Nats name former Ararat mayor as Ripon candidate

The Nationals have named Tatyoon farmer and Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong as their candidate for the seat of Ripon in November’s Victorian election.

Armstrong will be up against the incumbent, Labor’s Martha Haylett, who won the seat from the Liberals’ Louise Staley in the 2022 election, Liberal candidate Andrew Kilmartin and The Greens’ Tim Drylie.

Other parties have not yet announced candidates.

“It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to contest the state election as The Nationals’ candidate for Ripon,” said Armstrong, who is now the party’s Victorian president.

“Ripon is a diverse electorate made up of many distinct communities, and right across the region people feel they’ve been badly let down by Labor.

“With the rising cost of living, increasing crime, roads riddled with potholes, and a worsening housing shortage, it’s no surprise locals are calling for a strong local leader who will stand up for our communities and deliver real improvements to their quality of life.”

Armstrong – an Ararat councillor since 2016 and a former mayor and deputy mayor – said The Nationals were the only party solely dedicated to fighting for regional Victorians.

“We have a plan that will scrap taxes and deliver cost-of-living relief, crack down on crime, improve our roads, and build more houses,” she said.

“I will fight every day for the people of Ripon to ensure they get their fair share.”

The Nationals did not have a candidate in 2022.

The party’s senior vice-president, Chris Nixon, said The Nationals were proud to endorse Armstrong as their candidate for Ripon.

“Jo exemplifies what it is to be a leader in the community,” he said.

“As the [Ararat] mayor she delivered real outcomes for her community and has the skills, drive, passion and commitment to deliver for the people of Ripon.”

Armstrong will move out of her president’s role next month.