General news
11 April, 2025
Parkes pre-election showdown on Sunday in Dubbo
Candidates go head-to-head for first time
AS the Australian federal election draws near, the race for the Parkes seat is heating up, with five candidates set to face off in a highly anticipated forum at the Dubbo RSL this Sunday, April 13, at 4pm.
With just three weeks to go until election day on Saturday, May 3, this event will be the first opportunity for voters in Parkes to hear from the candidates in a direct, face-to-face debate. The candidates participating in the forum include Jamie Chaffey from the National Party, Maurice Davey from Family First, Sally Edwards from the Libertarian Party, Trish Frail from the Greens, and Nathan Fell from the Australian Labor Party. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of priorities to the table, aiming to secure the Parkes electorate - a vast and diverse region encompassing both urban and rural communities and approximately 51% of NSW and the state’s biggest seat.
Jamie Chaffey (National Party)
Representing the National Party, Jamie Chaffey is focused on delivering policies that support rural and regional Australia. Replacing the incumbent candidate, the outgoing Mark Coulton, who served diligently for 17 years as a voice for the bush, Chaffey has big shoes to fill should he be elected. A former Gunnedah Mayor, Chaffey's campaign is rooted in advocating for improved infrastructure, stronger agricultural policies, and better healthcare and education services for communities across the electorate. His platform stresses the importance of job creation in rural areas, more infrastructure and the continued development of regional economies like Barmedman should he and his party be elected. Chaffey is a strong proponent of protecting traditional industries and securing funding for vital regional projects. The Nats as part of the Coalition, are also seeking to give citizens more of their own gas and energy supply to drive prices down, invest in nuclear energy to help reduce reliance on green and non-renewables, minimise migration and international student intake to help resolve housing, and assist the small business sector that is still struggling since COVID.
Maurice Davey (Family First)
Maurice Davey, running under the Family First banner, is campaigning with a platform that promotes traditional family values, social conservatism, and community-focused policies. Family First, known for its stance on strengthening family units and protecting Australian values, has been vocal about its opposition to excessive government interference in people's lives. Davey is committed to policies that aim to strengthen Australian communities, promote personal responsibility, and support policies that encourage economic growth through family-friendly policies. A man of faith and sound work ethic, Davey and Family First like the Coalition, also stand for nuclear, prioritising Australians through the release and use of our own resources such as gas and the availability of more land for housing by cutting red tape and minimising immigration.
Sally Edwards (Libertarian Party)
Sally Edwards, representing the Libertarian Party, promotes a platform centred around individual freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government intervention. The Libertarian Party may be a surprise packet this election as they seem to sit firmly between the major parties and offer simple, no-nonsense alternatives to business as usual approach we get from the majors parties. Edwards believes in reducing taxes, cutting red tape, and promoting free-market policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Her focus is on giving people more control over their lives by minimising government involvement in sectors such as education, healthcare, and welfare. Edwards' approach to the Parkes electorate emphasises the importance of individual rights and freedoms while promoting minimal state interference in daily life. Led by former Liberal and United Australia Party member Craig Kelly, the Libertarian Party, are also staunch advocates for rural communities, advocating for farmers, industry and infrastructure in the regions. Edwards is also a champion for small business and the bush life as is the Libertarian Party.
Trish Frail (The Greens)
Trish Frail, from The Greens, brings an environmentally driven campaign to the table, focusing on climate change action, sustainability, and social justice. The Greens advocate for a transition to renewable energy sources, carbon reduction policies, and investment in public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. Frail is pushing for stronger environmental protections, higher investment in education and healthcare, and increased support for marginalised communities. A proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina Shire and a local councillor, her policies are geared toward building a more equitable, sustainable future for Parkes and Australia as a whole. Like the Greens, she stands for affordable and sustainable housing, a cleaner environment and green energy supply.
Nathan Fell (Australian Labor Party)
Nathan Fell, from the Australian Labor Party (ALP), presents a platform of progressive change, with a strong emphasis on workers’ rights, social equity, and healthcare reform. Only a week into his candidacy after his launch in Broken Hill last week, Fell's policies aim to make life more affordable for families, tackle climate change with a focus on green jobs, and provide more funding for public services. His focus is on ensuring that Parkes receives fair representation in the federal government, with particular attention to policies that support workers, farmers, and vulnerable communities. Fell is also advocating for better healthcare services and stronger action on climate change. The challenge for Fell with an Albanese ALP government seeking a second term, is how does he convince voters they are better off now than four years ago and why they should persevere with Labor after it prioritised The Voice over the whole population, a failed Digital ID, a weakening of the US-Australia relationship and an energy and housing crisis?
A Chance for Voters to Engage
The Parkes candidates forum promises to be an informative event for the electorate, allowing voters to hear firsthand from those vying for their support. With just three weeks left until the May 3 election, this forum offers a critical opportunity to engage with the candidates and learn more about their policies, values, and plans for the future of the region.
Voters will be able to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of where each candidate stands on key issues impacting the Parkes electorate, including rural development, climate change, healthcare, and social policies.
The forum will take place at the Dubbo RSL on Sunday, April 13, starting at 4pm. It is free and open to the public, and will be streamed on the WWA Facebook page. All are encouraged to attend and participate in the democratic process.
People are encouraged to submit questions to organisers at -
parkesdubbocandidatesforum@gmail.com
Or contact Rachelle Jane 0419 844 477 or Amanda 0418 277 370
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