David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The people of the New South Wales seat of Upper Hunter have spoken. They're good, practical people and they are full of common sense. On Saturday night, I was delighted to congratulate the New South Wales Nationals candidate for Upper Hunter, David Layzell, on his win. He had a three per cent swing. It was a Melbourne Cup race with 14 candidates all campaigning on their own various issues, and the voters recognised the commitment of our party to deliver critical investments across that electorate. There are 11 polling booths that sit inside the Lyne electorate, and I'm very familiar with many of the issues that were raised, including investment in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and health care and supporting traditional and growing industries that generate jobs in our region.

The Upper Hunter powers the energy of the state. It keeps the lights on and the factories running in the cities and in the country. The majority of candidates were all beginning to highlight the importance of our agriculture and resources sector throughout the campaign. The Nationals have continued right the way, even in this place, to promote the importance of these sectors to the Australian economy and to our very livelihood. There's no doubt that most Australians want to see common sense at all levels of government. That starts with keeping the power going in this state, and that's why we at a federal level have made announcements also for power in the Hunter. We must continue to act— (Time expired)