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Who Is the New Nationals Leader and How Will He Confront the One Nation Surge?

“We need more Australian everything. We don’t need to look overseas for our solutions,” Matt Canavan said on his first day as leader of the Nationals.
Who Is the New Nationals Leader and How Will He Confront the One Nation Surge?
National Party Senators Bridget McKenzie (L) and Matt Canavan speak to the media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 4, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images
Monica O’Shea
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New Nationals leader Matt Canavan has taken over the leadership after months of internal discord within the regional party following the May election.

The Queensland-based senator has traditionally appealed to conservatives with his vocal opposition to policies like net zero, COVID-19 mandates, and his “Australia-first” approach.

Monica O’Shea
Monica O’Shea
Author
Monica O’Shea is a reporter based in Australia. She previously worked as a reporter for Motley Fool Australia, Daily Mail Australia, and Fairfax Regional Media. She can be reached at monica.o'[email protected]