The Nationals emerged from the election losing one seat and Senate position.
Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan has thrown his hat into the leadership ring against current Leader David Littleproud.
Both MPs will compete for leadership of the regional-focused Nationals Party, which forms the Coalition with the Liberal Party. Every election cycle the Nationals re-elect a new leader.
Canavan issued a statement on X where he listed Littleproud’s achievements—including opposing The Voice and backing nuclear—but said he needed to revive the party’s “fighting spirit.”
While its coalition partner lost a swathe of seats across metro electorates, the Nationals endured a smaller loss, losing the seat of Calare to former party member Andrew Gee, as well as one New South Wales Senate position.
Canavan said the Nationals only did well at the election “in comparison” to the Liberal Party.
“We failed in the task to help win government,” Canavan said.
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“The Nationals should return to a more forthright style that helped deliver recent election victories with campaigns on the carbon tax and Adani.
“Our policy plan failed to win over the voters so we need a new plan. I have outlined a different approach from the backbench for the past few years so I believe I am best placed to prosecute this change.”
Canavan, a long-time supporter of coal power, said if successful he would scrap support for net zero.
He also promised to push for new housing and economic development in the regions, as well as increase support to encourage families to have more children.
“Our nation is in decline and we risk passing on a poorer nation to our children,” he said.
“I believe that the only way to avoid this is to have a Liberal-National Coalition that not just wins elections but has the policy mandate for Australia to flourish again.
“Our plan should be based on how we can save the country, not save the party.”
Price and Canavan share similar ideological views and she could have supported his push for leadership of the Nationals. However, Price’s decision to switch also gives her more opportunity to sway the direction of the senior coalition party towards a more conservative direction.
“On Monday, I plan to stand for the leadership of the Nationals party to bring back our fighting spirit,” he said.
Nationals leader David Littleproud speaks to the media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 30, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
