11/02/2026

The Party Room vote to decide the new National Party leadership team was locked in immediately after David’s announcement, and I am pleased to say that the new leadership team has this morning been decided.

In the interest of the Party, of every electorate that we currently represent and for all regional Australians, it was important that the change be swift to allow us to get on with the job.

I would like to congratulate newly elected leader Matt Canavan and deputy leader Darren Chester on their appointments.

I know that they will lead with passion and conviction and will drive our Party forward, fighting for a fair go for every regional Australian.

Both have the experience and tenacity required for the role, both are exceptional speakers and negotiators and both will represent our Party and the nation with pride.

It’s now finally time for every member of the Coalition to work as a cohesive and unified team, holding Labor effectively to account and providing Australians not only with a viable alternative to the current regime, but with some hope that our Nation can once again be brought back around into strength and prosperity.

It hasn’t been easy under Albanese, and we are ready to roll up our collective sleeves and reset the trajectory of our nation with Matt and Darren at the helm.