It’s official – this morning, Rob Oakeshott, Port Macquarie resident and the one-time independent for Lyne, announced he would be standing for the seat of Cowper in this year’s Federal election.
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“The reason is simple – if I don’t, nothing will happen locally and nothing will change politically,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“Competition is wonderful – it allows all the frustrations to rise to the surface and given a chance to be aired.
“I’ve been out of politics for five years. I’ve been watching and I feel completely frustrated – the State Government focus is on multi million dollar road and rail projects in Sydney and politics in Canberra is dysfunctional. I feel an obligation to step up.”
He said with more than two decades experience in the red tape of government, he offers the possibility of change with the added value of his past political life.
“This is my point of difference – I have a track record of results and with me voters can send a message to State and Federal governments about their disappointment in the political landscape. I offer the best of both worlds.
I know the current Prime Minister and the potential alternative – that’s a pretty good option.
- Rob Oakeshott
Mr Oakeshott said this time around he is embarking on a marathon, not like the sprint he made at the last Federal election.
“I clearly left my run too late last time … you learn from your mistakes. This time we have a big team and we will be making a number of policy announcements in the coming weeks.”
He remains, as ever, as champion of small business and its role in creating jobs.
“The 22 per cent rate of youth unemployment in the Coffs Harbour/Nambucca region is a national disgrace and needs much more attention. There has been a lot of talk in this space but no real action. Small business are hurting because it is they who carry the brunt of all the government regulations.”
The National Broadband Network is also in his sights.
“The situation in Bellingen is a shocker and symbolic of a national policy change that was a disaster.
“Fibre to the kerb is an ugly compromise.
“We need fibre to the premises, we need it on the Mid North Coast, we need it to all Australian residents and we need it sooner rather than later.”
When asked his response to Labor candidate Andrew Woodward’s call that Mr Oakeshott’s candidature would see the seat go to Nationals candidate Patrick Conaghan, he answered: “And the Nationals will say me standing will advantage the Labor vote – I must be walking the right line.
“I think people can see the game that is being played here.”
Mr Oakeshott will be at the Bellingen Community Markets this Saturday from 9am.
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Also making the news:
Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
