Peter Draper
FORMER independent state member for Tamworth Peter Draper yesterday told The Leader he was shocked by the chain of events surrounding independent member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay.
Mr Draper said Mr Torbay had always been approachable and that recent news was “sad”.
“He had devoted a large portion of his life to vigorously representing the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Draper said.
“He was good on the floor of the house and, in my dealings with him, was always willing to listen and provide advice.”
When speaking about the shock he felt following the announcement Mr Torbay had resigned as the member for Northern Tablelands, Mr Draper said he had also been shocked when Mr Torbay made the decision to throw his hat into the ring for the federal seat of New England as a member of the National Party.
“Because I don’t believe the National Party has represented the interests of rural and regional Australia for some time,” Mr Draper said.