GOVERNMENT LOCAL | STATE | FEDERAL

FEDERAL POLITICS: POSTED 02 MARCH 2016

Statement by Andrew Gee MP on seeking Calare pre-selection

Andrew Gee MP, the National Party Member for Orange in the NSW Parliament has announced that he will be seeking party pre-selection for the seat of Calare in the upcoming Federal Election.

He has issued the following statement:

“Today I am announcing that I am putting myself forward as a candidate for National Party pre-selection for the Federal seat of Calare.

“This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly — especially because I’m acutely aware of my current responsibilities representing 74,500 people in the State electorate that I love. We’ve got some exciting projects on the move and potentially walking away from them would not be an easy thing to do.

“In coming to this decision I’ve discussed the issue with my family, local party members and constituents extensively. Another important factor was that it has been made clear to me via senior Federal Party figures that, should I ultimately be lucky enough to succeed in the preselection and then the general election, I would be a very welcome addition to the Federal party room — which was really encouraging.

“Having weighed it all up I’ve decided to seek pre-selection because there is, right now, a real opportunity for the Federal Government to get some things done that will make a real difference to the lives of the people of this region.

“With a new Nationals Federal leadership team and a Coalition Government with momentum behind it, the time is now and it’s an opportunity we need to seize on so many fronts.

“Pre-selections are gruelling processes and I am in no doubt about how difficult this one will be. I think it will be a very close contest and the outcome is uncertain.

“Should I not succeed at this pre-selection it is my intention to return to my duties as the Nationals’ State Member for the Orange Electorate.

“I would encourage all party members to attend the pre-selection in Bathurst on 30 April 30.”

The National Party has five branches in Calare — Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Lithgow and Wellington — with each branch having the opportunity to nominate a single candidate for pre-selection on 30 April. Other candidates can be nominated through the party’s head office.

Gee will be seeking nomination through the Orange Branch, which will make its decision at a meeting on 12 March.

Based on media release issued by Andrew Gee.

Andrew Gee ... "there is, right now, a real opportunity for the Federal Government to get some things done that will make a real difference to the lives of the people of this region."