I welcome the new Nationals’ leadership team, with Leader, Senator Matt Canavan, and his deputy, Darren Chester, who will continue our strong representation of the regions.
I am looking forward to working with both Matt and Darren, as I have always done, to put the interests of regional Australians first and foremost, particularly in the Riverina electorate.
They will lead a Federal Nationals’ team wholly and solely focused on continuing to keep this bad Labor Government to account. We are a strong, united alternative party of Government in Coalition with the Liberal Party.
Matt has been a relentless advocate for regional Australia since he became a Senator in 2014 and I have no doubt The Nationals are in good hands with him at the helm.
He is a family man and holds true conservative values that will certainly resonate with Australians who are increasingly growing tired of this terrible Labor Government for its mishandling of energy policy, the economy and an outright neglect for the regions.
Darren has been a Member of Parliament since 2008 and I have had the privilege of working closely with him in Opposition and in Government, including in Cabinet for the Turnbull-McCormack and Morrison-McCormack Governments.
We have both held similar portfolios in the past and I know that Darren will continue to strongly represent The Nationals’ values as we sharpen our focus towards the Federal election in 2028.”
Outgoing Leader David Littleproud has been a staunch advocate for regional Australia over his nearly four years as the Leader of The Nationals.
David showed strong leadership to effect change, such as establishing an early position on the Voice, and our Cheaper, Better, Fairer energy policy.
I wish David, his wife, Amelia, and his family best wishes for the future and thank him for his service to The Nationals and efforts on behalf of regional Australians.
I also thank outgoing Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan for all his efforts over his time in the leadership team and I look forward to continuing to work with Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie, who remains in that role.
Our party’s focus, as it has always been, is on the needs of regional Australia and the rest of the nation.