BENDIGO CANDIDATE CAMPIAGN LAUNCH WITH NATIONALS LEADER DAVID LITTLEPROUD
29 January 2025
For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Senator Bridget McKenzie. I’m a very proud country Victorian. A long-term member of the National Party and I’ve been Senator of this great state for now 14 years.
And am I excited.
The Nat’s are in force in Bendigo because we believe in Bendigo. We know we have to change the Federal Government and get our country back on track. That is why every single one of you is here today.
So my job is to welcome you all and then introduce the real star of the show, Andrew Lethlean.
But first I just want to welcome my boss, and our Federal Leader, David Littleproud, to the great state of Victoria and this fabulous regional capital that is Bendigo; and our State Leader, Danny O’Brien, all the way from Gippsland.
State and Federal pollies please put up your hands. You’ve got lots of MPs, Deputy Leader Perin Davey is here, all the way from NSW, so thank you. Life members, we’ve got former leaders, Pat McNamara, (Peter) Walshy is here as well.
Once you’re in the Nat’s family, beware.
If this your first Nat’s function, once you’re in we never let you leave.
I know this town said very loudly and proudly, we do not want to be divided by race, we are one country under one flag, and we’ll keep our constitution as it in the last referendum.
Who thinks Andrew Lethlean would be a fabulous member for Bendigo?
If you think our country is on the wrong track, we’ve got to change the Government. That is not an easy task. That requires manpower, in the 21st century, women power as well, we’re very inclusive ….
Take a good look around. There’s a lot of people in this room who have never handed out at booths before. That’s exactly what everybody in this room is going to do come federal election, because we need to get this man into federal parliament.
Dave Littleproud has driven the Coalition to a position where we are going to deliver reliable and affordable energy by putting nuclear power, Net Zero Nuclear Power as part of our energy mix.
He led the Coalition to say No to the divisive Voice in the referendum and he’s made it very clear in his Australia Day address, he wants a fair go for all Australians, for the 9 million of us that don’t live in capital cities, and he’s got an agenda to make sure that happens going to the next election, hopefully the next Deputy Prime Minister, my boss, your friend, David Littleproud.
DAVID LITTLEPROUD
Well, thanks Bridgey and can I welcome you all the many who probably have never been to a Nat’s function, and you’re part now of the National family.
We’re not a political party, we’re a movement for regional Australia. And that’s why you see both our state and federal pollies here because there is one cause here in Bendigo, if you take on a Nat you take us all on. And we are here to every step of the way with Andrew Lethlean the next Member for Bendigo.
Can I just acknowledge, just one person but, beyond what Bridget has done, and that’s Peter Walsh, who just recently stood aside as the Leader of the National Party. He’s actually the most successful National Party Leader, in Victoria, since 1943.
And as a proud Queenslander and a believer in Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, he actually, at the last State election led you and the National Party here in Victoria to one of the biggest wins of the National Party’s history ever. So, to you Walshy, for your statesmanship, for the way that you have continued to support our movement and be here to support Andrew. You are one I aspire to, and I hope that I leave a legacy half as good as what Peter Walsh has. He is a true gentleman, a statesman and a good mate and a true Nat. Thanks Walshy.
For those of you that made only your first encounter with the Nat’s because of Andrew, let me tell you, we appreciate it. We think it’s great, we look you in the eye and tell you how it is. We’re not afraid to wear our heart on our sleave and to be the first there.
We were the first to come out on the Voice when no one else would. That wasn’t predicated on anything other than our lived experience of representing those erroneous Australians that wouldn’t benefit from more bureaucracy we just need a better one. Well, we live by a simple principle in this country, all 27 million of us are equal, no matter our race no matter our religion. And you the people of Bendigo and the rest of the country got that right.
We intend to change the lives for Indigenous Australians with proper policy. About making sure your money is spent properly, about making sure that we actually give back the royalties to communities and doing practical things.
But we also had the courage to stand up and say we’re going to have a transition of energy, nuclear energy is what we believe and believed in for a long time.
We took on the big supermarkets and we bought divestiture power, something that we’ve asked for so long. We had the conviction of our courage to stand there and make sure it’s right. And what we’ve seen from this government is a government in two and a half years, has seen your standard of living reduced by around 10%.
So what are we going to do?
We can sit here and talk platitudes. We’re going to get back to basics. We are going to fill in some potholes. That’s all the money you’ve got to spend. We haven’t got a lot more; we’re going to fill in your potholes. We’re going to make sure you’ve got an energy grid that actually is reliable and affordable. In the short term that’s a lot of gas, in the long term that’s nuclear energy, that will drive down your food bill, and we’ll take on the supermarkets.
But we’re also going to determine who comes to this country, the skills they have and where they should live. We should be bringing the people who can build some homes, not yogis and martial arts instructors, but some chippies, to the sparkies and the plumbers, using some common sense because we’re giving the greatest gift, we can give any person on this planet a ticket to Australia.
So, we should choose who comes here and we get it right, we’re going to have the courage to do that.
