I believe that when the regions of Victoria are growing, all of Victoria prospers.
Peter Walsh was born and raised in Boort in Northern Victoria. Before entering Parliament in November 2002, Peter operated an irrigated horticulture and cropping enterprise, producing tomatoes, cereals, oilseeds and legumes.
Peter’s time farming and living in rural Victoria saw him naturally interested in agricultural and water policy. But as he became more involved in the issues facing those industries, Peter decided to put up his hand to make a real difference.
Peter has been President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, a Board Member of the National Farmers Federation and Director of SPC Limited – just to name a few of his leadership roles.
Peter was the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Water in the 2010- 2014 Coalition Government, is now the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Aboriginal Affairs and Regional Victoria and was elected leader of the Victorian Nationals following the November 2014 election.
In 2003 Peter was awarded a Centenary Medal for his services to the environment.
The development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has been one of Peter’s biggest challenges – during his political career. He fought hard in both Opposition and Government to ensure that the rights of Victorian irrigators were fairly balanced with the needs of the environment.
Outside politics, Peter is a keen footy fan. He not only played football for Boort but was also the club president, committee member and selector at various stages. These days he barracks for Geelong Football Club in the AFL and tries to get along to a game when he can.
Key Roles
Current:
- Leader of the Nationals
- Deputy Leader of the Opposition
- Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria
- Shadow Minister for Agriculture
- Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Past:
- Minister for Agriculture and Food Security 2010-2014
- Minister for Water 2010-2014
- Member of the Legislative Assembly for Swan Hill District 2002-2014
- Deputy Leader of The Nationals 2002-2014
- Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Water 2002-2010
- Member of the Parliament’s Environment & Natural Resources Committee 2006-2010
- Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Water 2002-2010
- Member of the Parliament’s Environment & Natural Resources Committee 2006-2010
- Member of the Parliament’s Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee 2002-2006
- President, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) – 1998-2002
- Director, SPC Limited 1995-2002
- Board Member, National Farmers Federation 1998-2002
Get in touch
I’m always looking to hear your feedback on how we can work towards building a better region and Victoria