The Nationals have pre-selected three sitting Members of Parliament, including Nicholls’ Sam Birrell, to stand in next year’s Federal election.
Anne Webster for Mallee and Darren Chester for Gippsland were also endorsed as candidates by the party’s members.
The Nationals’ Victorian president Neil Pankhurst said it was great news for regional Victoria.
“As a party, we are determined to fight for a safer, stronger and fairer regional Australia, where everyone can get ahead,” he said.
“Anne, Sam and Darren all have proven track records of delivering results for their communities and it’s good to have a stable and experienced team taking the fight up to the Albanese government.
“Regional Australia needs strong voices and we need local champions who understand the issues facing families outside our capital cities.
“Our three lower house MPs and Senator Bridget McKenzie will continue to fight for better outcomes for the people we represent.”
Mr Birrell said he had enjoyed his first term as the MP for Nicholls, but was concerned with the direction taken by the Labor government.
“City-based parties simply don’t understand the impact of policies like water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and we need to return to government before more damage is done,” he said.
The Nationals will select candidates for other federal divisions in due course.
