Nationals Outlook - Summer 2024

Bendigo City Hall

The town of Echuca on the banks of the Murray River

STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Neil Pankhurst

I TRUST THAT EVERYONE HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL START TO 2024.

As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that 2023 was another busy one for our organisation, and I am certain that 2024 will be just as eventful.

After months of hard work, the Organisational and Campaigning Review is almost finished. This final report will offer a comprehensive overview of the organisation and how we can continue our election successes well into the future. I wanted to thank all the members who took the time to sit down with Paul Andrews and offer your insight and feedback on our organisation. To evaluate and understand how our organisation can continue successfully well into the future, Paul visited in-person listening sessions with numerous branches, met with all State and Federal MPs, and read through written submissions from various members. The final report from Paul will allow the Board of Management and State Council to set a strategic path forward and ensure that the organisation is viable well into the future.

It is the time again where we should have gathered and held our AGMs for each area. I would like to thank and congratulate all those who have put their hands up for executive roles within a district council or a branch. It will also be great to see the motions that our grassroots members have sent in for debate at our next State Conference. The strength of The Nationals is the bottom-up approach whereby the members have a large say in how the Party functions, which includes setting the overall policy platform at State Conference and Federal Conference. The Agenda Committee will spend the next few weeks collating the motions which will then be taken to State Conference for all members to debate.

Our annual State Conference will be held on the 24th and 25th of May at the All Seasons in Bendigo. This event presents a wonderful opportunity for members from across the State to come together for a weekend of engaging events. This year, the John McEwen Discussion Group will reconvene to discuss nuclear power generation within Australia. In addition to this, Bridget McKenzie and Gaelle Broad are organising a ‘Big Ideas Forum’ for all members and other interests members of the public, which will focus on artificial intelligence and how it could be applied to regional Australia.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our MPs, especially in light of the recent floods that have devastated parts of our regional communities. Our local MPs have worked tirelessly to provide support and act as a liaison with the Government for financial assistance. I am also proud to note that our Nationals MPs, Gaelle Broad and Melina Bath, are members of the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria, working to provide clear recommendations for better preparation in the future.

Aerial view of Lakes Entrance

LEADER’S REPORT

Peter Walsh MP

PARLIAMENT HAS RESUMED FOR 2024. HOWEVER, THE WORK DIDN’T STOP OVER SUMMER AS FLOODS AGAIN THREATENED MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

Our strong state parliamentary team was on the ground supporting families and businesses and ensuring they got the help they needed. We are part of these communities too.

We will continue to stand up and support regional Victorians. It’s what we do.

We’ve secured several wins in Parliament as the Allan Labor Government reels from one crisis to another, with an unbalanced focus on city issues.

The recent reprieve for duck harvesters in Victoria was a win for common sense, but it was also a reward for hard work.

Our Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, participated in a parliamentary inquiry that was stacked by Labor, Greens and Animal Justice Party MPs into the future of duck harvesting in Victoria.

The Inquiry put ideology ahead of science. The hard work of Melina Bath, Emma Kealy and the team was critical to common sense breaking through the noise of minor parties.

While the Inquiry ultimately recommended a ban, our strong advocacy contributed to the Government rejecting the recommendation. This is a win for the party, our members and the thousands who enjoy the pursuit of hunting.

Gaelle Broad, our Member for Northern Victoria, joined Ms Bath in an inquiry into both the Commonwealth Games bid and cancellation.

While the cancellation itself was an exceptional and costly display of incompetence, it has also been a significant missed opportunity for investment, jobs and infrastructure across regional Victoria.

Through the Inquiry, we’ve been able to expose the true cost of cancelling the games – a whopping sum

of more than $600 million. However, we will know that some businesses and communities will be counting losses for years to come.

Further, Ernst & Young consultants were only given six weeks to produce the business case, and were prohibited from visiting proposed event locations and speaking to key stakeholders. I am firmly of the belief the entire event was designed merely as a con to win regional votes during the 2022 State Election.

Premier Allan’s hapless track record on major projects, now extending to the bungled Commonwealth Games proves beyond a doubt she can’t manage money, can’t manage projects, and can’t deliver for regional Victoria.

The Nationals were also at the forefront in championing the Paul Denyer legislation, which reflects our unwavering commitment to community safety and justice. Denyer will remain behind bars, never to be released.

Our community expects that the most heinous criminals are not afforded opportunities to reoffend, thereby protecting the public and upholding the values of our justice system.