We’re going to ban foreigners from competing with you on a Saturday if going to an auction to buy a home. We need time to build supply. And we need government out of your life. We need to stop this madness of the construction code that has added $60,000 to the construction of a house. We’re not just going to pause it, we’re going to go line by line and start to reduce it.
We’re going to get back to some common sense.
That’s why this guy here, someone that wasn’t with the Nat’s but sought out our values, our principles and made sure that before he put his name next to us that the values and principles and the common sense that he was comfortable with, and that is our people.
It’s not about spending more money to solve the nation’s problems, it’s about empowering those that solve, and that is you, that’s small business. It’s about making sure you’re given the environment infrastructure to create the wealth in this country because governments don’t create jobs, you do. The jobs we create, you pay for. In fact, you’re about to pay for 36,000 new public servants in Canberra, costing you $24 billion.
So, let’s get back to some basics.
And I got to say, I’ve seen a lot of candidates in my time, and I gotta say some of them don’t even have pulses, but this guy, this guy’s got more than a pulse. I would say one of the most authentic that I’ve met, he’s doing this not for his own self gratulation, but because he believes in you, because he is a product of you.
He’s had the courage and conviction of his own sweat and his own wallet. To not just create this place and to create jobs for people that stand behind this bar but in other pubs around this community because he believes in you. That’s what you want. Sending someone to Canberra that believes in you and believes in the values and principles of a fair go and getting you ahead.
Because he’s had that, and he wants to see a better Bendigo. It’s time for a change, not just nationally, it’s time for change here in Bendigo. And let me tell you, you are on the cusp of making history right here in Bendigo in the next hundred days. By getting rid of a bad Labor government and putting in place a man that can fix your problems here, not just Bendigo but nationally.
And I give you the one and only, Andrew Lethlean.
ANDREW LETHLEAN
That’s not very hard to follow, is it?
As you know I’m probably not quite as polished as these guys and it doesn’t just flow out as per Bridget and David and I reckon they’ve probably done things a few more times than me.
Well, if this is not an overwhelming experience for me, especially with this small, low key, casual campaign launch, I don’t know what is. Obviously, I’m not the only one here that wants to see change and knows that the best is yet to come.
Ladies and gentlemen, my family, team members, all my wonderful supporters. Thank you for coming tonight in what is a very, very exciting time ahead. As I stand here tonight, a little humbled that this, I have got a pulse because it’s pumping. I know that.
I’m ready for the biggest challenge in my life. I’ve been a publican for over 28 years, and I’ll tell you, running a business is a walk in the park to this.
Twelve months ago next week I was at an AHA (Australian Hotels Association) function in Melbourne. And I was having a chat to a couple of young ladies named Melina Bath, and Emma Kealy, who’s up looking out for the fires, our views and discussion very much aligned. They said to me, are you interested in politics because we would love you to contest the Bendigo seat at the next federal election. I said I’ve never really considered it, but I was certainly sick and tired of the way the world was going. And I thought to myself, yep, why don’t have a crack? And I was sick and tired of how woke and divisive this society was.
Six weeks went passed.
And I just presumed, were just typical politicians, tell me what I want to hear and never hear from them again. Then a call from Peter Walsh, Bridget McKenzie, David Littleproud, all within a couple of weeks everything changed and here we are today. Melina Bath, and you can pass on to Emma Kealy, this is your fault. My philosophy though, is to never to die wondering and never blame anyone else unless you’re prepared to have a crack yourself. Hence, publican to politician, what could go wrong?
First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest thanks to my family, Sharee my wife, Zach, he’s here tonight, my eldest son and Olivia, my baby, that are here tonight. My eldest daughter Emily, she’s probably flicking lures somewhere over in WA, living the best life. They’re support all through my working life has been unwavering and although I still think I have not totally convinced Zach to get his vote, I’m working on it.
Convincing the young generations is a challenge as they don’t realise just how much better it can be.
To my mum and dad, Barry and Wendy, mum is here tonight. My three big brothers, Tony, Rick and Chris. Put your hands up, they’re out there as well and my sister in laws, Louise and Hayley and Amanda are out there too. I’ve also had my mother and father-in-law who’ve come back from Queensland tonight to join me, and Les, he’s been a Labor vote all his life, but I think it’s time for change for him as well. And I’m his favourite son in law, and only son in law.
I was a baby of four boys in our family and it wasn’t until I turned twelve, I was a big fiery redhead, and I could bet all my brothers in a fight that I got noticed. However, we had the best upbringing in our family hobby farm right here in Golden Square where I learnt the values of hard work, respect, loyalty and trust.
And by the way, as the youngest, my oldest brother, Tony, where are you? He used to pay me for the chores that he wouldn’t do, and he still hasn’t paid me the $10 he owes me for the calves that I did for a month. And over a 45-year period with interest. That is now two and a half thousand dollars you’ll pay. And I expect that donation tonight.
