Nationals WA elect new Leadership team
The Nationals WA Partyroom has elected a fresh Leadership team, following Mia Davies’ resignation as Leader.
Mr Shane Love MLA was elected Leader of the Party, Mr Peter Rundle MLA Deputy Leader, and Ms Merome Beard was elected Whip. Mr Colin de Grussa continues as Leader in the upper house.
Mr Love said he is grateful for the opportunity and thanked his parliamentary colleagues for their support.
“I’d like to thank my colleagues for their faith and I look forward to working with my newly elected Deputy Leader Peter Rundle MLA, as we put the issues impacting regional WA into the spotlight,” Mr Love said.
“Outgoing Leader, Mia Davies, showed incredible tenacity and professionalism in her time in the Party since being elected to Deputy Leader in 2013, Leader in 2017 and Opposition Leader in 2021.
“As I step into the leadership role, I know we have a significant task ahead to return balance to the Parliament, and most importantly, to provide a strong voice for all regional Western Australians.
“I have great confidence in our team to continue bringing a common-sense and pragmatic approach to policy, legislation and the Parliament.”
State President, Tony Crook, welcomed and congratulated the new leadership team, backing them to get on with the job of holding the Labor State Government to account.
“Nationals members across the state are fortunate to be represented by a parliamentary team of such high calibre and I know that Shane, Peter, Merome, and Colin will continue to deliver the strong leadership it takes to keep this Government honest.
“Never before has the need for a strong regional voice been so clear and this team, ably led by Shane Love, will continue to keep our issues front-and-centre on the public’s agenda.
Mr Love said the cost-of-living, housing shortages, a broken health system, out-of-control youth crime, and lack of police and teachers will remain front and centre for the State Opposition.
“This Premier has arrogantly boasted three years’ worth of surpluses, adding up to nearly $13 billion dollars, yet West Australians are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
“In regional WA, these issues are magnified, and we face challenges accessing the most basic services and infrastructure.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Peter Rundle said he is honoured to be elected as Deputy Leader and looked forward to working in the Leadership team, heading into 2025.
“I’d also like to acknowledge outgoing Leader Mia Davies for the fantastic job she has done and the legacy that she created,” Mr Rundle said.
“We will continue to advocate for regional WA in both the Parliament and in the public arena.”
The Nationals WA Leadership team:
- Mr Shane Love MLA, Leader of the Nationals
- Mr Peter Rundle MLA, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
- Hon Colin de Grussa MLC, Leader in the Legislative Council
- Ms Merome Beard MLA, Whip