There has been media attention on our decision to no longer support the Victorian Treaty process. It was a decision that came after months of discussions with landholders, producers, developers, heritage specialists and the First Peoples’ Assembly.

The complexities and developmental delays of the Cultural Heritage Act and the Traditional Owner Settlement Act have left Victoria hamstrung, not being able to build homes that Victorians desperately need, particularly when there at 53,000 families stuck on Labor’s housing wait list.

The absence of standardised fees for Indigenous cultural heritage assessors, the lack of mandatory audits, and the absence of an appeal mechanism are very concerning issues. After raising these issues multiple times, both in Parliament and with the First Peoples’ Assembly, the lack of effort to address these legitimate concerns left us with no choice.

We remain absolutely committed to closing the gap. We believe there are alternative approaches which avoid division and deliver real outcomes for all.

It’s been six months since Jacinta Allan became Premier, and there’s been nothing but chaos and poor outcomes for Victorians – particularly those living beyond city limits.

Labor’s gross financial mismanagement has led to escalating state government debt and record taxes, with 53 new or increased taxes putting undue pressure on Victorian families as they continue to grapple with a deepening cost of living crisis.

And while regional Victorians are paying more tax than any other state, the Allan Labor Government is only spending 15 per cent of project funding in regional Victoria.

I’m constantly hearing from people who feel they have been left behind by this Government, whether it be on health, cost of living, housing, or inadequate response to natural disasters.

The late December 2023 floods I touched on earlier again exposed how ill-prepared and under-funded our flood response is. Despite the best efforts of our courageous emergency services workers and volunteers, levees and culverts left to deteriorate over years, and only worsened during the October 2022 floods shows that Labor continues to risk regional lives, homes, businesses and communities.

Just when you thought our regional road network couldn’t get any worse, the floods have added to the ongoing network of potholes. Labor has cut road maintenance funding by 45 per cent since 2020, and on top of that are ripping $3 billion out of the Transport Accident Commission. It’s sad, but unsurprising, that 2023 saw a 20 per cent year on year increase to the road toll.

We remain the only Party committed to advocating for the interests of regional Victoria. We stand firm in our convictions.

Our recent actions and stances in Parliament reflect this commitment, and we will continue to champion the causes that matter most to our communities.

Floodwaters in Rochester

ORGANISATIONAL AND CAMPAIGNING REVIEW

Paul Andrews

IN JULY 2023, YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN AN ARTICLE APPEAR IN OUTLOOK ANNOUNCING AN ORGANISATIONAL AND CAMPAIGNING REVIEW.

The review was commissioned to ensure the Party had the right structures and enablers in place for future success. I was lucky enough to be asked by the Board to undertake the review on their behalf.

Both of my parents grew up on farms in Gipplsand and at a young age I lived in the Gipplsand town of Trafalgar. I feel lucky to have been able to contribute to an organisation that is dedicated to creating better outcomes for regional Victorians.

I also commend the Party’s leaders in undertaking this review. The Party has had tremendous election success in the last two years. The easy option would have been to revel in the success and not critically examine how improvements could be made. The best time to change and evolve is when you are successful and strong as an organisation.

Throughout the review I have been able to meet face-to-face with over 50 members, had in person meetings with all State and Federal MPs, and sat in on Board meetings. The Board and I have also had two workshops. The most recent was in December where draft recommendations were debated and a strategy to guide the Party workshopped.

The Final Report is currently with the Board for approval and I look forward to it being presented to State Council in March. Below are a couple of personal observations from the last six months:

1. The Nationals’ have the most clear and compelling narrative of any political Party in Australian (“for regional Victoria”) – the challenge is for the Party to convert this into new members. When was the last time you asked someone to join the Party??

2. Campaigning has changed a lot in the last 20 years, and the regulation around campaigning even more so. The Party needs to make sure everyone has the right skills in place (including members and volunteer campaign leaders) to operate in this changed and changing environment.

3. Solutions to the Party’s challenges are more likely to come from outside the Party. Everyone at The Nats needs to poke their heads out from the organisation more regularly to see what other political parties are doing and what they can learn.

I wish the Party, its members and its leaders, all the best for the future. I look forward to seeing the continued impact the Party has on the lives of regional and rural Victorians.

Paul Andrews, L.E.K. Consulting

On part-time secondment to The Nationals Victoria from July 2023 to February 2024

Paul Andrews at Emma Kealy’s office in Horsham

REGIONAL ROADSHOW

Senator Bridget McKenzie

I RECENTLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH TRANSPORT, FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS’ OPERATORS FROM ACROSS CENTRAL AND WESTERN VICTORIA TO DISCUSS ISSUES FACING THE INDUSTRY.

