Jamie Chaffey proud to be included in shadow ministry

Jamie Chaffey, Member-elect for Parkes, has said he is proud to be included in the Coalition’s shadow ministry announced in Canberra on Wednesday morning.

Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley, who is also now officially the Opposition Leader, announced Liberal members who were forming the shadow ministry while her Nationals counterpart David Littleproud,  who is also the Shadow Minister for Agriculture did the same for his party.

Mr Littleproud announced on Wednesday that Mr Chaffey will serve as Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Resources.

“The Parkes electorate is made up of diverse economies across 20 local government areas, and the Unincorporated Far West Area, with two of the major economic drivers being the agricultural and resources sectors. As the newly elected Member for Parkes, my duty will always be to serve the people of the Parkes electorate, and in this new role I will have a greater capacity to advocate on their behalf and hold the Labor government accountable,” Mr Chaffey said following the announcement.

“Under the leadership of The National Party, we held all of our Lower House seats at the recent election. It is my belief that our values, and focus on regional Australia, combined with our strong policies, will give strength to our Coalition partners to enable a Coalition government to come to power at the next election.”

Mr Littleproud praised the newly-elected Mr Chaffey as a self-made man, also highlighting his recent roles as mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council and chair of Country Mayors NSW when announcing the shadow ministry line-up in the nation’s capital.

“The new team that I lead will work every day to give regional Australians hope and a future,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Our priority is the third of Australians who live outside capital cities. I look forward to working with The Nationals’ inner and outer Shadow Cabinet, who I know is the best possible team to hold Labor to account and achieve outcomes that regional Australians deserve.

“It is important we have new talent within the Shadow Cabinet, to drive generational change and bring common sense to Canberra, with 100 per cent commitment to the cause.

“I am proud that my team has the lived experience, passion and drive, as well as a diversity of ideas – something that The Nationals welcome.”