FEDERAL Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie made his first speech to the Australian Parliament last week.
In a show of support for his old school and university friend, Prime Minister Tony Abbott sat next to Dr Gillespie throughout his 20-minute maiden speech.
Also present were Dr Gillespie’s wife, Charlotte, and children, Isabelle, Oliver and Alice.
“First and foremost I want to thank Charlotte – my partner through life, my biggest supporter, best advisor, sharpest critic and wonderful mother to our greatest achievements – Isabelle, Oliver and Alice – who I hope will be proud of what I achieve,” Dr Gillespie said.
Dr Gillespie also took the opportunity to thank the electorate for the faith they had bestowed in him to represent them in the Parliament and also thanked the 762 volunteers who supported him throughout the electorate during his campaign for election.
He raised the need for electoral reform including the case for longer parliamentary terms and improvements to Senate elections to better reflect the wishes of the Australian people when they vote for a new government.
Upgrades to the region’s infrastructure, including the need to accelerate the Pacific Highway upgrade between Port Macquarie and Brisbane, expand education and health facilities and upgrade local telecommunications services were also highlighted.
Dr Gillespie also raised the need for more incentives for local industry and small businesses and highlighted the growing demands of aged care on the Mid North Coast.
