THE Nationals are holding preselection for the new federal seat at a special state council on Saturday, August 17 with Mia Davies confirming she is a candidate.

On January 27 last year the Central Wheatbelt MLA surprised many when she announced her resignation as opposition leader, Nationals WA leader and her decision not to re-contest the 2025 state election.

In June WA federal Nationals leader David Littleproud said publicly he would be keen to see Ms Davies in federal Parliament, which may have helped sway her to stay in politics.

But Ms Davies said the emergence of a new federal electorate offering an exciting challenge and the opportunity to ensure WA families, communities and industries have a strong voice in Canberra convinced her to seek preselection.

“The Albanese Labor Government has delivered nothing but pain for Western Australia,’’ she said.

“They have put politics before people, destroying communities reliant on the export of sheep, and introducing mountains of green and red tape to bind up the mining, agricultural and business sectors that Western Australians rely on for jobs and our future prosperity.

“After serious consideration, I believe my experience and commitment to public service will provide a strong foundation to make a difference and am looking forward to this new challenge.’’

If preselected Ms Davies said the federal issues she would focus on included the cost-of-living crisis, healthcare and infrastructure.

“Every household budget is under strain amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

“Too many people are struggling to access a GP and affordable healthcare, and many grapple to find aged care and childcare services.

“Investment in infrastructure to improve telecommunications reliability, and improving our community preparedness to respond to natural disasters will also be a priority.”

Echo News asked Ms Davies if she was ready for all the air-travel involved in being a federal politician from WA.

“For 16 years I have represented an electorate that spans 100,000sqkm and am very used to travel and being on the road.

“As the former leader of The Nationals WA and a minister I was regularly in all corners of our state – travel is a part of the job and something I am very accustomed to already.’’

As for commenting on her greatest achievements in state politics she said she would leave her legacy for others to comment on.

“But (I) am particularly proud of the funding secured to improve aged care services, hospital upgrades and health services, housing to support our seniors to remain close to family and friends, and investment in our schools and colleges,” she said.

“Being a part of the team that fought for and delivered royalties for regions remains a significant highlight of my time in state parliament.

“On an everyday basis, helping constituents is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.’’

Meanwhile, 11 submissions were made at an inquiry into objections to the proposed redistribution of electoral divisions in Western Australia on August 7.

The Australian Electoral Commission is yet to make a final call on the name and boundaries for the proposed division of Bullwinkel.