Richard Welch
Liberal candidate for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council (upper house) at the election on Saturday 28 November. Currently a member for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, first elected in 2024.
Website: richardwelch.com.auFacebookInstagram
The North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, which elects five members.
Election history
- 28 Nov 2026 · state electionStanding for North-Eastern Metropolitan Region as Liberal.
- 26 Nov 2022 · state electionStood for Yan Yean District as Liberal, 33.9% of first preferences. Not elected. Results
- 21 May 2022 · federal electionStood for the federal seat of McEwen as Liberal, 31.9% of first preferences. Not 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
Prior to entering politics, Richard Welch was an experienced businessman and inventor who spent 14 years as the founding CEO of a sports technology business that pioneered AI motion tracking technology that has been used by leading cricket bodies around the world including Lords Cricket Ground.
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
Richard Welch 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 richardwelch.com.au. Each quote links to where it was published. “Not mentioned” means only that it isn't in those pages.
Their stated priorities
- “The areas of policy Richard is most passionate about are energy, decarbonisation and nuclear energy, tax debt strategy, local government reform and ensuring Victoria is an innovative state, producing the best technology and knowledge the world has to offer.”
Crime and bail
In ParliamentHas called for consequences for breaching bail and for anyone charged with a violent offence while on bail to stay in custody. Has raised rising crime in Whitehorse and Box Hill and sought assurances on local police station hours. 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Housing and renting
In ParliamentVoted against the Housing Statement Reform Bill 2024's rental, strata and planning changes. Has questioned the standards of the government's public housing tower redevelopments and opposed state-led planning changes in Greensborough and Blackburn. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Treaty and First Peoples
In ParliamentVoted against the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 and spoke against it, saying it would divide Victorians. 1 vote, 1 statement
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Transport and roads
In ParliamentVoted against a Greens motion to make public transport permanently free and more frequent. Has sought compensation for businesses hit by Suburban Rail Loop road closures and raised local road congestion and safety. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
AI and technology
In ParliamentShadow Minister for AI and the Digital Economy. Has argued that Victoria is falling behind New South Wales on AI policy, and that data centres are essential but belong in industrial areas. 2 statements, 1 portfolio
- Profile10 Nov 2026“The areas of policy Richard is most passionate about are energy, decarbonisation and nuclear energy, tax debt strategy, local government reform and ensuring Victoria is an innovative state, producing the best technology and knowledge the world has to offer.”Victorian Liberal candidate profile
Gambling and racing
In ParliamentVoted against the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. Has sought government documents on the 40-year extension of the public lottery licence. 1 vote, 1 statement
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Cost of living
In ParliamentVoted against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy bill. Has spoken against state debt and tax levels, and set out Coalition plans to raise the payroll tax and land tax thresholds. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Health
In ParliamentVoted against the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025. Has pressed the government on ambulance ramping at Box Hill Hospital and the undelivered Eltham community hospital. 1 vote, 2 statements
Not mentioned in the campaign material we read.
Also mentions
Climate and environment
- Profile10 Nov 2026“The areas of policy Richard is most passionate about are energy, decarbonisation and nuclear energy, tax debt strategy, local government reform and ensuring Victoria is an innovative state, producing the best technology and knowledge the world has to offer.”Victorian Liberal candidate profile
Everyone standing in North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
- DEL ROSARIO-MAKRIDIS, Gianni Legalise Cannabis Victoria
- FORREST, Thomas Legalise Cannabis Victoria
- DEVIESSEUX, Lucas Victorian Socialists
- MALTBY, Heather Victorian Socialists
- BATCHELOR, Ryan Australian Labor Party
- GAN, James Australian Labor Party
- JAVED, Rana Australian Labor Party
- MACKINNON, Donna Australian Labor Party
- SIMMONS, Maree Australian Labor Party
- CORCORAN, Jack Affordable Housing Now – Sustainable Australia Party
- TILLING, Heather Affordable Housing Now – Sustainable Australia Party
- CLOW, William Affordable Housing Now – Sustainable Australia Party
- DE WIT, Cary Labour DLP
- VAN DER ENDE, Brenton Labour DLP
- PLAUCS, Peter Labour DLP
- BERULDSEN, Ashley Labour DLP
- HWANG, Jae Ho Labour DLP
- VAN DER END, Alex Family First
- NGOH, Jeremy Family First
- ADAMS, Natalie One Nation Victoria
- GRATTON, Maxwell One Nation Victoria
- AFFORD, Kane One Nation Victoria
- WELCH, Richard Liberal
- DIAMANTE, Deirdre Liberal
- PYRROS, John Liberal
- LEIDLER, Sue Liberal
- SOLLY, David Liberal
- FORD, Matt Libertarian (formerly Liberal Democrats)
- SCHWAB, David Libertarian (formerly Liberal Democrats)
- CHOW, Wai Man Raymond Independent
- CHOW, Yeung Yee Big Lily Independent
- PUGLIELLI, Aiv The Greens
- SUN, Sophia The Greens
- GALLAGHER, Peter The Greens
- HERSI, Mohamud The Greens
- SHNOOKAL, Liezl The Greens
- GREEN, Leonie Australian Democrats
- PARRIS, Ryan Australian Democrats
In ballot order.