Canavan's leadership welcomed, but pro same-sex marriage Chester as deputy means Nats remain a house divided

Family First Party

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton has welcomed the election of Matt Canavan to the leadership of the Nationals.

“Senator Canavan is a man of great integrity, intellect and he has a genuine commitment to family. We congratulate him on his new role.

“Unusually for a Coalition parliamentarian, Matt is aligned with all of Family First’s policy positions – whether it is affordable and reliable energy, income splitting for families, the definition of marriage and the importance of mothers and fathers for children and, significantly, his views on the sanctity of human life.

“The same can’t be said for his deputy Darren Chester. Chester let down conservative voters and damaged the Nationals brand by supporting the redefinition of marriage and net zero.

“Same sex marriage robs children of their rights and has turbo-charged gender-fluid indoctrination of children in schools.

“Net zero robs families of affordable and reliable energy and damages the environment and farmland.

“Chester is a so-called “moderate” and his election to the deputy position is further proof of the lack of policy unity within the Nationals.

“While ever the Nationals and the Liberals are houses divided on the definition of marriage, the definition of a woman and the sanctity of human life – there will be a need for Family First in politics,” Mr Shelton said.

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