By Dominique Tassell
David Littleproud has been chosen as the next leader of the Nationals, ousting former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce.
As is tradition, the Nationals had a spill on 30 May following the Coalition’s loss in the recent election.
Three people each had nominated for the leader and deputy positions, with NSW Senator Perin Davey elected deputy.
In a media conference post-spill, he said the win made the day the proudest of his professional career.
“I believe passionately in the National Party because we are all there is about regional and rural Australia. We are the conscience of rural and regional Australia right here in this parliament,” he said.
“The National Party today starts its journey towards 2025, with a vibrant team, ready to articulate the policies that are important to regional and rural Australia.
“But also to draw on the experience of two former deputy prime ministers in Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack. To build that bridge of unity and purpose, to make sure that regional and rural Australia isn’t forgotten here.”
Mr Littleproud said his party would give a voice to regional Australia, and spoke of the merits of Ms Davey and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie.
He said together they would bring the diversity and strength of the Nationals party room beyond any individual.
He said that the party had retained all its seats under Mr McCormack and Mr Joyce, and he intended for them to retain their seats under his leadership too,
When asked if it was a smart move to elect two men as leaders of the coalition given so many women voted abandoned the Coalition during the election, Mr Littleproud said there were many women in the party.
“I’m proud to say that part of my leadership is two bright, articulate, powerful women,” he said. “That’s the National Party way.”
Mr Littleproud spoke of the party moving forwards, not to the right or left as has been suggested by other politicians.
Speaking on climate change, he said “just debating carbon” is not conducive to a good outcome, and said there should be more common sense involved.
“We don’t believe that we have to demand that (we reduce emissions), we can actually incentivize and encourage (it), and I believe Farmers should be at the centre of that,” he said.
