National Party (South Australia)

The National Party in South Australia is a regional and agrarian-focused political party. It forms a branch of the National Party of Australia, advocating for the interests of rural and regional communities within the state. Historically, the party, under various names and mergers, has represented farmers, graziers, and people living outside metropolitan Adelaide.

Key policy platforms generally include supporting primary industries such as agriculture, fishing, and mining; advocating for improved infrastructure and services in regional areas, including healthcare, education, and transport; promoting decentralisation and local governance; and managing natural resources sustainably.

The National Party has historically held seats in the South Australian Parliament, often in rural electorates. Its influence has varied over time, and its parliamentary representation has fluctuated depending on electoral cycles and broader political trends. The party's success often hinges on its ability to connect with rural voters and differentiate itself from the larger Liberal Party, with which it often shares similar conservative values but differs on issues of regional representation and resource allocation.

Historically, the National Party in South Australia, like its federal counterpart, has engaged in coalition arrangements with other parties, particularly the Liberal Party, to form government. These arrangements have allowed the National Party to exert influence on government policy and ensure that the concerns of rural and regional South Australia are addressed.