An Independent state politician and political expert agree Mallee voters will decide whether to return the Nationals to power next year based on the party’s image, rather than its achievements.
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Following this week’s saga in which MP Andrew Broad has announced he will not contest the election next year, Monash University political scientist Dr Nick Economou said the party had every reason to be concerned about losing one of its safest seats.
“I’m not sure it’s going to be about promises or policy. It’s going to be about the National Party trying to convince its core constituency it is still a viable organisation for regional and rural aspirations,” he said.
“No doubt whoever their next candidate is, they are going to be running the usual line on ‘we want to win more things for our constituents’. There’s a more fundamental issue here about the standing and the reputation of the party overall.”
Meanwhile newly-elected Mildura MP Ali Cupper said in some cases for the Nationals, it was impossible to separate personality from policy.
“The sort of attitude we’ve seen Andrew display towards his family and Barnaby Joyce are reflected,” she said.
“They’re very reluctant to support things like affirmative action and health policies for women, for example the Gardasil vaccine. I think that character is always relevant to public office, because at all times you’re a role model.”
Dr Economou said in the wake of the Andrew Broad saga, the Nationals now had no choice but to tackle their gender problems head-on and embrace woman as candidates.
“In the old days, there was a prevailing view that conservative voters in rural Australia would be reluctant to vote for a woman and the best sort of candidate was a male ex-farmer,” he said.
“Things have changed a little bit, and what we’re finding is women are just as capable as men of holding those seats.”
Deputy Leader Bridget McKenzie’s name has been mentioned as a possible Nationals candidate in Mallee, as has that of Mildura Councillor Min Poole and Wycheproof-born Peta Credlin, Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Senator McKenzie appeared to hose down speculation surrounding her in a statement to the Mail-Times.
“As Senator for Victoria until 2021, it is a great privilege and honour to represent regional Victorians and I remain focused on fighting for a future for all Australians in regional areas,” she said.
Voters are already starting to develop a picture of their choice at next year’s poll. Citizens Electoral Council candidate Chris Lahy has already announced his intentions to contest again, while Lubeck’s Ray Kingston will run as an independent.
But Dr Economou warned Mallee voters against choosing an independent based on the belief it would bring them more federal funding.
“Independents need to be in a strategically important position to achieve anything substantial,” he said.
“If an independent gets in, what if they face a parliament where the government has a thumping majority?
“I dare say whatever rural independents get elected next year, they will be sitting to the left of the speaker and looking at a phalanx of Labor MPs. Your bargaining ability is absolutely zero in such situations.”
The Nationals have held Mallee since its creation in 1949. At the last election in 2016, Mr Broad was returned to power with a margin of 23.7 per cent.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
