Party History

We have proudly been representing the voice of rural and regional Victorians in Parliament since 1917

The Nationals is the only party that truly represents the interests of rural and regional Australia. Its origins stem back to the late 1800's and early 1900's when organisations from rural and regional Australia agreed that little attention had been paid to areas other than urban centres. Representatives from these regions united to form what is now known as The Nationals.

The National Party, as a whole, has evolved considerably over the course of the last century. At its inception it was known as the Country Party and was first elected to National government in 1949 in coalition with the Liberal Party. In 1977 it changed it's name to the National Country Party and following that, the National Party in October 1982. Since re-branding in 2003, the Party is most commonly referred to as The Nationals.

More specifically in Victoria, The Nationals or Country Party, first entered Parliament in 1917 gaining 4 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Today, the Victorian Nationals hold 10 seats in the Legislative Assembly and 3 in the Legislative Council.

Our base and heart is in rural Victoria, its regional towns and its cities. Our first priority is, and always has been, to the people to live and work in these communities. Peter Ryan leads The Nationals and the Victorian Parliamentary team, ensuring country Victoria is put first in our State Parliament. Look below to learn more about your representatives and the core values of The Nationals.