General News
2 June, 2025
Dr Webster's new portfolio in reformed Coalition
Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said she would take up the fight against the government following her new appointment in the recently reformed Coalition shadow ministry team.
Dr Webster was appointed the opposition government's spokesperson for Regional Development, Regional Communications, Local Government and the Territories.
"I will be taking up the fight to the Albanese Government not only for Mallee but all regional Australians on regional mobile and internet connectivity to overcome the tyranny of distance, enable remote work and working from home, and adopt best practice technology in agriculture and small business,' Dr Webster said.
"The Nationals fought hard at the last election, and since in negotiation with the Liberal Party, to ensure there is a universal service obligation on telcos so we have reliable coverage in regional Australia.
"I am excited to lead the charge taking this policy forward towards the next election."
Dr Webster also shared her excitement advocating for regional development and other ministerial responsibilities, emphasising her fight to ensure Mallee gets its fair share from the state and federal governments.
The Mallee MP was the Coalition's Regional Health spokesperson since 2023.
Dr Webster also welcomed the reforming of the Coalition with the Liberal Party on May 28.
"The Nationals have fought for and secured important reform for regional Australia," she said.
"I am a strong advocate for principle, and the principle in the wake of the election is that The Nationals made promises to regional Australians we expected the Coalition to keep.
"We stood firm for regional mobile coverage, a Regional Australia Future Fund, a big stick of divestiture powers to hold the supermarket duopoly accountable and keeping nuclear energy as a future option in our energy mix.
"After some debate, we have secured those major wins for regional Australians, and history will hardly notice what – in the end – was arguably not a formal break in the Coalition, or at worst, a few days in limbo during negotiations."