The Nationals' critics accuse them of pandering to vested interests and pork-barrelling, but one of the party's newest senators is comfortable owning the titles.
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NSW's Perin Davey gave her first speech to parliament on Tuesday, "declaring" her vested interests.
As a mother, she has an interest in ensuring her children had access to quality education regardless of where they lived.
As a driver she had an interest in regional roads, while her husband's work as an irrigator would motivate her pushing for stability in water policy.
Living on the land gives her a vested interest in the environment, while she also vowed to pursue economic, environmental and social balance in policy
Senator Davey hit back at the Nationals' critics.
She said the party is still relevant, pointing to billions in funding for regional telecommunications, services, roads, drought aid, education and health services.
"Some call this funding pork-barrelling. I call it doing our job."
The Deniliquin-based senator said agriculture, irrigation and mining were industries under attack.
She said there was a balance between mining and protecting prime agricultural land, with both important to regional economies.
Senator Davey said rice and cotton, which have come under fire for being thirsty crops, needed to be championed with Australian farmers among the world's most efficient.
"We are demonising them to a point where our farmers are scared to tell people what they grow," she said.
Days after the government passed laws cracking down on vegan activism on farms, Senator Davey vowed to resist people who wanted to shut down the livestock industry.
"That is why animal activism that tarnishes the reputation of an entire industry must not be tolerated."
Australian Associated Press