While the deplorable state of country roads remains a key concern, other issues such as rising cost of insurance, lack of maintenance at truck stops and closing of truck wash stops across the country makes operating a successful business harder and harder.

As we know transport operators are the lifeblood of this country carrying essential household items and fresh produce to our supermarket shelves. We need to appreciate the 165,000-truck drivers in Australia and understand the importance of all aspects of the supply chain.

Operators told us how critical telematics is to operations and effective communication but with unreliable internet access this makes collecting and transmitting data extremely difficult and often frustrating.

This is why the former Coalition Government invested heavily in upgrading telecommunication capacity in the regions and why we must work to correct the Albanese Government’s blatant politicisation of programs like the Mobile Phone Black Spot Program.

While the transport industry faces many challenges, I am heartened by the passion and commitment of those hardworking Australians who operate small businesses, employing thousands of people and driving our economy.

This was clearly evident when I had the opportunity to speak at the National Road Freighters Association Annual Conference in Shepparton early this month where the topic of conversation centred around the Closing the Loopholes Bill.

Meeting with Wannon Nat’s Members at the Roxbury Bendigo Heavy Vehicle Transport Forum

HITS THE MURRAY BUYBACK FIGHTBACK TOUR

THE RECENT BUYBACK FIGHTBACK TOUR, ORGANISED BY THE NATIONALS TEAM AFTER LABOR ANNOUNCED WATER BUYBACKS ARE BACK ON THE TABLE, HAS BEEN MAKING WAVES ACROSS NORTHERN VICTORIA.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, and Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, used the tour as a platform to address the impacts of Labor’s buyback plan on farming communities, and were greeted by The Nationals’ Team of Peter Walsh, Kim O’Keeffe, Sam Birrell, and Jade Benham along the way.

The 600km tour visited key towns including Wodonga, Yarrawonga, Shepparton, Kyabram, Swan Hill, Mildura, and Robinvale, engaging with food producers and stakeholders to discuss the tangible impacts felt across Victorian communities. The focus has been on the potential devastation faced by farming communities in Northern Victoria and the broader implications for the state’s agricultural industries.

Our Nationals’ team have been vocal in their criticism of what they perceive as the Federal Labor Government’s detrimental deals with the Greens and crossbenchers, which they believe have led to the passing of legislation with potentially destructive impacts. The plan’s singular focus on securing additional water for the environment, to the detriment of vital dairy, horticulture, and viticulture industries, has raised substantial concerns.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, highlighted the risks faced by agricultural production, emphasising that millions of dollars in agricultural production are at stake. Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, has underscored the challenges posed by diminishing water resources, arguing that farmers cannot be expected to maintain or increase production under these circumstances.

The Nationals have been resolute in their stance, shedding light on what they perceive as Labor’s disregard for the impact of the legislation on farming communities and its potential contribution to a worsening cost-of-living crisis. Their concern lies in the belief that Federal Labor’s actions show little interest in supporting the viability of Victorian farming industries.

Emma Kealy MP, Kim O’Keeffe MP, Sam Birrell MP and Tim McCurdy MP with locals on the Buyback Fightback Tour

Tim McCurdy, Peter Walsh and Emma Kealy on tour

MALLEE’S FARMING COMMUNITIES BATTLE

Anne Webster MP RECKLESS RENEWABLES PROJECTS

LABOR’S

RECKLESS RENEWABLES PUSH IS CONTINUING TO BE CHALLENGED BY FARMING COMMUNITIES WHO DO NOT WANT TO SEE TRANSMISSION PROJECTS SUCH AS VNI WEST AND THE WESTERN RENEWABLES LINK COMPROMISE PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster has stood by farmers and their communities in numerous protests against the VNI West, which runs entirely through Mallee, and will continue to do so as they fight to have their voices heard.

“Tractors lining the streets of St Arnaud in April last year protesting the VNI West might have been an eye opener for the Labor party, who have paid scant heed to farmers concerns,” Anne said.

“But VNI West’s proponent, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), failed to show up to the meeting that followed the protest. Farmers tell me this is AEMO’s hallmark – poor consultation and dismissive treatment.”

“I was proud to stand alongside regional Victorians on Spring Street in front of the Victorian Parliament in support of their Stop Labor’s Towers protest.”

Farmers rallied in Canberra the first week back in Federal Parliament, featuring communities from up and down the eastern seaboard. Anne told the rally the protest is “about protecting our farmers and their livelihoods from having transmission lines railroaded through their property.”

