CHESTER WELCOMES BULL’S ELECTION
November 28, 2010
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the election of Tim Bull as the State Member for Gippsland East.
Mr Chester said he was looking forward to working in partnership with Mr Bull on several key projects throughout the region including improvements to the Gippsland Lakes; securing funding for the Princes Highway east of Sale; and upgrading the Macalister Irrigation District.
“To achieve a primary vote in excess of 40% during his first election campaign was an extraordinary effort and all credit must go to Tim and his campaign supporters,” Mr Chester said.
“I’ve known Tim for more than 15 years and I believe he will be an outstanding Member of Parliament. He understands local issues and the needs of local communities.”
Mr Chester said the collapse in the Labor Party vote to less than 10% was a reflection on the Melbourne focus of the Bracks and Brumby Governments.
“There’s a widespread concern in East Gippsland that Melbourne-based Labor and Greens politicians are having too much influence on our lives and threatening jobs in our traditional industries like agriculture, timber harvesting and commercial fishing,” Mr Chester said.
“We need people like Tim Bull who are prepared to stand up and fight for our interests in State Parliament.
“Across Gippsland and throughout regional Victoria, the sitting Nationals MPs recorded strong increases in their primary votes as a direct result of their willingness to put the needs of their local communities first.
“It was a very good result for The Nationals and I’m hopeful that the Coalition will pick up the required seats to form government.”
Mr Chester has also extended his best wishes to defeated MP Craig Ingram.
“We may have disagreed on policies from time to time but I respect his dedication and commitment to East Gippsland during 11 years in Parliament,” Mr Chester said.
