THERE'S a new generation of NSW Young Nationals and its most youthful chair Angus Webber plans to push for more access to politicians.
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At just 22, Mr Webber is one of the youngest leaders the party has had in a long time and the first chair who not only lives in regional NSW, but has never been a staffer.
His love affair with politics all started in his last year of high school when the now repealed Native Vegetation Act, which governed land clearing, started to impact the family farm at Boomi.
"I thought it was unfair, so I got involved in a grassroots movement from The National Party that pushed an amendment to that law to make a difference," he said.
"I want to increase the profile of the NSW Young Nationals; because of our large geographical area it can be hard to have meetings so I want to hold more online events.
"I want to ensure young people on a property or rural town get access to politicians and the people who are decision-makers down in Sydney to get their voices heard."
Proposed changes to electoral districts have concerned the NSW Young Nationals who feel an increase in area size would see the gap between politicians and the common man widen.
Under the draft changes, the Liverpool Plains Shire Council could move into the Tamworth electorate.
The widening of electorates poses issues for engagement and involvement with the decisions made at state parliament, Mr Webber said.
"Young people have less and less access to their politicians in both state and federal governments," he said.
Issues with extremist infiltration are also a thing of the past, Mr Webber said, after links were found between the extreme alt-right and the youth wing of the party in 2018.
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"The party has implemented procedures to vet anyone who joins, so no extremists are joining," he said.
"Those individuals were removed from the party and we have zero tolerance for racism; the new generation of NSW Young Nationals is focused on a diversity of views where we ensure our voices are heard in the walls of policy down in Sydney."
The NSW Young Nationals has seen an increase in memberships with the first branch outside of Sydney opening in Lismore last year.
There are plans to establish more NSW Young Nationals branches in Armidale, Griffith and further out west.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
