Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has expressed his sincere gratitude towards outgoing Agricultural Region MP Martin Aldridge, who has announced he will step down from Parliament at the 2025 State election.
“Martin has been a champion of regional WA, representing The Nationals WA in the Agricultural Region since 2013, and providing insightful and innovative ideas to our Party for many years before this,” Mr Love said.
“In Government, Martin was the architect of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fuel Card which is valued by almost 1,000 volunteer firefighting, SES, Marine Rescue and St John Ambulance brigades, groups and units each year.
“In 2013, Martin was a fearless advocate for WA firefighters to receive presumptive cancer protections. In 2023, Martin played a pivotal role in seeing the list of prescribed diseases expanded to include seven additional cancers.
“As Shadow Emergency Services Minister, Martin continues to work closely with our emergency services personnel, and continues to fight for greater post-traumatic stress disorder protections for our volunteers.”
Mr Love said Martin had been responsible for transforming regional health outcomes in WA’s south.
“In Government, Martin was charged with the delivery of the Southern Inland Health Initiative, which transformed health facilities and improved health care in dozens of communities, and spearheaded telehealth services well ahead of its time.
“The half-a-billion-dollar Southern Inland Health Initiative remains the single biggest investment in regional health care in WA’s history, and it’s enduring success is a testament to Martin’s dedication and hard work on behalf of regional communities.
“As Shadow Regional Health Minister, Martin has fought to hold the Cook Labor Government to account for their broken promises to redevelop the Geraldton Health Campus and rebuild the ageing Laverton and Mullewa Hospitals.”
Mr Love said Martin had also played a pivotal role in securing WA’s fair GST share.
“A decade before the major parties even understood the need for GST reform, Martin wrote WA’s first GST policy in 2010 which was taken to Canberra by newly elected Federal MP for O’Connor, Tony Crook.
“Martin Aldridge has been a tireless and steadfast champion of regional WA, a loyal and passionate member of The Nationals WA, and more importantly, a good friend.
“On behalf of The Nationals WA and the families, businesses and communities of the Agricultural Region, I pay my sincere thanks to Martin Aldridge for his role in shaping regional WA for many years, and I wish him all the best for his future.”
Martin Aldridge MLC was first elected to State Parliament in 2013. Prior to entering State Parliament, Martin was served as a senior firefighter with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and has also served in several public service roles.
