Statement From The Hon Michael McCormack MP

Thank you to the people of the Riverina and Central West who have sent me to Canberra on four occasions to represent them and their interests in the Australian Parliament. I am honoured to continue in this role.

The residents of the electorate – as always – will remain my focus as I look to the future as the Member for Riverina.

I am proud of what I have achieved for regional Australians and the Riverina and Central West as the Member for Riverina for nearly 11 years and as the Deputy Prime Minister and The Nationals’ Leader for more than three years.

Good and positive outcomes for regional Australians is what I have always strived for and that will never change.

Much has been achieved – from establishing the Murray-Darling Rural Medical Schools network, including in Wagga Wagga, to boost doctor numbers in regional and rural areas to rolling out the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which has injected $2.5 billion directly into 537 local government areas, including the 12 councils I represent, since May 2020.

The establishment of the National Water Grid means we can get on with the job of building the water infrastructure Australians need – the job is not done but it has well and truly started.

I have always said politics is about people. It is not about any one individual. It is important for rural and regional people to know The Nationals will always have their back.

I am very fortunate to have the support of my wonderful family – my wife of 34 years, Catherine and our three beautiful children, Georgina, Alexander and Nicholas – they have been there for me every step of the way and I thank them immensely for their unconditional love.

I want to thank the many people who have sent their well-wishes to me and my office – your kind words mean a lot.

It has been a tough few years for Australians – from drought and floods to bushfires and, currently, a global pandemic. The Morrison-McCormack Government has navigated these significant challenges and put this wonderful nation in such a good position as we build back from these challenges.

Since I was elected, I have fought every day for the people of the Riverina and Central West. For more than 100 years The Nationals have been fighting for regional Australians and we will continue to do so into the future.

• Topics:
• Politics