General News
23 May, 2025
Nationals to stand alone after split
Following the collapse of the Coalition this week, member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said she remains committed to the seat’s residents as the National Party stands alone.
Following a historic federal election loss, the Coalition between the Liberal and National party has split amid policy disagreements, a move only occurring previously three times in the parties’ history.
Dr Webster said by standing alone from the Liberal Party outside of a coalition arrangement, The Nationals will continue fighting for Mallee and regional Australians.
“Tuesday’s bold decision shows The Nationals will never take a backward step in fighting for regional Australia’s best interests. The number one focus is regional Australians,” she said.
“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.”
Dr Webster said she remains committed to advocating localised issues for Mallee residents.
“I will continue fighting for Maryborough and the district’s communities for their fair share. I note that during the campaign Labor committed to upgrade the Maryborough Pool. I support that initiative and I am writing to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King to find out when the pool works will be beginning.”
Dr Webster remains hopeful an alliance can resurface in the future between the two parties.
“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,” she said.
“In the meantime, as I have been doing in Mallee, The Nationals relishes the opportunity to take up the fight for regional Australians.”