Photo caption: Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud, Nationals’ candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton in Dubbo.
The Nationals’ candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey is wasting no time getting out and about in the local electorate, following his preselection win for The Nationals on Saturday.
Mr Chaffey has hit the ground running, with Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton joining Mr Chaffey for the start of his campaign trail in Dubbo.
Mr Littleproud said Parkes has secured a fantastic candidate, who is a true advocate for the community.
“Having previously worked as a small businessman before becoming Mayor of Gunnedah Shire, Jamie knows the cost-of-living pressures that local families and business owners are facing under the current Labor Government,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It’s important to meet locals and listen to their concerns. Mr Chaffey will continue Mark Coulton’s legacy of fighting for better regional and health services as well as better roads, such as the Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrades between Narrabri and Moree.
“Mr Chaffey will also continue Mark’s work of fighting against changes to the Murray-Darling Basin and water buybacks, with Mark recently speaking out against Labor’s $300 million insulting ‘compensation’ package to communities like Dubbo.”
Mr Coulton said it’s great to have Mr Littleproud in the electorate to officially welcome Mr Chaffey.
“I’m excited that Jamie is going to be contesting this seat at the next election – he’s a worthy candidate and David and I, and The Nationals, will do everything we can to support him in his campaign to be elected,” Mr Coulton said.
“It’s not going to be easy – Jamie will have to work hard to win over the electorate but I’m confident he has what it takes to do the job and be an effective Member.
“I’ll be working with him closely over the coming months and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail.”
Mr Chaffey said it’s been a whirlwind few days, but he’s excited to get to work.
“I’ve been extremely humbled by the amount of support and well wishes I’ve received since Saturday’s preselection,” Mr Chaffey said.
“It’s a real honour to be given this opportunity, and it’s not something I’m taking lightly.
“It’s great to be in Dubbo this week to get to know the community here. This is just the beginning – the Parkes electorate covers such a large part of New South Wales, so I know it’s going to take a mammoth but exciting and achievable effort to meet as many people as possible and get to know each of the communities ahead of the election.
“Mark has proven over the past 16 years that it is possible to effectively service this large electorate, so I’ll be looking to him and David for guidance to be the best representative I can be.”
