A 25-year veteran of federal and state politics has been appointed federal director of the Nationals.
Lincoln Folo, the state director of the Queensland Liberal National Party, was appointed by the party's federal management committee in the wake of Jonathan Hawkes stepping down from the role.
Mr Folo started his career working for former NSW federal MP Larry Anthony in 1998.
Party president Kay Hull said he had significant experience in financial and business administration "coupled with extensive understanding of the dynamics in the modern political campaigns we need for the future".
"His experience, understanding and connection with our state organisations will be of great value to the federal secretariat and we are confident that he is well placed to deliver for our federal organisation as we face new challenges along with significant opportunity over the next three years," she said.
He will start in the role in early December.
Guardian Australia reported three women and four men had been in the running for the role, but only the male candidates advanced to the interview stage.
Nationals leader David Littleproud, who has advocated for more women in leadership roles in his party, said a "very thorough" process had been undertaken.
"If you don't meet the criteria then obviously in any employment situation you don't advance to the second stage," he told ABC radio on Thursday.
