It is important to understand and remember that the coalition members, Liberal and National, have their own policy platform.
Throughout the 70s, the Nationals (they were called the Country Party then) had strong leadership in Doug Anthony and Ian Sinclair. In relative numbers terms, the Country Party was very much a minor partner in the coalition but it had significant influence in coalition government policies, especially in the areas of primary industry, import tariffs, rural developments.
I don't believe the Nationals' current leader, Barnaby Joyce, is a strong leader, able to stand up to its senior partner the Liberals. I am not surprised if there is a significant section in rural Australia who feels their interests are not being effectively represented in Canberra.
