Broad resigns

Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad has withdrawn his nomination to contest the Federal Election next year.

Mr Broad, embroiled in allegations of serious misconduct, informed the president of the Victorian Division of the Nationals of his decision yesterday.

Mr Broad had already resigned his ministerial post as Assistant Minister to Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mccormack, a resignation Mr Mccormack had accepted.

Mr Broad said in a prepared statement that he would continue to work for his community as their federal representative until the next election.

“After recent media stories about my private life, it is clear that the people of Mallee will be best served in the next parliament by a different Nationals candidate,” he said.

“I want to acknowledge and thank my family, my staff, Nationals members and the community for their support of me. I have done my best and at times we have achieved good things, but I have also let them down.

“I have given 10 years of my life to serving regional Australia. I am blessed to have represented the Mallee, and I am proud of what we have delivered together.”

Mr Mccormack said due to the nature of the allegations, it was appropriate for Mr Broad to resign from his ministerial responsibilities and he had made the right decision to stand aside.

“In doing so he has accepted the sort of behaviour, which has prompted his decision, is inappropriate and unacceptable,” he said.

“Matters regarding Mallee pre-selection, as always, are for the Nationals’ local branches to decide.”