Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories - Shadow Minister for Regional Communications- Transcript - Interview Sky News Regional - 29 May 25

DR ANNE WEBSTER MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MALLEE

TRANSCRIPT

SEAL

Well, joining us live is newly appointed shadow regional development and regional local government and territories and communications minister, Doctor Anne Webster. Anne great to see you and congratulations on your roles. It sounds like a lot on your plate there.

WEBSTER

Thank you very much, Jaynie. Yeah, look, I’m really excited. Of course, when you move portfolios- health was my previous portfolio, Regional Health which I'm incredibly passionate about, but this is you know, politics is a very privileged position. Firstly, you have to be elected by your own people. I'm very honoured that the people of Mallee have re-elected me, but then it's a privilege to take on any responsibility, and to seek first and foremost, to make life better for those who live in the regions. So instead of Mallee in terms of regional development, now I have all of regional Australia and that's 9 million people that say, you know, getting my knees under the desk regarding all of the issues. will be a huge responsibility, but I take it very gratefully and I'm very grateful to David Littleproud for seeing that I have the ability to do this.

SEAL

Alright, we'll have you on plenty more times to unpack what's happening for regional Australia, but first of all, Doctor Webster, what do you think of Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack not being given roles on the front bench?

WEBSTER

Look, I think, I've been thinking about it because obviously people who have such a large history in the political party sense, it's difficult to have them move aside and give others like myself, an opportunity to show what we're worth and to deliver for the Australian people, but I think that's only fair. Can you imagine being a backbencher for the entire political career and not being given the opportunity to step up? We’re a reasonably small party, so there are only, you know, a certain number of positions to go around. I think we will all adjust to those positions. I certainly trust the maturity of Barnaby and Michael to be able to do that as well. They have served this nation wholeheartedly, when they were the Deputy Leaders of the Opposition and in Parliament itself, and they have led our party, and done an incredible job. So, I think you know this is a time - and it goes for the Liberal Party as well, those who've been put aside - it's a time to find some grace and support those who need to step up because their job is going to be difficult, and they've got so much to be able to invest in them to mentor them.

SEAL

And Labor has just approved to extend the life of the North West Shelf gas project until 2070. We are certainly reading and hearing a lot of Labor voters very unhappy with that situation. But then we look at the climate change portfolio, which has been changed to emissions reduction for the Coalition. So, do you think this is a sign the Coalition may be dumping the net zero target?

WEBSTER

Well, look, it's a very hot topic and it's certainly one that we are actively looking at, and David (Littleproud) has a plan for how we will deal with that within our own party. The Liberals will do the same, whatever that might be, whatever their process might be and we will come to a joint decision at some point in time. Net zero has - you know - you only have to listen to Matt Canavan once or Barnaby (Joyce) or those who are very outspoken about it have been for some time, to know that this is an issue for regional Australians. The fact is that the people of Mallee are the ones who are bearing the brunt of Labour's rush to renewables. It is a disaster. Social licence is not present, and I will continue to fight for the people of Mallee and stand with the farmers and the farming communities who are just being railroaded. And this is happening all over Australia. So, you know, it's all connected to net zero and what we want is a reliable and affordable energy into the future because energy is the economy.

SEAL

You are going to be one very busy woman and we've got plenty of questions. Certainly. I know from people that are wanting answers from government. So, we look forward to having you on very soon. Once again, thank you so much for joining us.

WEBSTER

Thanks, Jaynie.

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