INDEPENDENT candidate for New England, Tony Windsor has aimed criticism at Barnaby Joyce for funding that has mysteriously “reappeared” for a major road upgrade near Tenterfield.
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Speaking in relation to the $24 million funding commitment for the Mt Lindsay Rd between Legume and Woodenbong, Mr Windsor has claimed Mr Joyce lost the funding in 2013 and it has now “reappeared” because the former MP was back in the race.
“In my book, Windsor’s Way, I recall the meeting I had with Mr Joyce to provide him with some background to the ongoing issues of the New England electorate,” Mr Windsor said.
“A quote from Mr Joyce in that meeting was, ‘You know, Tony, until you had decided not to run I had money for the Armidale hospital, as well as funding for the Legume to Woodenbong Rd.
“Mr Joyce said that the decision had come from (Tony) Abbott’s office.”
Mr Windsor said the timing of his election promise in relation to the road upgrade was of interest considering Mr Windsor had now thrown his hat back into the ring.
“I’m flattered. The National Party must have polling that shows their Deputy Prime Minister is at risk of defeat, and so they are being forced to go back to trying to buy votes.
“They have tried this tactic before and have it backfire.
“The people of New England know they can have their cake and eat it too,” Mr Windsor said.