Chester elected as deputy

Darren Chester, the Federal Member for Gippsland has been elected Deputy Leader of the Nationals.

Chester will serve alongside new leader Matt Canavan, and said it was an incredible honour to be elected.

“As someone who was born and raised in Gippsland and chose to raise my own children in the regions, I understand how important it is that the voices of regional communities are heard clearly in Canberra,” Mr Chester said.

“Small-town Australia needs louder voices than ever. We haven't been shown the respect we deserve in regional Australia by urban-centric policy makers.

“Australia is worth fighting for, and I'm privileged to bring my experience representing the people of Gippsland to this important role.

“The Nationals exist for one reason: to stand up for the millions of Australians who live outside our capital cities.

“I'll keep working every day to represent the people of Gippsland and the communities that make our regions such special places to live.”

Mr Chester is generally regarded by political analysts as a moderate and pragmatic voice in the Nationals party room.