The Nationals WA are saddened by the passing of former Parliamentary Leader and lifelong champion of the Wheatbelt, Hon Max Trenorden.
Max Trenorden served the people of the Avon electorate in the Legislative Assembly from 1986 to 2008, before representing the Agricultural Region in the Legislative Council from 2009 to 2013. He also served as Leader of the Parliamentary National Party from 2001 to 2005 and was a passionate and tireless advocate for regional Western Australia throughout his long Parliamentary career.
Nationals WA President Paul Gillett paid tribute to Mr Trenorden, in front of National Party members at the Party’s State Conference today.
“Max was a champion for his community, for regional WA and for our Party,” Mr Gillet said.
“He was a formidable parliamentarian who dedicated more than a quarter of a century to representing the people of the Wheatbelt and regional WA.
“His contribution to the National Party and the communities he represented will be remembered for many years to come.”
Nationals WA Leader Shane Love MLA said Mr Trenorden was one of the most respected parliamentarians to emerge from regional WA.
“Max was born and raised in the Wheatbelt, and throughout his political career he never lost sight of the people and communities that sent him to Parliament,” Mr Love said.
“He served as Leader of the Parliamentary National Party from 2001 to 2005 and, following the formation of the Coalition with the Liberal Party in 2004, became Deputy Leader of the Coalition and Shadow Minister for Energy and Science. Max understood that strong regional communities are fundamental to the strength of our State, and he spent his life fighting for them.”
Member for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter MLA, said Mr Trenorden had left an enduring legacy in the Wheatbelt and within the National Party.
“Max was a Wyalkatchem farmer who dedicated almost 30 years of his life to serving his community in Parliament,” Mr Hunter said.
“He entered Parliament in 1986, defeated a sitting Labor Minister, and went on to build a remarkable record of service to the Avon Valley and the wider Wheatbelt.
“Our thoughts are with Max’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him”