Nationals announce pre-selections for three Victorian seats

Feb 2, 2024

Show of support: Sam Birrell has been pre-selected by the Nationals to recontest the seat of Nicholls.

The Nationals have made decisions on candidates for Victorian seats they already hold, including Nicholls, more than a year out from when the next federal election is due.

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The party has confirmed its member for the Goulburn Valley-based seat of Nicholls, Sam Birrell, is among three sitting members the party has pre-selected to contest the next election, due before September 27, 2025.

Anne Webster (Mallee) and Darren Chester (Gippsland) are the others.

“Anne, Sam and Darren all have proven track records of delivering results for their communities, and it’s good to have a stable and experienced team taking the fight up to the Albanese Government,” Nationals Victorian president Neil Pankhurst said.

“Our three lower house MPs and Senator Bridget McKenzie will continue to fight for better outcomes for the people we represent.”

Mr Birrell was elected to Nicholls at the 2022 election, replacing retiring Nationals member Damian Drum.

He said he had enjoyed his first term as a member of parliament but was concerned with the direction taken by what he described as a city-focused Labor Government.

“City-based parties simply don’t understand the impact of policies like water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin, and we need to return to government before more damage is done,” Mr Birrell said.