Steph Webster: Political Career and the Division of Mallee
The political trajectory of Steph Webster is marked by persistence and a commitment to representing the interests of regional Australia. Her journey to the federal parliament involved navigating the competitive internal processes of the National Party to secure a seat in one of Victoria's key electoral divisions.
The Path to Parliament
Webster's entry into federal politics was a multi-year effort. She first sought preselection—the process by which a political party selects a candidate to run in a general election—for the Division of Mallee prior to the 2013 federal election. Although she was unsuccessful in that initial attempt, losing to Andrew Broad, she remained determined.
In January 2019, following the announcement of Andrew Broad's retirement, Webster contested the National Party preselection once again. After three rounds of voting, she defeated five other candidates to officially become the party's nominee for Mallee.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The 2019 Federal Election
The 2019 federal election presented a challenging landscape for the National Party in Mallee. While Webster successfully retained the seat, the victory came amidst significant shifts in voter behavior. The two-party-preferred count—a calculation used in Australia to determine the final winner between the two major competing blocs—showed a small negative swing.
The most striking change was seen in the primary vote, which is the first-preference vote cast by electors. The National Party's primary vote dropped sharply, halving from 56 percent to 28 percent. This decline was driven by large swings toward the Liberal Party and independent candidates Jason Modica and Ray Kingston.
Internal Party Dynamics and Policy Stances
Beyond election cycles, Webster has navigated complex internal tensions within the National Party. A notable conflict arose when Peter Walsh, the leader of the Victorian Nationals, attempted to disaffiliate from the federal National Party. This move was a protest against Barnaby Joyce's successful leadership challenge and the federal party's opposition to a green net zero carbon emissions policy (a target to balance greenhouse gas emissions emitted with those removed from the atmosphere).
In response to these revelations, Webster advocated for a balanced approach to the issue. However, she explicitly expressed her opposition to Walsh's support for the net zero policy, aligning herself with the broader federal party stance.
Key Facts
- Division: Mallee
- Party: National Party
- Preselection Win: January 2019 (defeated five candidates)
- 2019 Primary Vote: Decreased from 56% to 28%
- Key Opponents (2019): Liberal Party, Jason Modica, and Ray Kingston
- Policy Position: Opposed the net zero carbon emissions policy supported by Peter Walsh
| Metric | Previous Performance | 2019 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| National Party Primary Vote | 56% | 28% |
| Two-Party-Preferred Result | Positive | Small Negative Swing (Retained) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Steph Webster first attempt to run for Mallee?
Steph Webster first stood for preselection in the Division of Mallee prior to the 2013 federal election, though she was unsuccessful at that time.
How did Webster win the National Party preselection in 2019?
She won the preselection in January 2019 after three rounds of voting, defeating five other candidates to replace the retiring MP Andrew Broad.
What happened to the National Party's primary vote in the 2019 election?
The primary vote for the National Party in Mallee halved, dropping from 56 percent to 28 percent, with voters shifting toward the Liberal Party and independent candidates.
What was the conflict involving Peter Walsh?
Peter Walsh, leader of the Victorian Nationals, attempted to disaffiliate from the federal National Party to protest Barnaby Joyce's leadership and the party's opposition to a net zero carbon emissions policy.
What was Steph Webster's position on the net zero carbon emissions policy?
While calling for a balanced approach, Webster expressed her opposition to the net zero policy supported by Peter Walsh.