news, politics, auspol, Mallee, Mallee electorate, Wimmera, Australian politics, Andrew Broad, federal election

Update, 4pm: DR Anne Webster said she was thrilled she was chosen to represent the National Party in the seat of Mallee at this year’s federal election. “I’m thrilled and really excited about the future, and very pleased with the result,” she said. “The range and diversity candidates we had was exceptional. They have their own skillsets and life experiences. All of them would have done a great job, so I just feel really privileged to have been chosen.” She said healthcare and infrastructure were some of the key issues she would advocate for heading into the election. “For me initially it’s around understanding the complexity around a lot of the issues such as water and energy, and where the party is really moving towards as policies are developed ahead of the election,” she said. “I've got a lot to learn, but I have great faith in a party that has worked hard for 150 years to represent regional Australia.” If elected, Dr Webster will be the first female Member for Mallee. “It’s very exciting. Having talked to some of the farmers this afternoon they are very excited for me and the electorate, which is just wonderful,” she said. Dr Webster said she hoped to consult with outgoing Member for Mallee Andrew Broad if she was elected. “Andrew has stated that he’s more than happy to assist me if we’re successful. It will be a smooth transition and he has done a lot of good in this electorate despite the recent happenings,” she said. “I really look forward to building on what Andrew has achieved, as well as the great men before him.” Update, 3.10pm: FORMER member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said he was pleased with the outcomes of the preselection meeting. “We had a good turn out of members and all the candidates performed very well. It was a tough task for us to select the leading candidate, and we found it in Anne,” he said. “There were some really tough questions from the crowd and in the end we got a great outcome. Anne will be great representative.” If elected, Dr Webster will be the first female Member for Mallee. “There has been a big transition over the last 15 to 20 years across politics, not just in the National Party. On a state level we have fantastic female representatives in Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Deputy Leader of The Victorian Nationals Steph Ryan. “It’s been a transition that is reflective of the make-up of our community. It’s great that more women are coming forward and putting their hands up to run.” Update, 2.45pm: DR Anne Webster is the founding director of a not-for-profit Zoe Support. It has been helping to connect young Mildura mothers with education and job opportunities since 2012. Speaking to the Wimmera Mail-Times earlier this month, Dr Webster spoke about her aspirations for the seat of Mallee. “What I believe I can bring is an ability to analyse problems and practically and passionately become engaged in the resolution,” Dr Webster said. “Whether it’s road, rail, water or energy is irrelevant. It is a matter of learning what needs to be learned, engaging the stakeholders and advocating for the right steps forward.” Dr Webster has a doctorate of philosophy from ANU. She spent a week in the Wimmera in early January. “(I’ve been) meeting with National Party members, mayors, councillors and others – just trying to get more of a handle on what the needs of the region are, and what a successful candidate should be looking to achieve,” she said. She said she expected Mr Broad to be involved in the transition period. “My expectation, if I win (preselection) is that I would look to work with Andrew to ensure everything he has promised or set in motion are completed. This is not about Andrew or the next candidate – it’s about the electorate,” she said. Previously: DR Anne Webster has been announced as the National Party’s candidate for Mallee ahead of this year’s federal election. Party members voted for Dr Webster at a preselection meeting held at Birchip on Saturday. The other candidates were Toby Heil of Irymple, Bernadette Hogan of Birchip, Daniel Linklater of Gol Gol, Paul Matheson of Mildura and Shane McGrath of Horsham. It was announced in December that outgoing Member for Mallee Andrew Broad would not re-contest his role after he was embroiled in a sex scandal. Nationals state party director Matthew Harris said there were about 200 paying National Party members in the Horsham area – about the same as the number in Mildura. A date for the federal election is yet to be declared, but is likely early in this year. More to come.

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