Andrew Negline, The Liberals
For far too long, politicians have been accused of being elected and never seen again. I will ensure that a program of community visits occurs in Riverina’s cities, towns and villages, so that the public can be confident that they have access to their local member. Access, in my view, is me out of the office, with the people, on the farms, in the streets, face-to-face. As a candidate, I am committed to delivering that one-on-one, down-to-earth style of political representation. If there’s an opening of an envelope in the electorate, I’ll do my best to be there.
Michael McCormack, The Nationals
Growing up in a small farming area myself, I fully understand the unique nature of Australian country towns and the needs and wishes of those communities. The contribution the Coleambally and Darlington Point communities make to the Riverina is incredible, especially through the worth of irrigated agriculture. The Riverina is extraordinarily lucky to lay claim to the foothills of Kosciuszko, the wide open plains of Hillston, and of course the MIA. If elected as the next Member for Riverina, my promise will be to continue the legacy of Kay Hull and fight for every area regardless of population.
Matthew Hogg, Independent
Coleambally and Darlington Point are as much part of the electorate as Wagga, Griffith or Tumut and their needs, wants and aspirations need to be heard. In the lead up to this election and having seen the effect that the closing of the mill will have on the Murrumbidgee Shire, I have taken the opportunity to introduced the shire’s general manager and the mayor to Marinna Energy to begin discussions regarding a $100m to $150m ethanol plant for the area. As part of any contractual arrangement 80 per cent of material and labour would be sourced from within the region.
Robyn Hakelis, Country Labor
What I love about the Riverina is the diversity of the different towns. Each town has different needs and concerns. I am an approachable person and would welcome contact from people in Coleambally and Darlington Point to be able to raise their concerns in parliament. Once again, I would use my skills from appearing in court every day where I am faced with complex problems that need to be argued in court. I would enjoy the challenge of fighting for the needs of each and every town in the Riverina.
Craig Hesketh, One Nation
It is very obvious that throughout Australian politics there is a divide between the country and metropolitan areas. It seems that representation and money seems to be only found in city areas. The only way around this is to get more services for the bush and decentralise services. Additional to this is the development of rural industries and building secondary industry.
Regular consultation with individuals and interest groups is the only way to know what is really happening in any area. I would make myself available to listen to all concerns and then take that information to Canberra.
Tim Quilty, Liberal Democrats
I am originally from Adelong so am a small-town boy as well having been in Wagga only a couple of years. Our party has at this stage been fighting on national issues but we have a firm belief in small communities helping themselves. Quite often government can come in throwing money around but communities really need to step up to help themselves.
Sylvia Mullholland, Christian Democratic Party
I live in Lockhart, which is actually in Farrar, but I am standing for the Riverina. I am aware of the local needs of the farming community as our family business is earthmoving, which involves building farm dams for local farmers. We have the highest regard for the farming community. They have the most amazing integrity and the most adaptability and we care deeply about issues that affect the rural community. As a local candidate I feel that I am very much aware of the voice of the rural community and am able to hear their requests and concerns.
David Fletcher, The Greens
The voices of rural communities, no matter how small, are just as important as the voices of capital cities. The Greens believe that ongoing community participation in the making of laws and policy should underpin all government actions. The Greens support innovative community consultation processes such as citizens’ juries and citizens’ assemblies that will help ensure that the voices of small rural communities are heard.
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