Nationals MP Darren Chester decides to “take a break” but “not going anywhere”.
I can confirm a media report this morning that I’ve decided to take a break from organised meetings, events and activities in The Nationals Federal Parliamentary party room.
I will re-assess my position when Federal Parliament resumes in October.
To be clear, I continue to support the Coalition Government but want some time away from the The Nationals Federal Parliamentary party room to reflect on a number of significant issues.
My decision follows months of frustration with the repeated failure of the leadership to even attempt to moderate some of the more disrespectful and offensive views expressed by a minority of colleagues.
As I indicated at the time of the leadership spill, I remain committed to the Victorian National Party.
I entered politics to make a difference and over the past 13 years I’ve been able to work in partnership with my staff, and the people of Gippsland, to deliver transformational projects.
I intend to continue that work and will use the rest of this current break from Parliamentary sittings to travel throughout Gippsland, and completely focus on local and federal issues of concerns for my community.
The long delays in bushfire recovery and failure to deliver infrastructure projects that have already been funded is causing significant issues across Gippsland and requires my full attention. The lack of urgency amongst local, state and federal agencies has failed my region.
In the past week, I have travelled to remote parts of East Gippsland, along with Sale, Traralgon, Orbost, Loch Sport and Bairnsdale to inspect progress on works, and meet with locals. I will keep pressuring all levels of government to lift the pace of delivery to help our region as it recovers from the combined impacts of drought, bushfires, storms, flooding and the coronavirus.
I have been preselected as The Nationals candidate for the seat of Gippsland and intend to contest, and hopefully win the next election, which will be held at some point in the next 12 months.
I love Gippsland, and I’m not going anywhere.
I’m passionate about delivering outcomes for Gippsland and regional Australia, and believe I have the energy, ideas and resilience to continue playing an active role in Australian public life.