“AEMO and its shell Transmission Company Victoria, spurred on by Labor’s green ideology and disregard for regional people, have failed to secure social licence from

communities up and down Mallee.”

Anne said there needed to be a better way – as identified by Victorian Energy Policy Centre Director Bruce Mountain, power industry veteran Simon Bartlett and landowners representative Darren Edwards in their Plan B: No Longer Lost In Transmission report.

“Plan B focuses mostly on upgrades to existing power lines, which would significantly reduce the need for new infrastructure,” Anne said.

“That proposal would cost little more than half of the combined cost of the VNI West and Western Renewables Link project and deliver much more hosting capacity to meet Victoria’s renewable energy targets.”

Anne said a mature conversation into Australia’s energy future was needed – including looking at options such as nuclear energy.

“While the Albanese Labor Government continues to demonise nuclear energy, more than 20 countries from four continents, including the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom, launched a declaration at COP28 in Dubai last year to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.”

“The uranium price is surging, but here in Australia we lag behind because Labor are obsessed with their renewablesonly energy agenda.”

Anne Webster at the Stop Labor’s Towers protest

WOMEN’S EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Emma Williamson - Chair

On behalf of the Women’s Executive – Meree Bath, South East; Melody English, North West; Abbie Wilson, South West and myself Emma Williamson, North East, welcome to 2024. I cannot believe it is already February.

We are currently in the planning stage of an event to be held later this year which will be hosted by The Women’s Executive. This will include a presentation from a guest speaker and other activities throughout the day. Please keep an eye on the E-Outlook Newsletter for further information.

A survey will be forwarded in the next few weeks to assist Women’s Executive to plan events for 2024.

We are looking forward to a catch up with everyone at the State Conference to be held in May 2024.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Noel Rankin, who was a dedicated member of the Nationals and a previous Chair of the Women’s Executive for many years and continued as a representative until a few years ago. Noel will be missed by all who knew her and on behalf of the Women’s Executive, we send our condolences to her family.

If any members would like to purchase a copy of the Federal Women’s cook book for $50.00 please email me thewilliamsonsix@gmail.com and I can arrange copies to be sent out.

VALE NOEL RANKIN

It is with sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Life Member, Noel Rankin of Bendigo.

Noel was a dedicated member of The Nationals and originally worked in the office of the late Ron Best, Nationals MP for the North Western Province and retained a lifelong friendship with Ron.

My first association with Noel was as a representative of the Victorian Women’s Executive of which Noel was Chair. Other representatives were Pam Coates and Jill McGillivray who were also supportive of Noel’s work.

We shared many trips to Canberra together, representing Victorian women on Womens Federal Council and our various Womens Executive events over time in Victoria.

Over the years and because of our common affiliation with The Nationals, we became firm friends, sometimes with visitations and many phone conversations.

Noel was a generous host, an active supportive and loyal member of the Bendigo branch during her many years of service.

She was a woman who adored her family, love to dance, was well travelled, had a wonderful sense of life and a lady of good humour.

She was a loving wife, family matriarch and we offer condolences to her family.

Rest in peace.

Meree Bath Womens Executive and Life Member

KIM’S YEAR IN REVIEW

Kim O’Keeffe MP

During my first year in Parliament as The Nationals Member for Shepparton, I embraced my role with the same passion, commitment, and determination I have always had in serving the community.

My electorate is such a strong, connected region, and it is that connection that sees us all working together to strive for the needs of our region.

We are the food bowl of Australia, a leading supplier in agriculture, dairy and home to globally successful companies, so I was deeply concerned about the decision made by the federal Labor government regarding water buybacks. This plan threatens to remove 450 gigalitres from our local irrigators.

In November 2023, I joined over 100 local farmers and industry representatives in a convoy of trucks, utes, and tractors driving through the heart of Shepparton in protest to the federal government’s plan.

Water buybacks will severely affect our farmers and industries, leading to job losses and severe economic consequences. In response, the National Party launched the ‘Buyback Fightback’ tour. Along with Tim McCurdy, Shadow Minister for Water and Emma Kealy, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, we engaged directly with the local community.

A part of this tour was visiting local dairy farmer Natalie Akers and her son Lloyd, who gave us insights into the specific impacts these buybacks would have on farmers. It was essential that the voices of our local communities were not just heard but were also central to our advocacy efforts.

I have always believed that our farmers are the backbone of this nation. To take away their water is like taking away their lifeline – and by extension ours as well.

