Former Nationals WA leader Max Trenorden dies at 78
Max Trenorden served in Western Australian state parliament for over 25 years and led the Nationals from 2001 to 2005.
Quick Look
- Max Trenorden, former leader of the Nationals WA who served in state parliament for over 25 years, has died at age 78.
- He represented the seat of Avon and later the Agricultural Region, remembered by colleagues for his dedication to regional Western Australia.
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Why It Matters
Max Trenorden served in the Western Australian parliament from 1986 to 2013, representing both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Former Nationals WA leader Max Trenorden, who served in state parliament for more than a quarter of a century, has been remembered as a champion for his community and regional WA following his death.
Mr Trenorden, 78, led the Nationals from 2001 to 2005, and was deputy leader of the opposition coalition under the Liberal leadership of Colin Barnett in 2004 and 2005.
He died yesterday.
Nationals WA president Paul Gillett honoured Mr Trenorden at the party's state conference later in the day.
"He was a formidable parliamentarian who dedicated more than a quarter of a century to representing the people of the Wheatbelt and regional WA," he said.
Mr Trenorden, a farmer from Wyalkatchem in the Wheatbelt, was first elected to parliament's Legislative Assembly in 1986 for the seat of Avon, a seat he held until it was abolished in a redistribution in 2008.
From 2009 until 2013, he represented the Agricultural Region in the Legislative Council.
In 2013, Mr Trenorden described his shock and disappointment after failing to win preselection for the party and decided to run as an independent.
Although he was not elected, Mr Trenorden said he believed running was still worthwhile as it allowed him to raise important issues.
Following his retirement, he joined the Disability Board in Northam.
'Never lost sight of the people'
Nationals WA leader Shane Love also honoured Mr Trenorden's service, describing him as one of the most respected politicians 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," he said.
Central Wheatbelt MP Lachlan Hunter said Mr Trenorden had a remarkable record of service.
"He was also incredibly generous with his advice, encouragement and support for the next generation of country representatives," he said.
"Our thoughts are with Max's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti also paid her respects to Mr Trenorden.
"Max played a big role in the state parliament and was a key figure in the party," she said.
"To all of the National Party members, my condolences, and to all those who knew him."
