‘Unconventional': Would-be leader's motto
In the wake of a crushing defeat for the Liberal-Nationals Coalition, Nationals senator Matt Canavan has called for a fresh approach in the party's leadership.
Senator Canavan is challenging incumbent Nationals leader David Littleproud when the party room meets in Canberra. on Monday.
'We obviously didn't do a good enough job to convince people to change,' he said.
'Liberal-Nationals Coalition has suffered the worst defeat since World War II, and so I think it is a time where we perhaps look to unconventional responses to get ourselves back in the game.
'(The Labor Party) has got a big task to do. We are, as a country, losing our income, losing our industries, losing our laid-back culture … I do hope Albanese can find the leadership that he lacked in the last few years to change the direction of our country.' Senator Matt Canavan says the Nationals 'deserve a choice' of leaders. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia David Littleproud is expected to retain his job as Nationals leader. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
Senator Canavan refused to comment on whether he or Nationals leader David Littleproud was being backed by the party's former leader Barnaby Joyce.
'I think David's done an excellent job over the last term in changing the policy agenda for the Coalition,' Senator Canavan said.
'They're putting nuclear energy on the table for the first time, divestiture policy in our competition law has been a longstanding goal of the Nationals party, and he was a part of the team that took the Voice down as well.
'We didn't win though and ultimately his job, like any major leadership role, is a performance-based job.'
Senator Canavan is the only challenger against Mr Littleproud for the top job as 'discontentment' runs rife within the party.
'I'm glad I put my hand up because I think our party deserves a choice. I think the people deserve a choice,' Senator Canavan said.
Another MP said Mr Littleproud would likely stay on as leader, but there was 'a lot to discuss post-election'.
'All of our party members and all of our party elected members should be demanding leadership that works, and no one should take it for granted, and they should always be questioned,' one senior Nationals source told The Australian.
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