Damian Drum (Murray, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This has been a great week for the National Party and the coalition. Tasmanian Senator Steve Martin, who was mayor of Devonport for seven years and a former small-business owner, has elected to join the National Party and will immediately become The Nationals senator for Tasmania. The fit for Senator Martin into The Nationals is a natural one, as the party that promotes small business and best provides rural and regional representation. The fit for The Nationals in Tasmania is equally apt. The bulk of Tasmania is closely linked to agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture, sectors whose interests The Nationals represent fiercely. The dynamic around regional towns and cities is one The Nationals know only too well, as they know the impact on farmers of spending in their communities, and of Labor's policies that will see power prices rise higher and higher; the importance of quality education, and of regional city deals like the one planned for Launceston through a combination of the University of Tasmania, local, state and federal governments all contributing for a better educational outcome. This is what Steve Martin will be working to deliver as the first Nationals senator for Tasmania. The former newsagency owner, restauranteur and seven-year mayor of Devonport has served his community with distinction so far and will continue to do so as a National Party senator. (Time expired)