THE National Party's decision to attempt a tweak to its name has been labelled a desperate measure by some of its political rivals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Coalition partner has applied to the Victorian Electoral Commission to change the formal registered party name to National Country Party Victoria after dumping "country" from its name in the early 1980s in a bid to win more metropolitan seats.
It comes in the wake of the Nationals’ poor performance at last year's state election which included the shock loss in Shepparton to an independent.
The Nationals hold the state seats of Ovens Valley and Euroa locally and are still to announce a candidate for the federal election due next year.
Australian Country Alliance has already applied to become the Australian Country Party as the battle for rural votes heats up.
Country Alliance pre-selection contender Julian Fidge said the Nationals name change bid was proof they had "abandoned" country people.
"The perception in rural areas is that the National Party are now just a rural branch of the Liberal Party, and are quick to toe the Liberal Party line in order to keep ministerial appointments," he said.
"There is also a worrying lack of talent in the National Party, both at the state and federal levels.
"I expect the Nationals vote to drop sharply at the next election and not win enough seats at the federal election to retain party status."
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said his party "truly represents" the interests of country Victorians.
"The Nationals are fighting to make sure country Victorians get their fair share," he said.
"With such a Melbourne-centric Labor Government, our state needs a party that is dedicated to standing up for the interests of rural and regional Victoria more than ever."
Local Nationals identity Don Chambers also welcomed the move.
“It is bringing us back to the people we represent," he said.
"I never agreed with the original decision to change, but I was only new to the scene."
Labor also doubts Nationals' "cosmetic surgery" won't work in reclaiming voter support.
“Slapping a new coat of paint on an old ute won’t make it sparkle," minister Jaala Pulford said.
“Peter Walsh needs to remember it’s not the name people care about."
