The lack of rain in the Wimmera and Grampians is a growing concern and it must be hard to watch so much rain falling on the east coast, illustrating the terror and beauty of our great southern land.  The natural disaster that followed NSW’s heavy rains draws media attention far quicker than the unfolding, hidden disaster of looming drought and the distress that causes for local farmers and their families.

Some farmers tell me it’s a dry year, but not yet a drought – but then, it depends who you talk to.  I urge those in distress to talk to someone about how they are managing, and there are support services available.  We are all in this together.

In the wake of the federal election, you have probably seen a lot of coverage about the post-election ructions in the Coalition, and I wanted to reassure you The Nationals’ focus is 100 per cent on regional Australia, and therefore on you.  We stood strong for regional Australia in the new Coalition agreement, I wrote to many of you about that and if you want to know more, just email anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au and I’ll fill you in.

I met this last week with Telstra executives to talk about mobile black spots and internet dropouts in the region, as part of my new role as Shadow Minister for Regional Communications.   I am honoured that Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud has given me a promotion into the shadow ministry, also appointing me Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.  It’s a big workload and I’m up for the task, having advocated for 12 Mallee shires for the last 6 years since I was elected Member for Mallee and, during 2019/22, securing investment during 20 times what Labor has invested since.

I am also grateful to have been returned as Member for Mallee with an increased primary and two-party-preferred vote. This positive result was against a national trend and all Nationals MPs held their seats in the House of Representatives.

The Nationals stand with, and fight for, regional Australians – and regional communities know it.  If you need help, please shout out.