NEW England MP Tony Windsor will hold a community meeting in Tamworth next week to set the record straight on regional issues.
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The independent MP this morning announced that a public meeting would be held next Thursday at the Tamworth Capitol Theatre from 7pm.
He says he’ll address the community on his agreement to form government, the operation of the hung parliament and will respond to criticisms of the “independent brand”.
The National Broadband network, the Chaffey Dam augmentation, Tamworth Hospital development, the Barraba Pipeline, the reform of the Murray Darling Basin and federal reforms for the assessment of coal seam gas also are on the agenda.
He’ll also provide the community with updates on major projects underway in the New England electorate.
Mr Windsor said community members are also invited to ask questions about any issues they have.
“There has never been a parliament in which a country MP hasn’t held the balance of power,” Mr Windsor said. “However, in most parliaments, country MPs have allowed themselves to be dominated by a city-based political party that determines how they vote, regardless of their constituents.
“I haven’t needed to be propped up by a political party to represent the people of the New England and negotiate with this government or any previous government, whether Labor or Liberal, state or federal.
“In almost every election I’ve contested, the National Party has tried to bully local people into voting for them by threatening that they could be overlooked by a possible Coalition government.
“But history shows that the New England has been generously funded under both Coalition and Labor governments.
“Every Prime Minister says after every election that they will govern for all Australians and for people to say otherwise is blatant scaremongering.
“I look forward to the opportunity to inform the community of the work I have been doing on their behalf and I look forward to.”
Mr Windsor held a similar meeting in Armidale on November 15.