Decision to split with Liberal Party ‘momentous’: Chaffey

The National Party’s decision to not enter into a Coalition agreement with the Liberal Party has been described as momentous by the Member-elect for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey.

The Nationals’ leader David Littleproud announced the decision to split with the Liberals in Canberra on Tuesday.

Mr Chaffey said he strongly believes The Nationals are the only party that truly represents regional Australia.

“We proved today that we won’t back down, and we won’t apologise for standing up for what we believe in,” Mr Chaffey said on Tuesday.

“As a new member of The Nationals’ party room, I couldn’t support a position to walk away from policies that we took to the election, just weeks ago, that were supported by the Parkes electorate as shown by my resounding result, simply to stay in a Coalition with the Liberal Party, who don’t know what policies they do or will support.

“That would be unfair to our National Party members, supporters, and those who voted for The
Nationals.”

Mr Chaffey said it is unfortunate that The Nationals are in this position after such a long history with the Liberal Party.

“I firmly believe that The Nationals have made the right decision, and we must stand by these policies to truly represent the people of the Parkes electorate and regional Australia,” he said.

“I do hope that this isn’t a long-term arrangement as the country needs a united Opposition to hold the Labor government accountable, but not at the cost of the people that we represent.”