The Nationals WA have welcomed the appointment of a new Coalition Ministry with four Nationals selected to senior Cabinet positions.
The announcement comes after Michael McCormack was last week backed to continue as Federal leader of The Nationals and, consequentially, Deputy Prime Minister.
State Deputy Leader Jacqui Boydell said Mr McCormack – who continues as Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development – received unanimous party room support to be re-elected leader.
“We have enjoyed tremendous support from our Nationals ministers, including the leadership team of Michael and his deputy Bridget McKenzie,” Ms Boydell said.
“We are very pleased they will continue to steer our Federal counterparts in Canberra and in the community.
“In the lead up to this month’s Federal election WA received a dozen visits from Nationals ministers, demonstrating our Federal colleagues’ exceptional commitment to our team and the people of Western Australia.
“Our Federal team understands the needs of regional WA and they have been willing to engage and commit considerable funding allocations to assist regional development in our State.”
The Nationals new-look party room welcomed four fresh female faces following last week’s election victory.
“We congratulate all Nationals ministers on their appointments and are particularly pleased about a record number of women sitting in the party room,” Ms Boydell said.
“I’m confident they will help the parliamentary team shape a balanced and progressive regional development agenda for our nation moving forward.”
New females joining The Nationals team include Senators Perin Davey (NSW), Susan McDonald (Qld), Sam McMahon (NT) and Member for Mallee Anne Webster (Vic).
Senator McKenzie was appointed Australia’s first female Agriculture Minister in place of David Littleproud, who continues as Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management.
Senator Matt Canavan continues as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia and Darren Chester as the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel.
Ms Boydell said she and Leader Mia Davies looked forward to having the Deputy Prime Minister and The Nationals leadership team visit WA in the near future.
“We want to continue our outstanding working relationship as we advocate and discuss priorities for regional WA,” she said.
