IT is what it is.
After weeks of confidence and campaigning to lead Victoria, that was The Nationals leader Peter Walsh’s resolute response in the wash-up of the state election.
He’s been convincingly thrown back into Opposition for another four years, and possibly his final term in politics.
The one-time agriculture and water minister has only served one of his six terms in government, between 2010 and 2014. He was first elected in 2002 in the Swan Hill seat before the electorate was redistributed to include Echuca at the 2014 poll.
Despite the “disappointing” election result, which swept Labor back into power for a third successive term, Mr Walsh was all smiles for the cameras on the steps of Spring Street last Wednesday, parading his Nationals team.
The strong performance meant Mr Walsh was re-elected leader unopposed.
“I want to assist and mentor our new group of MPs,” Mr Walsh told The Weekly Times.
Asked if he was frustrated by the overall result, Mr Walsh said “it is what it is”.
“You put your hand up for being the local member and do the best job for your electorate, and that’s what I will be doing,” he told The Guardian.
“I’ll be fighting for good health care in communities, getting roads fixed.
“It’s about how we help communities from the floods and make them more resilient for the future, to protect them from the worst of the floods, and issues around the availability of housing and childcare.”
Asked why he thought Labor’s domination continued for a third election in a row, Mr Walsh was stumped.
“I am surprised Victorians still voted for a government that has made such a mess of the health-care system, blown the budget so badly and been involved in so many corruption inquiries,” he said.
“I don’t know the answer (why Victorians supported Labor), that’s above my pay scale I think.”
Mr Walsh said his party’s success in regional Victoria, particularly the border, was down to the “calibre” of candidates. The Nationals have heralded the party’s best result since 1943.
As well as Shepparton, they also won back the seats of Mildura – where Jade Benham unseated one-term independent Ali Cupper – and Morwell – where the retirement of National-turned-independent Russell Northe paved the way for the seat to be reclaimed.
The Nationals were also expected to claim a second seat in the Upper House, to Gaelle Broad in Northern Victoria.
“Our candidates were outstanding and have a proven track record in their communities they represented before they ran,” he said.
“I think the voting record spoke for itself as far as support for Daniel Andrews on key things country people weren’t happy with and judged accordingly.”
Asked if the Coalition was united, Mr Walsh said the Opposition was united in making sure the new government governs for all Victorians.
He refused to disclose who he supported as Liberal leader, saying “it’s up to them”.
“The view is to sit on December 20 and there will be a party room meting that morning.”
Questioned about “soul searching” for the Liberal Party, Mr Walsh said: “Let’s worry about that when we get closer.”
