The Nationals WA welcomed the formation of a new branch of the party in Murray-Wellington on Monday night.
The push for a new branch was sparked by strong local support and a significant increase in National Party membership in the electorate.
The new branch has voted in an executive committee, with 2017 Murray-Wellington candidate Paul Gillett unanimously elected as branch president.
Mr Gillett said he was honoured to be part of a dedicated team of local members who have formed the new branch.
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Addressing the crowd in Brunswick, Mr Gillett stressed the importance of a supporting a political party solely dedicated to fighting for a fair deal in regional WA.
“Without a party dedicated solely to delivering better health, infrastructure, education and community outcomes in regional WA, the people who live outside the metro area will always miss out,” Mr Gillett said.
Nationals WA South West region member Colin Holt attributed the support for the party to locals feeling Murray-Wellington was missing out on funding opportunities.
“Labor is not only ignoring regional WA but ripping the guts out of our essential projects and services, with communities already feeling the pinch,” he said.
“The role of a local member is to advocate for their region, but I’m hearing loud and clear from Murray-Wellington locals that there has been an inadequate response to money being funneled out of their towns and into big ticket Perth projects.”
Members of the new branch will have input into Nationals policy making and new opportunities to have their voices heard.
