Damian Drum has been officially endorsed by the National Party as their candidate for the seat of Murray at the upcoming federal election.
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Mr Drum, 55, who is from Shepparton – the Murray electorate’s biggest city – has been based in Bendigo since winning a seat in Victoria’s upper house in 2002.
He said it was an honour to have been chosen as the Nationals candidate, and praised others who chose not to contest the seat so he could be selected unopposed.
I think it shows a really strong sense of unity as a party that all the other potential candidates have endorsed myself.
- Damian Drum
“It’s a great honour that the National Party has bestowed upon me to be their candidate,” he said.
“I'm really appreciative of those that may have been keen to stand that took a view of being united and getting in behind myself.
“I think it shows a really strong sense of unity as a party that all the other potential candidates have endorsed myself.”
Bendigo-based Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said she looked forward to campaigning with Mr Drum.
“We will hit the ground running when the Prime Minister calls the election, and I am confident with his undoubted ability and profile that the Nationals have a great opportunity of winning Murray back,” she said.
“Damian has served the state of Victoria well as Sports and Veteran’s Affairs Minister in the Napthine government and currently, as the leader of the National Party in the Legislative Council.”
Senator McKenzie said Mr Drum would thrive on his home soil in Shepparton.
“I know that Damian understands it’s a big task, but I am sure he will fight hard to win Jack McEwan’s old seat back for the Nationals, and what a privilege that would be,” she said.
Mr Drum said he would continue in his role as a member of the Victorian Legislative Council until the election date was announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
“You don't officially put your nomination in until the writs are issued,” he said.