Mr McCourt, 55, is a director of his own media and management consultancy business based in Broome and has previously worked for both Channel Seven and GWN as Director of News.

Mr McCourt has a keen interest in community organisations, as a board member of Country Arts Council WA, and president of Kimberley Performing Arts Committee and the Broome Surf Life Saving Club. Mr McCourt has local government experience as a councillor for the City of Bunbury.

He ran as The Nationals WA candidate for the seat of Kimberley in the 2008 State election.

State President Colin Holt that Mr McCourt had a strong understanding of The Nationals message and would be a strong representative for the State in Canberra if successful.

“John was an intrinsic part of our recent State campaign and worked hard in the Kimberley to build a strong supporter base and spread the Royalties for Regions message,” Mr Holt said.

“He now has an opportunity to make sure Western Australia isn’t short-changed by Canberra where our Federal decision makers are focussed on the highly populated cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

“If people think that they’ve been getting a fair go in Canberra and can clearly articulate what our current Senators are doing to put Western Australia’s interests’ front and centre in the minds of the Federal Parliament then there’s no reason for people to change their vote. If they can’t then it’s time for a change.”