Another key meeting was with Hussein Rifai, the Board Chair of SPC, one of our largest food producers. The potential impacts of water buybacks on SPC – and, by extension, on jobs and our local economy – could not be overstated.

During our discussion with Mr Rifai, he shared his deep concern about the repercussions of these buybacks, which would reach far beyond our farms and impact the core of our regional industries.

Now, in my second year of Parliament, I will have a major focus on cost of living, housing, road maintenance, infrastructure, health and education.

I will continue to advocate tirelessly, ensuring the voice of our region is heard.

Kim O’Keeffe on the Buyback Fightback Tour

THE GREAT GIPPSLAND PUB CHALLENGE

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND, DARREN CHESTER, HAS COME UP WITH A UNIQUE WAY TO BOOST THE VISITOR ECONOMY AND MEET MORE CONSTITUENTS ACROSS THE REGION.

Over the past two years, he has embarked on the ‘Great Gippsland Pub Challenge’ and attempted to have a meal at every hotel in his electorate.

“There’s been a couple of new pubs open up, and some have closed, but in total we have 50 pubs in Gippsland and I’ve made it to 47, at the last count,” said Darren.

The Great Gippsland Pub Challenge is a great way to promote the region’s visitor economy while supporting jobs in the hospitality sector. Every time we shop, eat or drink locally we are all supporting jobs in our regional towns.

Locals have embraced the idea and so far, about 200 t-shirts have been given away to people who have travelled across Gippsland for meals at different locations.

Join in the fun and enjoy a meal at 11 different venues to receive a free ‘100% Authentic Gippslander’ t-shirt. This is a great opportunity to explore the region and support local Gippsland businesses.

Darren Chester at the Woodside Beach Hotel

GET INVOLVED

THE NATIONALS ARE TRULY BLESSED WITH THE MOST SUPPORTIVE MEMBERSHIP BASE IN VICTORIA AND WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR SUPPORTERS.

The strength of The Nationals lies in our dedicated membership base, which tirelessly advocate for our organisation across Victoria.

In recent years, the way people engage with politics has changed and we can also evolve to find new methods of attracting new members. We are now seeing more and more members wanting to become part of a social and vibrant community organisation, where we still contribute to the policy platform, but also enjoy catching up for light hearted social gathering.

This might be as simple as making your AGM more of a social occasion or organising an event with a guest speaker that attracts like-minded people.

Have you asked a relative or a friend if they have ever thought about joining The Nationals?

You never know if someone might be interested, unless you ask. If we all ask one person to join, our numbers would significantly increase and help support our campaign to improve regional Victoria.

LABOR’S FAMILY CAR TAX

THE CARS AUSTRALIAN’S LOVE TO DRIVE - SUVS, UTES AND 4WDS – ARE SET TO COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE UNDER THE ALBANESE LABOR GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED NEW VEHICLE EFFICIENCY STANDARD.

Labor’s proposed policy will place penalties on new petrol and diesel vehicles over a certain emissions limit all to subsidise EVs and make them relatively more affordable.

Australian drivers should have the freedom to drive the car they feel is best suited to their lifestyle.

Under Labor’s plan car dealers will be forced to import only certain types of cars, and to up the price on Australian’s favourite cars such as the Toyota Hilux and Mazda CX-5, making them unattainable for the average Aussie to buy.

If the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard goes ahead on its current planned trajectory, some manufacturers are likely to withdraw from the Australian market.

Labor’s Energy Minister, Chris Bowen has been saying this policy will result in lower running costs for new cars – but not if you can’t afford to buy one.

In New Zealand, a similar tax drove up the cost of a car by about $7,000 NZD.

Labor’s policy will hit families who rely on SUVs to get their kids to school and tradies who rely on utes to do their job.

The policy proposal shows just how out of touch the Albanese Government during a cost of living crisis.

107TH STATE CONFERENCE BENDIGO

24 - 25 MAY 2024

JOIN US FOR THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE IN BENDIGO

Friday morning sees the introduction of our first Big Ideas Forum. The inagural forum will focus on Articfical Intelligence and how it will help regional Victoria prosper. Join policy experts, members and local business leaders to learn how AI will change regional Victoria.

Our Annual Gala Dinner will be held on Friday evening. Celebrate the fellowship of The Nationals and enjoy an address from the Federal Leader of The Nationals, followed by a Q&A panel with members of the federal parliamentary team

Start your Saturday morning by attending the John McEwen Discussion Group Breakfast and hear from David Gillespie MP about the future of nuclear power in Australia.

