Victorian Nationals: Victorian Nationals select new Deputy Leader

The Victorian Nationals’ party room has today selected Member for Lowan Emma Kealy as our new Deputy Leader.

A special meeting was held this evening following the resignation of Member for Euroa Steph Ryan on Wednesday last week.

Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh congratulated Ms Kealy on her selection, adding the new leadership team will waste no time getting to work ahead of the November State Election.

“Emma has a strong reputation as a dedicated local advocate who will go above and beyond to secure the very best for the people of Lowan, which is an energy I know she’ll bring as Deputy Leader,” Mr Walsh said.

“As Shadow Minister, Emma has played a crucial role in leading the Liberals’ and Nationals’ response to support Victorians to recover and rebuild from the COVID pandemic.

“A former CEO of Edenhope hospital with a strong background in the health sector, Emma also brings a wealth of invaluable skills to her Shadow responsibilities as we continue to build our positive plan to fix Victoria’s health crisis.”

Ms Kealy was elected as the Member for Lowan for The Nationals in 2014.

She currently holds shadow portfolios in Mental Health, Women, and for Prevention of Family Violence.

The past two years of pandemic have taken a devastating toll on the mental health of all Victorians, with Ms Kealy stepping up as a determined advocate for the mental health sector.

Mr Walsh said fixing the health crisis was just one part of the plan that The Nationals, if elected to government, will deliver for regional Victoria.

“Regional Victorians are sick and tired of being overlooked by a city-centric Labor Government that’s not interested in looking past Melbourne’s tram tracks,” Mr Walsh said.

“As a team of MPs who live and work in the communities we represent, remember this November that only The Nationals in government are truly focussed on delivering a fair share for regional Victorians.”