Coulton Disappointed By Decision
08-September-2010
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is disappointed by the decision made today by Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott to assist the Labor Party to form Government.
“I’m concerned that the independents have decided to back a Government that had such a poor performance in their first term. No mention has been made of Labor’s wasteful spending nor their inability to deliver on their promises from last time,” Mr Coulton said.
“The instability of the factions within the party, which organised the destruction of Kevin Rudd, also appears to have been overlooked by the independents.
Mr Coulton said that one of his biggest concerns was the increased influence of the Greens, made stronger by their formal alliance with Labor, which will be high risk to regional communities.
“Tony Windsor said today that one of his reasons for supporting the Labor party was because he wants to see action on climate change. We all know that the Labor definition of action on climate change is to introduce a big new tax, the ETS. An ETS will be detrimental to regional economies, and it is disappointing that as a country based independent Mr Windsor did not take this into account.
Mr Coulton said despite his disappointment with the overall outcome, he recognises the new political environment that he will be working in.
“The reality is we have a minority Labor Government, and every single vote in Parliament will matter. I have been given a strong mandate by the people of the Parkes electorate to continue working for them, and I will do whatever is necessary to ensure a positive outcome for my constituents.
“I am honoured to have been given such great support from the people this election, and I will ensure that the communities I represent are not disadvantaged.
“Along with my colleagues in The Nationals, I will hold the government to account for its performance,” he concluded.