the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025. 1 vote, 1 statement
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Transport and roads
In ParliamentHas sought better public transport access for families and safer pedestrian crossings in Hawthorn. Voted against the Transport Infrastructure and Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
AI and technology
In ParliamentVoted to let the Greens' bill to pause new AI data centre approvals be introduced (a procedural vote). Has said data centre approvals should be transparent and weigh water, energy and land use, while not opposing data centres. 1 vote, 1 statement
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Gambling and racing
In ParliamentSaid the government had not shown evidence that the pre-commitment and carded play bill would reduce harm, or modelling of its costs to venues, while supporting action on problem gambling. Voted against the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024. 1 vote, 1 statement
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Cost of living
In ParliamentHas argued rising taxes, debt and energy policy are adding to living costs. Voted against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund bill in 2025. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Health
In ParliamentHas questioned funding for nurse-to-patient ratios and called for more coordinated women's health care. Voted for a reasoned amendment to withdraw the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025 (a procedural vote). 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Also mentions
Integrity
- Profile10 Nov 2026“In Parliament, John has served as Shadow Attorney-General and Leader of the Opposition, bringing a particular focus to responsible economic management, integrity in government and the long-term consequences of decisions made today.”Victorian Liberal candidate profile
- Profile10 Nov 2026“He continues to advocate for greater accountability in public spending, better services and planning decisions that respect local communities.”Victorian Liberal candidate profile
Everyone standing in Hawthorn District
- CROSBY, Clive Australian Labor Party
- ROCHA, Kylie The Greens
- IBUKI, Shima Independent
- PRIBILOVICS, Paul One Nation Victoria
- NICOLL, Adam Family First
- McENEARNEY, Tess Victorian Socialists
- PESUTTO, John Liberal
In ballot order.