Page MP Kevin Hogan has officially regained his position as Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism, following the announcement of the re-united Coalition front bench.

As the new Deputy Leader of the Nationals, it was widely expected Mr Hogan would retain the high-profile portfolio — a role in which he has been widely respected by colleagues and industry stakeholders. The position is also viewed as critical to the Nationals’ regional and primary industry base.

In a statement, Mr Hogan said:

“I look forward to continuing as Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism.
Trade and tourism are key drivers of Australia’s economy — trade alone accounts for one in four jobs and pays for the way of life we enjoy.
This is particularly important for rural and regional communities. Last year, Australia exported $650 billion worth of goods and services — two-thirds of that came from the regions.
I’ll keep working to support our tourism industry, grow export opportunities, and ensure Australia remains competitive on the world stage. That means holding the government to account, backing our industries, and pushing for smart, future-focused policies.”

No Regrets Over Post-Election Break-Up

While Canberra political commentators have criticised the Nationals’ stance during negotiations over key policy areas — including nuclear energy, supermarket divestiture powers, regional telecommunications, and the proposed Regional Australia Future Fund — Mr Hogan said the response from the bush has been the opposite.

Speaking to the ABC, Mr Hogan shared a telling anecdote from the Casino Beef Week Ball:

“I had someone say to me, ‘Thank God you stood up this week — I live just four kilometres from the centre of Casino and can’t get phone reception.’ That’s not a problem in the cities, but it’s a big one out here.
Some say the Regional Australia Future Fund is a pork-barrel exercise — well, I remind our city cousins that the regions fund this country.
Last year we sold $650 billion worth of goods overseas, and two-thirds of that came from regional Australia — mining, agriculture, and the people who work in those industries. Through royalties, company tax, and income tax, we’re footing the bill.”

Mr Hogan said the Nationals were simply asking for a fair return on that contribution:

“We’re seeking just a portion of the dividends from a $20 billion sovereign wealth fund — to help deliver childcare services where there are none, and to bring doctors into towns where there’s one GP for every 7,000 people. In the cities, it might be one GP per 700. That’s what this fund is about — delivering better services for the regions.
Our people want us to do that, and they want better communications too.”

Mr Hogan’s reappointment strengthens the Nationals’ presence on the front bench and signals a renewed push to champion regional priorities when Parliament resumes for the new term in July. 

Main Picture: Kevin Hogan on the campaign trail, announcing solar panels for the redeveloped Alstonville Cultural
Centre with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader in March.