THE NATIONALS CELEBRATE 90 YEARS IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT
January 21, 2010
The views of regional Australians have been raised in Federal Parliament for nine successive decades by The Nationals which turn 90 years old tomorrow.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the milestone was a significant achievement and proof that regional Australians want their own distinct voice in Parliament.
Mr Chester said the party was as relevant today as it was 90 years ago and MPs were continuing to work hard to create more opportunities and stronger communities across regional Australia.
“The Nationals is the only party that focuses all of its efforts on the interests of rural and regional Australians,” Mr Chester said.
“People living in regional communities are the backbone of our nation, producing the food, fibre and mineral wealth which has under-pinned recent economic growth.
“The role of The Nationals is to make sure that these regional communities share in the wealth of our nation and ensuring the views of rural and regional Australians are given prominence in the Federal Parliament.
“The Nationals have been written off by some commentators in the past but we continue to defy the predictions and continue to work hard to secure jobs, grow small businesses, increase opportunities for young people and build the economies of regional communities.
“We have an important task in fighting for a fair share of resources to provide quality services and opportunities in rural and regional areas.”
