By NIKKI TODD
FORMER Tweed mayor Kevin Skinner has thrown his hat into the ring, running as an Independent for the seat of Richmond in the upcoming federal election.
Mr Skinner is the fifth person to declare his candidature in the seat to date, behind the Nationals’ Matthew Fraser, Greens’ Dawn Walker, Palmer United Party’s Dr Phil Allen and sitting Labor MP Justine Elliot.
Owner-operator of the Chinderah Motel for the past 21 years, the grandfather of six retired from local government last September after having serving as councillor on Tweed Shire Council for four years, including 12 months as mayor in 2010-’11.
“I was of the belief when entering council that politics didn’t exist in local government but unfortunately I was brought to the realisation very quickly that it is part and parcel of local government and as a result it put me into the political battle,’’ Mr Skinner said.
“I picked up a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge being a councillor and mayor and a realisation of what is needed in the area and where it needs to come from.’’
Usually aligned with the more conservative side of politics, Mr Skinner said he would run as an Independent as he believed such members could achieve more for their electorates.
“I am standing totally on my own, self-funded, I’m just going around quietly trying to round up the numbers,’’ he said.
“At this time Justine Elliot has a very firm hold on the area and what I am concerned with is if Labor is successful locally but the Coalition is successful in the national arena then we will have a federal member here that is not in the same team as the Federal Government.’’
Mr Skinner said the seats of New England and Lyne, held respectively by Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, had enjoyed substantial financial benefit as a result of their MPs’ independent status.
“I believe there is still a place, even in the Coalition Government, for independents to work with the incumbent government to do the best they can for the area,’’ he said.
He denied his candidacy might split the conservative vote in Richmond and reduce the chance of Nationals’ candidate Mr Fraser unseating Ms Elliot.
“There are a lot of people out there that are peeved off with both local parties,’’ he said.
“I am looking to get their vote and if possible to get into the seat of Richmond as federal member.
“But if I am not successful, then the votes that come to me, with people realising I am more on the conservative side, they may preference the conservative side and as a result it may actually assist Matthew Fraser.’’
Mr Skinner, who is still finalising his policy platform, said his main priorities included greater federal recognition and funding for The Tweed Hospital and improved fiscal policy.
