Tag: Andrew Broad

The Nationals preselected candidate to replace disgraced MP Andrew Broad wants to see respect and dignity restored in politics. Anne Webster was preselected on Saturday for the seat of Mallee, which will not be contested by Mr Broad following allegations of inappropriate conduct during an official government trip overseas. "I would like to see that respect and dignity are part of the hallmarks of politicians as opposed to some of the behaviour which really doesn't impress the electorate," Dr Webster told AAP on Sunday. "I believe that most politicians go into politics because they do want to make a difference for their communities and I feel passionate about it myself or I wouldn't be standing," she said. "I think its a bit of a heavy weight in some ways to realise the image and the integrity of politicians needs to be upheld and needs to be respected." Dr Webster, who has a PhD in sociology, is the founder of Zoe Support, a not-for-profit organisation that helps young mothers take up study and training. She has lived in her electorate for 41 years, is married to a local GP and has three children and six grandchildren. Dr Webster believes the people of Mallee will overlook Mr Broad's behaviour and vote on the party's track record of delivering for regional areas. "We should be elected on the merit of the party values that is essential and I believe that the Mallee still values those conservative proponents of the party," she said. Broad holds the seat of Mallee with a comfortable margin of more than 20 per cent but that might not be enough to retain the seat, according to senior National Darren Chester.