LEADER of the NSW Nationals and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner has been overwhelmingly re-endorsed as the Nationals candidate for the electorate of Oxley at next year’s state election.
Mr Stoner has been the MP for Oxley since 1999 and leader of the NSW Nationals for over 10 years, during which the party has undergone significant rejuvenation.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the people of the Oxley electorate. From Dorrigo to Bellingen, Kempsey to Wauchope and everywhere in between, the communities in Oxley demonstrate the best that regional New South Wales has to offer,” Mr Stoner said.
“Making sure that Oxley continues to have the opportunities, services and investment that it deserves is why I put my hand up to once again be the Nationals’ candidate at the next election.
“The Nationals’ team and I have been delivering record investment and more frontline services for the people of Oxley and for regional New South Wales more widely.
“To name just a few key achievements, we have delivered $40 million for the Kempsey Hospital redevelopment, $5 million for the Bellingen River District Hospital, nearly $4 million for the Oxley Highway and we are committed to the duplication of the Pacific Highway in conjunction with our federal Nationals colleagues.
“I look forward to continuing to deliver for the Oxley electorate and all people in regional New South Wales for many years to come.”
NSW Nationals chairman Niall Blair added his congratulations to Mr Stoner on his endorsement.
“I’d like to congratulate Andrew Stoner on his strong endorsement today, which reflects the hard work and dedication he has put in as the Member for Oxley since 1999,” Mr Blair said.
“Andrew is a loyal servant of our great party but first and foremost he is a loyal servant of the people of the Oxley electorate.
“As a Member of Parliament, I see Andrew fighting tooth and nail to get the services and infrastructure that Oxley deserves.
“With the Deputy Premier as their local member, the people of Oxley have a voice at the very heart of government decision making. This representation in Cabinet and in Parliament means that the community will continue to be front and centre for many years to come.
“The NSW Nationals are the most democratic Party in Australia and every member in the electorate of six months standing was eligible to cast a vote for their preferred candidate.
“Unlike the other major parties, there are no back room deals in the Nationals which is why we continue putting forward strong candidates to represent regional New South Wales in State and Federal Parliaments.”
