The Nationals' Bridget McKenzie has won the safe number two spot on the Coalition's Senate ticket for the next Federal election.
Ms McKenzie is a university lecturer and former school teacher from Leongatha.
Nationals State President Bill Baxter described 39-year-old Ms McKenzie, who lectures at Monash University’s Churchill campus in north Gippsland, as a "new generation National with enormous ability".
"We had an outstanding field of five candidates to choose from and Bridget received a strong endorsement from the delegates," Mr Baxter said.
"Bridget has a background in the education sector and brings a wealth of practical experience and common sense as a mother of four children growing up in regional Victoria.
"I'm confident that Bridget will provide a strong voice for regional Victoria if she is successful at the next election."
Ms McKenzie identified strengthening rural communities as a core platform.
"I'm passionate about the future of rural and regional communities and I believe The Nationals are well-placed to provide strong representation on behalf of people who choose to live outside the city," she said.
Given her background, it is no surprise education is a critical issue for her.
"One of the key areas that I want to focus on is the need to provide equitable educational opportunities for young people growing up in regional areas," she said
