Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Students of Australian politics would know that the totem animal of the Nationals is the wombat. The story of the wombat and the National Party dates back about 60 years. It was known as the 'wombat trail' on the campaign, when the journalists would join the leader of the day and travel throughout regional Australia to some of the more far-flung places. Deputy Speaker Aldred, as a country girl, you'd know that wombats are resilient and adaptable. But wombats are also a little bit obstinate, which is probably something they have in common with the National Party. When they make up their minds, they stop at nothing until they get what they want. So personally I have a bit of a soft spot for wombats.

It's probably why my eye was caught by one legendary Gippslander by the name of Josh Neille. Josh has actually been catching the eyes of people right throughout the world. Josh has 1½ million Instagram followers. He's known as the bloke who saves the wombats in Gippsland. Now, 1.5 million Instagram followers for Josh is quite extraordinary because, along with his wife, Amber, and his daughter, Ashlee, he is somewhat of a self-styled wildlife warrior. In addition to rescuing wombats and nursing them back to health, Josh and his family have also been involved in catching snakes for people on their properties and relocating them back to the bush. He also works with emus, birds of prey, kangaroos, wallabies—you name it. He will help any native Australian animal that has been injured, perhaps, by vehicles or had an altercation with another native animal. Josh will get the call and he'll go out and rescue that animal and nurse it back to health.

He is a deeply authentic Gippslander. Deputy Speaker Aldred, I'm sure you've probably seen a couple of his videos. He's a tradie by day and by night; he works night shift. But he's quite an unlikely looking character. When you see him on his Instagram page, you'll know what I mean. He has dreadlocks down to here. He's tattooed. He looks like a reserves player for the Boisdale Briagolong football club. In fact, he is a reserves player for the Boisdale Briagolong football club. He was part of the premiership team last year. So he's a very authentic Gippslander and also a very humble fellow. In fact, his description on his Instagram page is 'just a little Australian family helping out wildlife and getting them back to the bush'. So I say to Josh: congratulations and well done on what you're doing to save wildlife in our part of Gippsland. Keep taking that incredibly positive message with your family to the world. Or, as Josh would say on his Instagram account—onya, mate; keep up the great work.

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