[2] Besseling is now General Manager at Birdon Pty Ltd.[3] Prior to entering politics, he was a professional rugby union player.
[8][9] Alby Schultz, the Liberal Member for Hume, was seen campaigning a few times for Besseling, referring to him as "the pick of the candidates".
Similar support was provided by Bill Heffernan, a Liberal Senator, sparking anger and resentment within the federal coalition.
[10] In 2011 Besseling lost his seat to National Party candidate Leslie Williams, suffering a swing of 11 percent.
[2] Following his failure to win re-election, Besseling recommenced employment as a political advisor, working in the office of Rob Oakeshott.