Veteran Victorian Liberal MP Bill Tilley to retire at next election after 20-year political career
Victorian Liberal MP Bill Tilley will retire at the next state election, marking the end of what will be a 20-year political career.
Mr Tilley will not recontest his northeast Victorian seat of Benambra in 2026 after serving as its local member since 2006.
“We’ve been able to achieve a lot together,” he told reporters in Wodonga on Wednesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I haven’t been keeping a green piece of leather warm in the Legislative Assembly.”
Mr Tilley’s retirement could pave the way for the Nationals to run a candidate head-to-head with the Liberals in November 2026.
Bordered by the Murray River and the Alpine National Park, Benambra has been a conservative heartland since before the federation but came within 389 votes of falling to independent Jacqui Hawkins in 2022 after the distribution of preferences.
Mr Tilley, a member of former opposition leader Matthew Guy’s shadow cabinet, has been absent from state parliament while battling leukaemia but plans to return to work in May and see out the rest of his four-year term.
“This community has given me the responsibility and the trust to represent them,” he said.
“Your bond is your word and your bond is your word, and you don’t waver for a second.”
Opposition Leader John Pesutto hailed Mr Tilley as a tireless advocate for his local electorate, which includes the smaller towns of Beechworth, Corryong, Mount Beauty and Rutherglen.
“I wish Bill all the best as he plans his return to work and look forward to his ongoing contribution in the lead-up to the 2026 election,” the state Liberal leader wrote on social media.
