MEMBER for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams was one of the first people to congratulate David Gillespie on his federal election victory.
The fellow Nationals member paid tribute to her federal counterpart’s long and hard campaign.
“David has worked very hard over the past 14 months listening to the people of Lyne and providing them with the confidence to cast their vote with the Nationals,” Mrs Williams said.
“The people of the electorate have sent a very strong message to the Independents, Labor and the Greens that they have had enough of the instability, disunity and corruption.
“As with the NSW state election in 2011, people have made it clear they want a member and a government that is committed to achieving positive results for local communities and focused on the needs of the people rather than themselves.”
Mrs Williams said Mr Gillespie’s commitment to the cause was extraordinary.
“He’s gone doorknocking across the entire electorate and heard first-hand what people expected from their local member,” she said.
“He understands what is important to people on the Mid North Coast – roads, infrastructure, jobs and the cost of living.”
Greens candidate for Lyne Ian Oxenford also congratulated Mr Gillespie on his resounding win.
“I’ve been swept off my feet by the enthusiastic support of Greens booth workers and voters in Lyne on a day that’s seen record temperatures – just highlighting again why we need real action on climate change,” Mr Oxenford said.
““This enthusiasm was reflected in a significant increase in our primary votes from 4.3 per cent in 2010 to 5.8 per cent this year.
“Although a Coalition Government will make it tough, the Greens will take forward our election agenda. We have been the only parliamentary party standing up for a clean economy to address global warming and generate jobs, for refugee rights and as a voice for Australia’s disadvantaged communities.”
