For many years the ‘safe’ status of the seat of Nicholls (previously Murray) has been a source of much frustration to many residents on both sides of the political spectrum.
Our long history of being overlooked for funding in favour of ‘marginal’ seats, perhaps exemplified by programmes such as Bridget McKenzie’s ‘sports rorts’, has been well documented throughout this campaign and doesn’t require further analysis here.
It is interesting therefore that independent candidate Rob Priestly has been able to garner support from concerned voters from both sides of politics to volunteer to help in his campaign.
There is a strong desire to break the long stranglehold the conservative parties have had on this electorate from people mostly fed up with the ‘party politics’ game waged by the major parties.
We want a ‘fair dinkum’ representative that fights for the issues important to our electorate and nation, not someone that just votes along party lines.
Remember, a vote for either conservative candidate at this election is a vote for someone who will be told how to vote by the likes of Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan.
People don’t expect their member of parliament to be perfect, just genuine.
I believe Rob Priestly is that person.
His ability in just a few short months to bond together concerned people from all walks of life and political persuasions, along with his campaign’s achievements of putting our region on the political map, is unprecedented in this area.
Who would have thought three years ago that we would have had such a procession of high-profile National Party members — including Barnaby Joyce, Bridget McKenzie and David Littleproud — visiting the electorate, showering us with bribes to vote for their candidate?
Who would have thought three years ago the seat of Nicholls would be a hot media item in print, online, social media and TV, as it has been over the past few weeks?
This is all down to the success and ‘cut through’ of the Priestly campaign and has gained momentum despite an increasing number of negative attacks from his (worried) adversaries.
The major parties are controlled by people who are focused on winning the next election and staying in power, not on formulating policies that are good for the nation.
Independent candidates such as Rob Priestly and Helen Haines are seeking to reclaim politics for the people, not for the political machines of the major parties.
Whichever party wins the Federal Election, you can be assured that the interests of that party will trump the interests of the nation.
Electing independents to our parliament will at least put a few roadblocks in their way.
PS, don’t forget to number every square on your ballot paper!
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