Angus Taylor is back in the saddle, getting ready to ride over 1000 kilometres to help former service men and women transition from military to civilian life.

He is part of charity cycling event Pollie Pedal that will spin its wheels in Western Australia for the first time in the ride’s 24-year history this October. 

The ride was founded by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 1998 and has ridden more than 23,000 kilometres right across eastern and central Australia.

Mr Abbott, who is now the event’s patron, will return to the handlebars alongside Mr Taylor, Mr Hastie and Nationals’ MP David Gillespie who form the event’s organising committee.

“We have the uttermost respect for our men and women in uniform. We know that too often when they return home they are left with the seen or unseen scars of war,” Mr Taylor said. 

“Wandering Warriors helps our veterans deal with those scars and transition them back into civilian life.”

Mr Taylor said that a number of veterans will once again join us on this year’s cycle.

“It’s a privilege to ride with those who have put their lives on the line and served our nation in uniform,” he added.

“I’m pleased to announce volunteer group Rapid Relief will be back on board this year to provide us with the coffee and carbs we need to get through the long days in the saddle. 

Shadow Minister for Defence and Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said it was an honour to bring Pollie Pedal to the West for the first time in the event’s history.

Wandering Warriors’ Chairperson Brett Sangster said that Pollie Pedal support will add greatly to the capacity of Wandering Warriors to deliver its education, employment, mentoring and respite programs.

“We see our career transition program The Krait Foundation as the Wandering Warriors’ flagship initiative and Pollie Pedal funds will assist greatly in securing the future of this important program,” Mr Sangster said.

“We thank all involved with Pollie Pedal for the faith placed in Wandering Warriors and for the opportunity the funding provides for our transitioned veterans.”

For almost a quarter of a century Pollie Pedal has raised more than $7 million for organisations such as Carers Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ronald McDonald House, Youth Insearch and the Paralympic Games and has also supported medical research into childhood leukaemia, diabetes, breast cancer and prostate cancer.  

The ride will run from 7-14 October 2023.