Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud announced in The Nationals Party Room in Canberra yesterday after careful, respectful consideration and a second Nationals MP meeting in a week, that the regional Australian party would not continue for now in the coalition opposition.
Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said “Today, The Nationals took a principled position that with our strong, regionally focussed policy positions – on a permanent fund for regional Australia’s needs, on supermarkets, on nuclear as part of our energy mix and reliable mobile coverage – that it was best for now that we stand apart from the Liberal Party.”
“As Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health in the previous parliament, I have developed comprehensive health policy that is regionally focussed, as it needs to be, because we have serious and urgent needs. The Nationals will now have the clear air to advocate without restraint for Mallee and for Regional Australians.”
“There have been three breaks in the Coalition agreement before, and every time the Coalition has come back in a better position to govern for all Australians from the regions to the capital cities.”
“In the meantime, as I have been doing in Mallee, The Nationals relishes the opportunity to take up the fight for regional Australians to the Albanese Labor Government in the Parliament” said the local member.
Mr Littleproud has left the door wide open to re-joining the coalition in future.
Image: Anne Webster MP
