THE electorates of Lyne and New England share more than a border.
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The Nationals’ candidates in each of the electorates – David Gillespie in Lyne and Barnaby Joyce in New England - are on the campaign trail in a bid to return the respective electorates to the party’s fold.
And their chances were buoyed with the announcement the independents, Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott and New England MP Tony Windsor, would not contest the federal election.
High-profile Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce joined Mr Gillespie on the campaign trail in Port Macquarie a fortnight after the two independents’ retirement announcements and Kevin Rudd’s return as Prime Minister.
The campaign trail continues to beckon for Mr Joyce and Mr Gillespie: “People can smell conceit on your breath from 100 yards in the country,” Senator Joyce said. “You just keep working very hard and earn those people’s respect.”
The Nationals preselected Senator Joyce to stand for the seat of New England after Richard Torbay’s fall from grace.
Senator Joyce reflected on the state of play in federal politics with Mr Rudd as Prime Minister.
“With the polls tightening, I’m concerned that we are a 50-50 chance of getting the chaos back for another three years,” Senator Joyce said.
He supports the local government referendum, which if successful, would secure federal government funding such as the Roads to Recovery program directly to councils, but is critical of the government’s approach.
“We want financial recognition [of local government in the constitution] because we want to be able to continue those programs that are so important in these local areas,” Senator Joyce said.
Meanwhile, The Nationals’ duo met people in the streets on Wednesday and talked with regional development representatives and road contractors.
Mr Gillespie said he appreciated Senator Joyce taking the time to campaign with him.
“He has clarity of thought and a focus that is admirable and an understanding of issues in his portfolio,” Mr Gillespie said.
Senator Joyce is opposition spokesman for regional development, local government and water and The Nationals leader in the Senate.
Mr Gillespie said Senator Joyce’s visit sent a powerful message they were part of a team.