The state’s youngest member Adam Marshall lost no time on his first day in Parliament last Tuesday, asking a question on the progress of the government’s regional development policies just after he had been officially sworn in by the Speaker.
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He said he had been warmly welcomed by his Coalition colleagues and then immediately thrust into the business of Parliament.
“It’s what I was elected to do, to be a strong advocate for the people of the Northern Tablelands and regional and rural areas of NSW,” he said.
“The Coalition has made a commitment to strengthen the regions and I am pleased to be part of the team to deliver these outcomes and to ensure the Northern Tablelands receives its fair share of funding for infrastructure and services.”
Mr Marshall said state funding announced during the five week campaign included $47,000 for Warialda Library, $25,000 for Inverell Library, $1.3 million for Guyra to Ebor Road, $3.5 million for Emu Creek Bridge near Bundarra, $30,000 for Uralla Library and $200,000 for the Freeman House programs in Armidale, in addition to the $1.6 million for Glen Innes airport.
“These are all important projects for local communities,” he said.
“But there’s a lot more to do and I have already received many representations on other issues and ventures that need state government support. So it’s down to work immediately.”
Mr Marshall’s by-election victory, recording 62 per cent of the primary vote with a swing of 35 per cent to the Nationals, was the largest ever achieved at a NSW by-election.
“I thank the people of the Northern Tablelands for this vote of confidence and I know it comes with an expectation that I will strongly represent the interests of our region,” he said.
“Over the last few months I have travelled right across the electorate and have met many people wanting their issues taken to Parliament and the government. I take that responsibility very seriously and look forward to serving the best interests of our region as part of the Coalition team.”