Nationals going hyper to bring back carefree Australia
Recreating carefree Sunday afternoons across Australia will be the defining task of Nationals’ new leader Matt Canavan.
Addressing the party faithful at the NSW branch of its central council in Sydney on Saturday, Senator Canavan doubled down on his pitch to reinforce “hyper Australia”.
And the fluid aid he used to get there.
“I love these white Monsters (energy drinks),” he admitted wryly.
“I drink a lot but I’m just a bundle of energy because I love my country.”
While Senator Canavan adopted the idea of ”hyper Australia” to describe his leadership, he admitted he didn’t really know what that meant at first.
But after thinking about it for a while, he believes he’s found the perfect explanation, intrigued by the idea of cult heroes loving children.
“Let’s say David Boon and Elle MacPherson have a baby… it’s hyper Australian,” he said.
“It’s just Australia on steroids.”
Senator Canavan’s first speech to National Party insiders since assuming the leadership two weeks ago shed light on some of the issues he had previously opposed.
There was little mention of immigration or the culture war, which are mostly the domain of right-wing rival One Nation.
But fuel, energy and the environment were always present throughout his speech; The Queensland senator said Australia would be “drilling” for oil under his administration.
“Australians are losing patience with a government focused on net zero emissions by 2050 as oil prices rise above $2.50,” Senator Canavan said.
Citing fuel shocks and rising prices for families, he said he wanted more people to return to the Australian dream of a lazy weekend.
“Most Australian families won’t be relaxing watching football tomorrow afternoon,” he said.
“They’ll worry about bills, they’ll worry about the mortgage, they’ll worry about whether they’ll be able to fill up their car.
“I will use every ounce of my energy to bring back the carefree Sunday afternoons Australians enjoy.”
While the National Party has a very small presence in the South Australian election, Senator Canavan is one of the few Canberra politicians who cares little about Saturday’s results.
But he hopes his new alliance with Liberal leader Angus Taylor will prove to voters that the coalition still has the answers for Australians.
