JAMIE Chaffey, the Nationals’ candidate for Parkes at the upcoming May 3 federal election, says he has some big shoes to fill with the retirement of Mark Coulton – big shoes that cover a huge area across rural New South Wales.

“We know Parkes is by far the biggest federal electorate in New South Wales, with some of the most

isolated communities in the country,” Mr Chaffey said.

“With Mark retiring, I’m standing as Nationals candidate for the Parkes electorate. If I’m fortunate

enough to be elected, I know I will have big shoes to fill, there’s no doubt about that.

“Mark, with the support of his wife Robyn, has been an outstanding Member of Parliament,” he said.

Since being pre-selected last year, Mr Chaffey has driven more than 25,000 kilometres and knocked on over 16000 doors – “so I can listen to the issues that concern people the most”.

“What am I being told? There’s a lot of anger about the impact of Labor’s policies on households and small businesses,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Front of mind is the rising cost of living, which doesn’t discriminate when doing the weekly shop, filling up at the fuel station, when the power bill comes in and when the mortgage payment goes out.”

Jamie Chaffey in Moree recently. He says the rising cost of living doesn’t discriminate when doing the weekly shop, filling up at the fuel station, when the power bill comes in and when the mortgage payment goes out.

Mr Chaffey says families need a hand.

“There are no two ways about that,” he said.

“We need greater cost-of-living support and improved access to childcare. I want young people to be able to buy a house, raise a family, have job security, get ahead, stay in the communities where they grew up, and encourage economic develop to attract new people to town.

“Business people I’ve spoken to, tell me about their power bills, the cost of employing staff – in a nutshell, the cost of doing business and staying in business,” Mr Chaffey said.

“That’s why I’m backing greater support for the small business sector – the engine room of Australia – and a sensible energy policy. Australia needs affordable and reliable energy.

“Rest assured, I understand what business people are saying – my wife and I ran our family business in Gunnedah for almost 30 years.

“I also worry about what the future holds for our kids,” he said.

“I’m asking for voters’ support at the election, so I can go into bat for you. I can’t promise to

solve all these issues, but what I can promise is, that if I’m elected, I will put my heart and

soul into standing up for the people of the Parkes electorate,” he said.

The National Party has in recent weeks been committing to electorate funding if returned at the May 3 election, including the installation of a playground at Pitt Stop corner in the Forbes CBD.

Mr Chaffey said if he’s elected, $345,000 will be provided to construct a playground to benefit young children and the general community.

“A lot of work has already gone into this space, and I’m proud that this pledge will build on that and allow young children to play in a safe environment, as well as create an area for socialising, light exercise and a place to host community events,” Mr Chaffey said.

“This project is more than just play equipment, it will create a thriving family and community destination.

“I believe in this project, the Council believes in this project and The National Party believes in this project.

Earlier, Mr Chaffey said if elected, and The Nationals help form government, $275,142 will be provided to refurbish the Barmedman Community Centre with stage furnishings and curtains, new blinds, ramp, landing and signage, as well as upgrades to the air-conditioning and electrics.

“These upgrades will provide greater capacity for the centre to host large events such as weddings, funerals and birthday parties. Currently there is no disabled access, so a ramp is desperately needed,” Mr Chaffey said.

“This is my commitment, and The Nationals commitment to the Bland Shire, because we believe in regional communities and want to support projects that will make Barmedman an even better place to live.

“I’m thrilled to be backing the Barmedman community by pledging this commitment and supporting a locally driven solution,” he said.