DESPITE his youth, former Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall, 27, convinced delegates at the Nationals pre-selection in Armidale on Saturday that he had the experience and potential to carry the Northern Tablelands seat in State Parliament at the 25 May by-election.
More than 173 voters from local Nationals branches gathered to select from three candidates – Mr Marshall, former National Farmers Federation President Jock Laurie of Walcha and Claire Coulton from the Warialda political dynasty.
Following the vote Mr Marshall said it was encouraging to see such a strong number of party members turn out for Saturday’s vote at Lazenby Hall on the UNE campus.
“It’s an indication of renewal and belief in a strong future for the Nationals and I am very humbled and honoured to receive this support,” he said.
“It is going to be a very quick five-week campaign for the by-election and we are absolutely determined to show the people of the Northern Tablelands that we are the best party to represent them in State Parliament.”
He indicated that he would continue to work on issues still on the desk following the resignation of former member Richard Torbay and to “deliver on health care and road funding and all the other priorities for the electorate.”
“It will be an important campaign not just for the people in the Northern Tablelands to have a voice but in the context of what happens in politics for this region,” he said.
Mr Marshall brushed off Inverell councillor and former National Farmers Federation director Mal Peters’ claims that he had referred Mr Marshall to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Mid-week Cr Peters, who was ousted as Inverell mayor in September, revealed he had referred Mr Marshall to ICAC but was not able to explain what the matter concerned.
“I have challenged Mr Peters on the public record to state what these allegations are,”Mr Marshall said.
“Time and time again he has refused to. As far as I am concerned, we cannot take anything that man has to say seriously.”
Nationals Chairman Niall Blair said that Mr Marshall would be a very strong candidate, although the party was not taking anything for granted.
“Adam has already proven himself as a leader and an advocate for regional communities,” he said.
Mr Marshall served four years as Mayor of Gunnedah before moving to Armidale last year to study at the University of New England.
He was the youngest shire mayor in NSW, and won widespread recognition for his advocacy for regional councils. This was made clear when he was elected chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association.
Mr Blair said that the Nationals would step up their campaign immediately.
“We’ve established a campaign office in Armidale,” he said. “Adam has a lot of work in front of him but I’m confident he’ll be up to the task.”
A potential rival to Adam Marshall for the Northern Tablelands seat is Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Jim Maher who has indicated he is thinking seriously of running as an Independent. He will make a decision this week on his future.
