The Nationals Leadership

The Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss has today announced his retirement in a speech to the Australian Parliament.

 Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack acknowledged the Deputy Prime Minister’s decades of service to his electorate, regional Australia and to The Nationals.

 “Warren Truss has resolutely and exceptionally served his community in public life for 40 years, including 26 years as the Member for Wide Bay,” Mr McCormack said.

 “Since 2007, Warren has led The Nationals with the courage, competence, professionalism and grace of a true country gentleman. At a turbulent time in Australian politics, Warren has provided stable and dependable leadership to The Nationals.

 “I am proud and honoured to have worked so closely with him during my time in Parliament and more recently as his Assistant Minister.

 “Warren and Lyn are truly wonderful people, and Catherine and I wish them good health and happiness for the future.”

 Mr McCormack said The Nationals will always champion regional people, their communities, aspirations and ideas to achieve outcomes in their best interests. 

 “The Nationals is a unique party and indeed the only party which exists solely to represent the people of rural and regional Australia, and their communities,” Mr McCormack said.

 “While I am sad to see Warren stepping down from the role, I know that the strong foundations and leadership he has shown will be continued by the next leader.

 “At this evening’s party room meeting, I will be supporting Barnaby Joyce for the leadership of The Nationals. Barnaby has served our party as Deputy Leader and our country as Agriculture Minister with tenacity, drive and passion – and I know he will bring those qualities to the leadership of The Nationals.

 “Tonight, I will nominate for the Deputy Leader’s position. Should my colleagues provide me with the opportunity, I would be privileged to work as part of a unified leadership team to deliver laws, policies and programmes which benefit all rural and regional Australians.

 “The Nationals are a strong voice for regional Australia and I will be a strong and passionate advocate for my Riverina constituents, our party and our country,” Mr McCormack said.

Cristy Houghton