Overview
- Nationals MPs elected the Coffs Harbour MP unopposed at an 8:30am Tuesday meeting, with Kevin Anderson chosen as deputy.
- Dugald Saunders resigned on Monday to focus on family and will continue as the member for Dubbo.
- Party sources said Saunders had lost caucus support and was likely to face a challenge if he stayed.
- The leadership change comes as the Nationals back abandoning a 2050 net-zero target while the Liberals prepare to debate the policy on Tuesday.
- Media scrutiny of Saunders’ family intensified after a Sunday documentary featuring his 19-year-old daughter, though his office said the timing was coincidental.