National Party supporters state that Independent MP Peter Besseling’s questions in Parliament were left unanswered by ministers because he is not a member of a party.
Not so. In the recent session of Parliament, 95 per cent of Mr Besseling’s considerable number of questions had been answered before the Premier closed Parliament early.
Also, the National Party states that Port Macquarie would be better served with a representative that is a member of a party. Not so.
It is obvious that Labor will lose power (deservedly so) to the Coalition on March 26. However, that does not mean that Port Macquarie has to settle for the representation the National Party would provide for the next four years. An Independent representative would ensure all issues and legislation are debated and scrutinised before being ‘passed’, rather than everything being ‘rubber stamped’ by the Coalition without any debate.
Regional areas such Port Macquarie will ‘miss out’, in favour of the city (Liberal seats). Leslie Williams (the National Party candidate) will be ineffective as a representative, as she will have to follow party lines , and vote accordingly whether there is benefit Port Macquarie or not.
Remember, Leslie Williams is first and foremost accountable to the National Party.
Peter Besseling is first and foremost accountable to the community.
C May
Port Macquarie
