The National Party has outlined a new strategy aimed at enhancing services and infrastructure in the Central West region of New South Wales following their recent electoral defeat. During a visit to Orange on Friday, party leader David Littleproud emphasized initiatives to improve healthcare, increase childcare accessibility, and secure upgrades to the Great Western Highway.
This visit marks one of Littleproud’s first engagements in the Calare electorate since the Nationals lost to independent candidate Andrew Gee in the May 2025 election. Gee, who previously served as a Nationals member, won the seat with nearly 57 percent of the two-party preferred vote, despite receiving less than 24 percent of first preference votes, which Littleproud noted as the “second lowest primary vote in history” for Australian politics.
While acknowledging the election results, Littleproud remained resolute, stating, “That’s the rules of elections.” He attributed Gee’s victory to the combined support of the teal independents, the Labor Party, and the Greens, underscoring the need for the Nationals to adapt to the current political landscape.
Littleproud expressed pride in the campaign led by Sam Farraway, the Nationals’ candidate, and reiterated the party’s commitment to regaining representation in Calare. He highlighted several key issues, including enhancing connectivity, improving access to childcare for working families, and ensuring that doctors who train in regional areas remain in those communities.
“The commitment to upgrading the Great Western Highway is still there from us,” Littleproud assured. He emphasized the importance of being present in Calare, stating, “We’ve got to keep coming back and showing respect to the people of Calare.” He believes that by regaining the seat, the Nationals could influence government decisions in Canberra and bring a more pragmatic approach to policy-making.
Littleproud also addressed ongoing speculation regarding former party deputy leader Barnaby Joyce, who has been in the news for a potential shift to One Nation. He dismissed the speculation as “colour and movement,” reaffirming that the party’s strength lies in its collective rather than individual members. “Our party’s not about individuals, it’s about the collective,” he stated, indicating Joyce remains welcome in the party but emphasizing the need to focus on regional policies.
As the Nationals regroup, Littleproud’s focus remains on crafting practical solutions for the Central West, aiming to reconnect with voters and address pressing regional issues. “We’ve got to listen, to learn, to understand what we can do better,” he said, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement for the party in the region.