To my incredible team, Lyndall, Adam and all our local campaign, committee members, volunteers, your hard work and passion and commitment have given us a real game on. To Bree, on socials, unreal, we’re getting some ground there and typical of some of my cheesy posts, doing an awesome job. Thank you, Bree. We are putting redheads back where they should be.
My Coalition partner who, he’s not here tonight, Matt Evans, he’s doing a great job too and obviously we want to work as a coalition together to make sure we bump out this three years of a hopeless Labor government.
Together we started an uphill battle, and the community that thought a swing in the Bendigo electorate was near impossible. But let me tell you all, we are not here to run second.
Labor has been a safe seat for way too long. The last three years have been an atrocious last three years, but it’s been Labor here for 27 years. It is time to build a vision for a brighter future and boot this Labor mob out.
Well, I am very humbled and privileged to be joined by so many of our federal and state MPs, David, Perin, Bridget, Federal MPs, Darren, Sam, Anne. Danny O’Brien, our state leader, unfortunately Emma Kealy can’t be here, she’s doing the right thing, as you do, in fighting the fires up there. State MPs, Peter Walsh, Melina Bath, Tim McCurdy, Jade Benham, Gaelle Broad, and Martin Cameron.
We’re surrounded with so many quality people, so get around them tonight as well.
Having all your here tonight gives me some confidence that we must be doing something right. However, don’t worry, we are not resting, we want this to be the biggest swing seat in history. I understand we have only just scratched the surface with the voters, and so much work is yet to come.
The dedication amongst the Nat’s is an inspiration to me every day. And I’m proud to stand alongside each of you. And then when successful, this will be our win for our team.
To all our volunteers and everyone else. You can help out in the very near future, whether it’s letterboxing, doorknocking, on pre-polling, on polling day. I’ll reach out to every single one of you, that that will be a massive difference to me in winning this election.
It’s imperative we have numbers on the ground on every pre-polling booth in numbers and every polling booth on election day.
Today we stand at the crossroads. We know that families are struggling with rising costs and it’s time to take action. We will implement policies that ensure everyone can afford the essentials, food, housing, health, education, without sacrificing their dignity and future.
We need to bring down inflation and interest rates and lower and fairer taxes, so you can spend more of what you earn.
We need a stronger economy, not only supporting the bigger players, but backing small business and the economic powerhouse of farming, mining, manufacturing and business.
Supporting entrepreneurs like Elke and Pippa, right here selling bracelets. Make sure you get down there and grab your bracelets. $5 apiece, and proudly in the Nationals colours.
Bring back some common sense, transparency, accountability. and reduce the Government waste. We’ll bring back the great Australian dream of homeownership. Rebalance migration and grow stronger regions to provide opportunity in our region for better jobs so you can live where you work.
Health care must be a priority. Every individual deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of their background or age. We will work tirelessly, honestly, to create a system that is both affordable and accessible, ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to their health.
Community safety is paramount. Our neighbourhoods must be places where families can thrive without fear. We will invest in programs that strengthen our communities, support our first responders, and foster a sense of security for all.
And for those who don’t play by the rules, we’ll make sentencing and bail laws tougher. And if you’re not a citizen you might just be sent home.
Let us not forget the importance of the affordable energy, David did touch on it. In this day and age, we must embrace affordable, sustainable and reliable solutions to supply the needs of commercial business and technology, and whilst at the same time keeping energy costs manageable for every household. This will include renewables, but also the maintenance of gas, coal, until we transition to nuclear.
As we look forward, we may be seen as the underdogs in this race against Labor. As I said, 27 years this region has been a way to safe a seat and we have not been a priority in all of that time.
Last week, Victoria was given $25 million for the federal funding of 369 million, 7%. How much did Bendigo get? Zero. You can’t tell me that Labor and Lisa Chesters are looking out for us or really care about our region. I’m making sure we get our fair share.
I’m not a career politician and I’m not afraid of upsetting the ideological minority groups, Greens, Teals and Labor, who are sending this country down the tube. This is our region, and I will stand up for you and what is right, ensuring a much better future for the generations to come. No divisional or hate.
Feeling safe in your home from the mindless thugs out there. Making sure the girls and only the girls are swimming in the same lane. And that our kids are educated without indoctrination, teaching them real life skills, respect, discipline, loyalty and trust.
Seriously, things aren’t that complicated, and common sense needs to be front and centre instead of our minority in ideological ways that are ruining this country.
With your support we will rise to the challenge, united in our purpose and driven by our shared vision.
I will finish with a quote from a very astute man who was actually in the room tonight. He sent me these during the week.
The biggest problem with life and politics today is its tendency to promote hatred. We should disagree, dislike even, don’t hate. We should be freeing ourselves from the shackles of a small minority who insist on controlling your life.
Together we will win this seat, and together we will brand the change our community deserves.
I ask each and every one of you to spread the word. Put up a poster in your doorway, office or cafe, a sign on the fence or the gate, and no harm in brands everywhere. And put up your hands to help and join us all together as we stand in front of one flag to win this election.
Let’s get this country back on track.
ENDS
