Nigel's roles

Many people ask how Nigel can be a Country Liberals Senator as well as the deputy leader of the Nationals Party. At a Federal level, the Coalition is formed by a partnership between the Liberals, the Nationals, the Country Liberals in the Northern Territory, and the Liberal National party in Queensland.

Party roles

Nigel and Member for Solomon Natasha Griggs represent the Country Liberals in Federal Parliament. Nigel has sat with the Nationals since being elected to the Senate in 2001, while Natasha has sat with the Liberals since her election in August last year. This arrangement has delivered significant benefits to the Country Liberals, the Nationals, and the Liberals as these parties share similar political beliefs, goals and policies.

As part of the Federal Coalition’s Shadow Ministry, Nigel plays an important role in shadow cabinet decisions and tactics. As the Nationals deputy leader, Nigel promotes Northern Territory issues in policy development forums.

The Nationals Parliamentary team includes nine Members of Parliament and five Senators including Nigel. The party’s priorities of building stronger regional economies and secure communities, delivering opportunity and prosperity for regional Australians, and ensuring a sustainable environment fit well with Nigel’s goals as Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory.

Other roles

Nigel is Chair of the Select Committee on Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities, and a Keep Watch Ambassador for the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia.