Nationals going hyper to bring back carefree Australia

Matt Canavan
Nationals leader Matt Canavan says he's a bundle of energy because he loves Australia. -AAP Image

Restoring carefree Sunday afternoons across Australia will be new Nationals leader Matt Canavan's defining challenge.

Addressing the party's faithful at the NSW branch of its central council in Sydney on Saturday, Senator Canavan doubled down on his pitch to supercharge "hyper Australia".

And the liquid help he's using to get there.

"I like those white Monsters (energy drinks)," he conceded wryly.

"I drink way too many but I am just a bundle of energy because I love my country."

While he might have seized on the idea of "hyper Australia" to define his leadership, Senator Canavan confessed he did not really know what it meant at first.

But after a period of reflection, leaning somewhat curiously on the notion of cult hero love children, he believes he's found the perfect explanation.

"Let's say David Boon and Elle MacPherson have a baby ... that's hyper Australia," he said.

"Just Australia on steroids."

Senator Canavan's first speech to Nationals insiders since taking the leadership a fortnight ago was light on some of the issues he's previously railed against.

There was very little mention of immigration or any of the culture war topics that are often the domain of right-flank challenger One Nation.

But fuel, energy and the environment were ever-present throughout his address, with the Queensland senator saying Australia under his stewardship would "drill baby, drill" for oil.

"The Australian people are running out of patience with a government that is focused on net zero by 2050 as petrol prices soar above $2.50," Senator Canavan said.

By addressing fuel shocks and rising prices for families, he said he wanted more people to return to his Australian dream: a lazy weekend.

"Most Australian families tomorrow afternoon will not be relaxing watching the footy," he said.

"They will be worrying about bills, worrying about the mortgage, worrying about whether they can fill up their car.

"I will use every bit of energy I have to restore the carefree Sunday afternoons that Australians used to enjoy."

With the Nationals having a very minor presence in the South Australian election, Senator Canavan is one of the few Canberra politicians without too much of an eye on Saturday's results.

But he will be hoping his new alliance with Liberal leader Angus Taylor can prove to the electorate that the coalition still has the answers for Australians.