THE Nationals have placed their faith in experienced Victorian politician, Damian Drum to lead their fight to reclaim the Federal seat of Murray.
Murray was held by The Nationals for 47 years under Sir John McEwen and Bruce Lloyd before Dr Sharman Stone won the seat for the Liberal Party in 1996.
Dr Stone, who will be 65 next week, is a former Minister in the Howard Government. She announced her retirement recently.
Mr Drum, 55, was the only candidate when The Nationals’ pre-selection nominations closed.The Member for Northern Victoria in the Legislative Council will relinquish his role in State Parliament to campaign for the Federal position leading to the next election, which could be held as early as July 2.
A former Geelong footballer and Fremantle coach, Mr Drum entered State Parliament in 2002, holding portfolios both as a member of the Opposition and as a State Minister.
Mr Drum said he was looking forward to the challenge of winning the seat.
“The Nationals have a proven track record of standing up for people who live outside our capital cities and our Federal Parliamentary team are doing an outstanding job of delivering for regional Australia,” he said.
“The contest in Murray is about who the community can trust to stand up and fight for them in Canberra and deliver a better deal for the Murray electorate.”
The Nationals’ Victorian president, Peter Schwarz said Mr Drum was an outstanding candidate with strong links to Shepparton, Goulburn Valley and broader Murray community.
“As someone who was born and grew up in the Goulburn Valley, Damian is passionate about the future of the region. He has the skills and political experience to deliver results for the
community,” he said.
The Liberal Party will pre-select its candidate tomorrow from a field of five candidates, Campaspe shire councillor, Emma Bradbury, former Victorian Liberal adviser, Duncan McGauchie, Financial Services Council director, Andrew Bragg, Yarrawonga town planner, Camilius O’Kane and Shepparton lawyer, Stephen Merryless.
