Queensland senator Matt Canavan has been elected leader of Australia's National Party, defeating Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie in a party room vote on Wednesday. He replaces David Littleproud, who announced his shock resignation on Tuesday.
In his first press conference as leader, Canavan declared that Australians are at risk of 'losing our country' under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor. 'We need to have more Australian farming, more Australian manufacturing, more Australian jobs,' he said. 'We need more Australian babies, more Australian humour, more Australian barbecues, sometimes fuelled by fossil fuels. We need more Australian everything.'
Victorian MP Darren Chester was elected deputy leader, replacing Kevin Hogan. Bridget McKenzie will remain Senate leader. Canavan said he did not expect a major shift in relations with the Liberal Party, despite recent tensions within the Coalition.
Liberal leader Angus Taylor congratulated Canavan and Chester, stating they understand regional and rural Australia. Canavan did not rule out a future move to the lower house but said his priority is leading the party.
The new leadership faces the challenge of rebuilding the Coalition's poll position and fending off One Nation. The first test is the 9 May Farrer byelection. Canavan criticised One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, questioning her delivery of infrastructure projects.
Canavan, elected to the Senate in 2013, is known for his hardline right-wing views, including opposition to net-zero targets and vaccine mandates. He has also opposed US and Israeli actions in Iran. Asked about accessing a solar rebate scheme despite calling subsidies a 'green energy scam', he defended using all of Australia's resources for the benefit of its people.
