More than 350 Liberal Party members, over 90 per cent of them from the Wannon electorate, gathered in Hamilton to select Mr Tehan from a field of ten candidates.

''I'm delighted to introduce the next Liberal Party candidate for Wannon, Daniel Tehan, and may I say what an outstanding candidate he is,'' Mr Hawker said.

''Daniel is no stranger to the issues facing rural and regional Victorians. As former Chief of Staff to the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, and Policy Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister in the former Coalition Government, Daniel has a great deal of experience influencing policy debate on issues of direct relevance to rural and regional residents.

''Daniel has had an impressive career in both the public and private spheres. Alongside his considerable experience advising key government Ministers, he was also Director of Trade Policy and International Affairs at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has held a post in Mexico, and most recently served as the Deputy State Director of the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party.

''Daniel will bring this experience and many other important skills to his parliamentary life, if the people of Wannon choose him.''

Mr Hawker said Mr Tehan's experience in Trade, Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism, and his strong rural background, sees him well placed to stand up for the people of Western Victoria, on the issues that matter most to them.

''Daniel Tehan will be a strong voice for Wannon. He will show the Rudd Government that Western Victorians will not stand for Labor's neglect of rural and regional areas,'' he said.

''Daniel has a great capacity to listen, understand, interpret and communicate the concerns and the aspirations of the people of Western Victoria.

''I heartily congratulate him and wish him all the best at the next federal election.''