Richard Riordan
Liberal candidate for Polwarth District in the Legislative Assembly (lower house) at the election on Saturday 28 November. Currently the member for Polwarth, first elected in 2015.
Polwarth in violet, within the Western Victoria Region.
Election history
- 28 Nov 2026 · state electionStanding for Polwarth District as Liberal.
- 26 Nov 2022 · state electionStood for Polwarth District as Liberal, 42.5% 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
Richard lives in Elliminyt with his wife Catherine and has four children. He grew up in Colac and became the Managing Director of his family’s business. The Riordan family have operated various farms and service businesses in the region for five generations. Richard is an active community participant.
An excerpt, word for word, from Victorian Liberal candidate profile, checked 13 Nov 2026. Follow the link for the full text.
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Their record and what they're campaigning on
Richard Riordan 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 richardriordan.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 pressed the Police Minister to reopen the Colac police station, saying it was cut to business hours and then shut to the public from February 2026. 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Housing and renting
In ParliamentShadow minister for housing from 2022 and for planning from 2025, until November 2025. Led the opposition against the government's 2025 planning bill, citing a housing crisis and poor consultation, and has blamed regulation and taxes for landlords leaving the rental market. Voted to let the Greens' rent controls bill be introduced (a procedural vote). 1 vote, 2 statements, 1 portfolio
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Treaty and First Peoples
In ParliamentVoted against the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025. 1 vote
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Transport and roads
In ParliamentWas Shadow Minister for Public Transport from December 2022 to October 2023. Has pressed for repairs to the Princes Highway and other Polwarth roads and for more V/Line carriages on the Warrnambool line. Voted against the Transport Infrastructure and Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. 1 vote, 2 statements, 1 portfolio
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
AI and technology
In ParliamentVoted to let the Greens' AI data centres moratorium bill be introduced (a procedural vote). 1 vote
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Gambling and racing
In ParliamentVoted against the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024. 1 vote
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Cost of living
In ParliamentOpposed the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy as an unfair tax on regional Victorians and voted against it. Has urged residents to object to rate valuations because of the levy. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Health
In ParliamentHas asked the government to match a coalition commitment to upgrade the Colac urgent care service, and said the nurse ratio changes need funding and staff behind them. 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.
Everyone standing in Polwarth District
- TOLLEY, Lula Victorian Socialists
- RIORDAN, Richard Liberal
- HUSSEIN, Hutch Australian Labor Party
- HOLDEN, Jesse The Greens
- CARBINS, Brenton Citizens Party
- MALCOLM, Anna One Nation Victoria
- COLLA, Vince Family First
In ballot order.