The Nationals have officially announced Katrina Hodgkinson as their candidate for the federal seat of Whitlam in the upcoming federal election. 

Party Leader David Littleproud expressed strong support for Hodgkinson, highlighting her extensive local connections and deep understanding of the issues facing Whitlam residents.

Littleproud emphasised the current struggles families in the region are enduring due to rising costs under the Labor government, citing increasing grocery, power, and insurance bills. 

He also pointed to the failure of Labor's promised $275 power bill reduction, noting that energy bills have actually risen by $1,000. 

"Katrina knows the issues that matter," Littleproud says. "She has already been hearing from families across the region who are feeling the squeeze of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis."

Hodgkinson, a long-time local resident, brings significant political experience to the role, having previously served as New South Wales Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Small Business. She has also represented the state as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. 

She expressed her excitement about running for The Nationals and her commitment to addressing local issues.

"Having lived in the electorate for over 26 years, owned and operated a retail business here, and raised my children in this community, I am deeply committed to representing Whitlam."

Hodgkinson spoke publicly at the Shell Cove Marina with a band of supporters behind her wielding protest signs against the proposed offshore wind farm in the Illawarra. She made clear that the project, which has been championed by the Labor government and the Greens, is one she will be focused on opposing. 

"I don’t know anybody who wants it," she says. "The people here today certainly don’t want it, and we will fight tooth and nail to make sure that offshore wind farm doesn’t happen."

On energy policy, Hodgkinson outlined a balanced approach, emphasising the importance of supporting both renewables and traditional energy industries. 

"We need to make sure we can keep major industries like BlueScope sustainable for the future," she says. "BlueScope still requires gas and coal for many years to come, and we are open to supporting nuclear energy in regions where coal-fired power plants are being decommissioned."

While Hodgkinson acknowledged the differences between The Nationals and other political parties, she made it clear that she is committed to representing her community with a clear and practical plan for Australia's energy future. 

She also pointed to her wealth of experience, saying, "I am definitely a lot more experienced than anybody else in the field, and I’ll be taking that strength with me as I campaign for a successful election."

Hodgkinson's candidacy has been warmly endorsed by both David Littleproud and other party members, with The Nationals confident that her deep ties to the electorate and her dedication to local issues will resonate with voters in Whitlam.