Gippsland by-election
I hope Darren Chester wins the Gippsland by-election. The seat has always been held by the Country Party/Nationals and until such time as they self destruct I hope that continues.
There is a demonstrated need, in my view, for an independent country party. That’s why I’m both encouraged and discouraged by this week’s decision on the single desk wheat bill, where the Nationals stood alone.
Some said they should speak out more often, while others said they would be irrelevant if they did so. I take the former view, which I think is sadly in the minority. The Nationals should quit the coalition in opposition and forget the merger talk.
Back to Darren Chester. I think there but the grace of God go I. He is 40 years old with four children and previously worked as a journalist.
I’m 41 years old, have four children and currently work as a journalist. I was Victorian state president of the Young Nationals in 1984.
When I helped organise the Gippsland Grand Young National Steeple, local MP Peter McGauran jokingly accused me of scheming his demise and plotting a by-election.
It took me a while to get the joke, that he might stumble over a jump. At that time, I honestly had no political ambitions.
Peter rode successfully in the event, which was held on his family’s property.
Funnily I have only met Darren Chester a couple of times that I can recall, although he succeeded me (plus one) as executive officer of Champions of the Bush.
The main difference between us is that he stayed in Victoria whereas I pursued employment opportunities in South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Who knows? If I had stayed in Gippsland the whole time I probably would have been a contender for pre-selection.
Truth is, at this stage of my life I wouldn’t want it and this is where I sympathise with Darren. At his age, with four children, he is not going to see much of them over the next few years (if he wins).
I guess he can take them to Canberra occasionally and to electorate functions, but it’s not the same as a lazy weekend at home or a family trip to the beach.
I don’t regret my career choices. I’m happy to be living in a major regional centre and working in a role where I can hopefully influence the advancement of this community, perhaps more so than any politician.
I’m not Labor, Liberal or National these days. I support the concept of an independent country party, but there is no such thing any more.
Despite that I will always care about Gippsland, where I grew up, and I wish Darren Chester every success.
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Tags: family, gippsland, life, politics
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This is Joanne I can’t believe the acts of some people isn’t Australia about free speech, and letting people know the truth. Even if it hurts. Who I say deleted my response on the National Canidate. I will again submit because the public need to know even if it is nearly closure time for the Gippsland By Election.
Hi Joanne, this is a personal blog. I’m not interested in hosting comments here that are critical of individuals regarding their personal lives.
While I’m here … I found it very interesting to read in The Age today that Julian McGauran has contributed an estimated $40,000 towards the Liberal candidate’s campaign.