Meet Bert

Hi, I'm Bert van Manen, your Federal Member for Forde.

Bert was first elected to the Australian Parliament as the Federal Member for Forde in 2010.

He is the fifth person to hold the seat since it was established in 1984.

Raised and schooled in his electorate, Bert had a 30-year career in banking and financial services, prior to entering politics.

Bert got into politics wanting to serve the community he grew up in, and his passion for the area has seen him subsequently re-elected in 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022.

His focus continues to be on delivering the key infrastructure needs for the electorate, as well as providing support for local sporting and community organisations.

Bert was appointed to the position of Government Whip in August 2016 and Chief Government Whip in July 2019.

Bert is currently serving as the Chief Opposition Whip, following his appointment in May 2022.

He is currently on the Standing Committee on Economics.

Bert previously served on the Corporations and Financial Services Committee, Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Joint Standing Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee; the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions; Tax and Revenue; Infrastructure and Communications, and Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, and the House of Representatives Select Committee on Intergenerational Welfare Dependence.

It is Bert’s greatest honour to represent the community in which he grew up. He continues to be a strong voice for the interests of the people of Forde.