ON SATURDAY The Nationals endorsed Barnaby Joyce to contest the federal seat of New England against independent MP Tony Windsor at the upcoming federal election.
NSW Nationals Chairman Niall Blair welcomed the news, saying that by moving to the lower House Senator Joyce was demonstrating his commitment to the region.
“Barnaby is leaving a safe seat in the senate to represent the area in which he grew up, against a four-term MP who has the full support of the Labor Government.“
Mr Blair said that he was certain that Senator Joyce would do the work necessary to win the seat from Mr Windsor.
“Barnaby has already done an enormous amount of work here in New England. He has strong networks right across the electorate, dating back to his childhood and uni days.
“For Barnaby there is nothing else but New England, and I get the sense that he’s relishing the opportunity to get back to his roots.”
Senator Joyce grew up on his family’s farm at Woolbrook and studied at the University of New England, where he met his wife Natalie.
Mr Blair said that Senator Joyce could now step up his campaign for New England.
“Barnaby has a huge job to do – to bring in a new government and make sure that New England has a voice in that government.
“I’m sure that the people of New England will be seeing a lot of Barnaby in times to come.”
Pre-selection for the state seat of Northern Tablelands will take place next Saturday, April 20 in Armidale.
