Victorian National Party

The National Party of Australia – Victoria is a political party in Victoria, which forms the state branch of the federal Nationals. It represents graziers, farmers, miners and rural voters. It began as a political activity of the Victorian Farmer's Union, which became involved in state politics in 1916. It was then known as the Country Party for many years, until becoming "The Nationals" in 1975. In state parliament it is presently the junior partner in a centre-right Coalition with the Liberal Party, forming a joint Opposition bench. During periods of conservative government, the party's leader also serves as Deputy Premier of Victoria. History