Tue, Nov 25, 2014
The National Party's early years, and what many consider its golden years, was during the 1970s and 80s. Formed from the Country Party, the trio of Doug Anthony, Peter Nixon and Ian Sinclair reigned supreme. Known as the Mulga Mafia, these three men dominated the political landscape especially during the Fraser years.
Tue, Dec 2, 2014
The disastrous 'Joh for PM' campaign which almost destroyed the Federal Coalition and nearly brought down the party. It created fertile ground for One Nation's Pauline Hanson, who captured large sections of the National Party vote in her home state. Queensland always provides the unexpected. As well as producing Bob Katter junior, there's another former National - Clive Palmer, whose party is now calling the shots in the Senate. In the end, the once dominant Queensland Nationals led by Joh Bjelke-Petersen has vanished, merged with the Liberal Party to form the LNP.
Tue, Dec 9, 2014
The Nationals today. We meet the current leader Warren Truss and heir apparent Barnaby Joyce, and ask that time-honoured question: can the National Party survive? In the world's most urbanised society, is there still a place for a party from the bush?