NEW PRESIDENT FOR THE VICTORIAN NATIONALS
Monday 18 March 2024
Ms Joanne Armstrong will become President of the Victorian National Party after the party’s State Conference on 25 May 2024 in Bendigo.
Ms Armstrong was the only candidate at the close of nominations on Friday 15 March, and has been therefore elected uncontested.
Ms Armstrong is a respected and experienced leader within the party and in her community. She has helped guide the party as Senior Vice President for the last three years, including through the party’s successful elections in 2022, delivering The Nationals’ best state result since the 1940s.
Ms Armstrong is a Tatyoon local and a champion of her community who has worked tirelessly for eight years as councillor, mayor, and currently Deputy Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council.
Ms Armstrong says she will draw on her positive experiences from Ararat Council and within The Nationals of being team-focussed.
“It’s an honour to be elected President and I look forward to working as a strong team with the extraordinary people that make up The National Party in Victoria.” Ms Armstrong said.
“The Nationals are the only party that are truly dedicated to fighting for the needs of regional Victorians and I would encourage anyone who wants to see better outcomes for their communities to get involved”.
After eight years in the role, outgoing president Mr Neil Pankhurst says he is proud of what The Nationals have achieved during his time as president.
“It has been a great privilege to serve as President of The Victorian Nationals and I am proud of how our party has evolved to represent our modern country communities,” Mr Pankhurst said.
“People often say that you need friends in high places, but the truth is that regional Victorians have no friends in the Labor governments of Jacinta Allan and Anthony Albanese. It is Nationals members on the ground in regional Victoria who are fighting everyday for the communities we represent.”
“I am delighted that Jo has been elected as President and I am pleased to leave the party in such fantastic hands”.
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