Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey has taken on additional responsibilities in the Nationals’ newly announced shadow ministry, joining what party leader Matt Canavan has described as a “posse of patriots” tasked with rebuilding regional Australia.
The reshuffle comes as the Coalition rebuilds its frontbench following a turbulent period for the Nationals, including leadership changes and internal divisions over federal legislation earlier this year.
Mr Chaffey will continue as Shadow Assistant Minister for Resources and will also take on the role of Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, working alongside Shadow Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie.
In a statement, Mr Chaffey said he was honoured to remain part of the Coalition’s shadow ministry and welcomed the new leadership team.
“I am honoured today to once again be part of the Federal Coalition Shadow Ministry, and I congratulate The Nationals’ new leadership team on their appointments,” he said.
Mr Chaffey said he was looking forward to continuing his work in the resources portfolio alongside Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald.
“I will resume my role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Resources and look forward to continuing to work with the Hon Senator Susan McDonald to address this vital portfolio in the nation’s interest,” he said.
The additional portfolio responsibilities will see Mr Chaffey focus more directly on issues affecting local councils across Australia, an area where he has significant experience.
“In addition, I will assume the role of the Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, alongside the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie,” he said.
Mr Chaffey said the Coalition’s decision to elevate local government into the shadow cabinet sent an important signal about the value of councils in delivering services to communities.
“I am thrilled that the Coalition has elevated Local Government into the Shadow Cabinet. This is a clear message of the respect that the Liberals and Nationals have for the more than 200,000 men and women who serve throughout the 537 councils across Australia,” he said.
Before entering federal politics, Mr Chaffey served as mayor of Gunnedah Shire and held leadership roles within local government organisations, experience he said would inform his approach in the new role.
“As the former Mayor of Gunnedah Shire, board member of Local Government NSW and chair of the NSW Country Mayors Association, I have a close understanding of the many issues faced by local councils across Australia,” he said.
“It is my goal to represent this vital tier of government at the highest level.”
Senator McKenzie said Mr Chaffey’s background in local government made him well suited to the expanded responsibilities.
“With his proven track record of standing up against the ‘Canberra knows best’ mentality, Mr Chaffey will hold the Albanese Labor Government to account for cutting funding programs to councils,” Senator McKenzie said.
She said his experience would also be important as councils continue to face challenges including housing approval processes, road maintenance costs and increasing cost shifting from state and federal governments.
The new Nationals frontbench was announced by party leader Senator Matt Canavan, who described the team as a “posse of patriots” focused on rebuilding Australia’s economy and strengthening regional communities.
“We have an incredible team that will have a relentless focus on putting Australians first, protecting our way of life and restoring our standard of living,” Senator Canavan said.
Among the key appointments, former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack returns to the shadow cabinet as Shadow Minister for Water and Veterans’ Affairs, while Darren Chester remains Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Senator Bridget McKenzie will serve as Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport as well as Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, placing her at the centre of the Coalition’s regional policy agenda.
David Littleproud, who stepped down as Nationals leader last week citing fatigue, will remain in the outer shadow ministry as Shadow Minister for Emergency Management and Tourism.
Mr Chaffey said he was proud to be part of the Nationals team and remained focused on representing regional communities.
“It is a privilege to be part of the Federal Coalition Shadow Ministry. I look forward to representing all Australians in the areas of resources, regional development, and local government, whilst always remaining committed to serving the people of Parkes,” he said.
He said the Nationals remained committed to strengthening regional Australia as a foundation for national prosperity.
“The Federal Nationals team is a ‘posse of patriots’ who love our country and believe that the future prosperity of our nation is reliant on a productive regional Australia.”
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