The Nationals Party has chosen its successor for outgoing Gippsland party stalwart Peter Hall, preselecting political staffer Danny O’Brien as the upper house member for Eastern Region.
Voted in at a meeting of party delegates on Saturday morning, Mr O’Brien beat out three other candidates to take the Legislative Council seat, and represent the party at the November State Election.
Welcoming the appointment, Nationals state director Jenny Hammett said Mr O’Brien had extensive connections throughout the Eastern Victorian region.
Mr O’Brien is no stranger to the political and public spotlight, currently serving as chief of staff for Federal Agricultural Minister Barnaby Joyce.
Mr O’Brien has served as chief of staff to Nationals’ Leader Peter Ryan, senior adviser to former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, and as chief executive of the National Irrigators’ Council.
Born and raised in Traralgon, Mr O’Brien was schooled at St Gabriel’s Primary School and Catholic Regional College, before working as a journalist at the Gippsland Times in Sale, Southern Cross and WIN.
He said it was an honour and a privilege to represent The Nationals and the people of the Eastern Region in the Parliament of Victoria.
“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Gippsland to put locals first. I will be providing strong representation in the Legislative Council for all communities in the Eastern Region,” Mr O’Brien said.