REGISTRATIONS

State Conference will then commence at 8.30am on Saturday morning. The day will feature motion debate, addresses from the State President, Neil Pankhurst, and State Leader of The Victorian Nationals, The Hon. Peter Walsh MP, and the election of office bearers.

The weekend’s events will conclude with a ‘wind down’ casual dinner hosted by the Young Nationals. This event is a casual affair with the opportunity to socialise among fellow Party members.

Registrations can be completed at vicn.at/Conference24 or by scanning the QR code below.

Collection of registration material will be available at the All Seasons Resort on Saturday morning from 7.30am before the commencment of conference.

State Conference registration must be submitted online by 5.00pm Friday 3 May. There will be no registration available on the day.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 24 MAY

Fernery Room

10am-12:30pm

Big Ideas Forum: The future of Artificial Intelligence in our regions

The Conservatory & Atrium Rooms

Gala Dinner

6:30 for 7pm

The Gala Dinner is a great opportunity for our members to come together and catch up with others over a wonderful meal before conference.

SATURDAY 25 MAY

Fernery Room

7.15am - 8.00am

Lansell & Bassford Rooms

John McEwen Discussion Group Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast hosted by the John McEwen Discussion Group focusing on Nuclear Energy

7.30am Conference registration opens

8:30am Conference commences

8:50am State President’s address

10:10am Morning tea

10:45am State Leader’s address

12:30pm Lunch

2:15pm Afternoon tea

3:00pm Executive elections

5:00pm

Venue TBA, Bendigo

6.30pm

Dress: Business attire

Dress: Cocktail

Attended by: Leader of the Federal National Party, State and Federal Members of Parliament, Ministers, and Party members from across Victoria.

Dress: Business attire

Guest speaker David Gillespie MP

Dress: Business attire

Conference concludes

Please note, program is intermittent with motion debate and subject to change.

Dress: Smart casual

Post conference casual dinner

For those interested in staying in Bendigo following the conference please join us for a post conference ‘wind down’ dinner and drinks hosted by the Young Nationals.

DO YOU WANT TO BE THE FIRST TO GET INSIGHTS INTO WHAT’S GOING ON IN STATE AND FEDERAL POLITICS?

Do you want unique opportunity to be the first to hear about our initiatives and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into our Parliamentary activities?

Today we’ve have started an exclusive WhatsApp channel just for our supporters.

This channel will:

• Give you exclusive insight into the big decisions as they’re being made

• Provide you with behind the scenes content

• Deliver instant updates on what we’re doing to deliver on your priorities, straight to your phone

This is a WhatsApp channel, not a groupchat, so by signing up you’ll only get updates from The Nationals’ Team, not idle chatter.

Be part of something unique and scan the QR code to join in, and make sure you forward the group to your friends, family and other Whatsapp Groups.

YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES

PETER WALSH MEMBER FOR MURRAY PLAINS

State Leader of The Nationals

Shadow Minister for Local Government

Shadow Minister for Regional Development

Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

DANNY O’BRIEN MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND SOUTH

Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety

Shadow Minister for Gaming, Casinos & Liquor Regulation

TIM McCURDY MEMBER FOR OVENS VALLEY

Shadow Minister for Water

Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs

ANNABELLE CLEELAND MEMBER FOR EUROA

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health

MARTIN CAMERON MEMBER FOR MORWELL

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, Renewables and the SEC

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business

MELINA BATH MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

Leader of The Nationals in the Legislative Council

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Volunteers and Public Land

EMMA KEALY

MEMBER FOR LOWAN

Deputy Leader of The Nationals

Shadow Minister for Mental Health

Shadow Minister for Agriculture

TIM BULL MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST

Shadow Minister for Disability

Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs

Shadow Minister for Racing

JADE BENHAM MEMBER FOR MILDURA Nationals Whip

KIM O’KEEFFE MEMBER FOR SHEPPARTON

GAELLE BROAD MEMBER FOR NORTHERN VICTORIA REGION

YOUR FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES

BRIDGET McKENZIE SENATOR FOR VICTORIA Leader of The Nationals in the Senate

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development

DARREN CHESTER MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND

Shadow Minister for Regional Education

Shadow Minister for Regional Development

Shadow Minister for Local Government and Territories

ANNE WEBSTER MEMBER FOR MALLEE

Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health

SAM BIRRELL

MEMBER FOR NICHOLLS

Deputy Nationals Whip