Land and people our common interest: Candidates

The unsuccessful candidates who ran for the seat of Parkes this federal election have tipped their hats to an enjoyable and respectful campaign. Libertarian candidate Sally Edwards and Labor candidate Nathan Fell conceded defeat in the days following when Nationals candidate Jamie Chaffey was declared winner with almost 63 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote. While not the result Mr Fell would have liked, he did take comfort in knowing there had been a five per cent swing in his favour. "Being such a safe Nationals seat there was a 5.2 per cent swing to Labor and almost a nine per cent swing away from Nationals," Mr Fell said. "From my point of view it's absolutely a win. "These things take time and it takes time for people to decide and see that there may be a better option out there. "It takes time to get that message out." The 30-year-old from Broken Hill thanked Labor Member of the Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence from Dubbo and Senator Deborah O'Neill who both helped and supported him through his campaign. "I was able to draw from their wisdom and they really helped me out especially on the eastern side of the electorate," he said. "And thank you to the whole team who did an incredible job in a short amount of time. "I had a great time campaigning, I wish it was still going, I met so many people," he said, reflecting on the 6900km he covered in the electorate over 18-19 days, including visits to Parkes and Forbes. On Sunday morning Ms Edwards posted to social media congratulating and thanking Mr Chaffey for his willingness to represent the electorate and rural and regional Australia. "Thank you and congratulations to all the candidates in the Parkes Electorate (and their volunteers), it has been a respectful campaign and an enjoyable pre poll and election day," she wrote. "Congratulations Jamie on your likely election, all the best to you and your family for this journey. "Thank you to all those who voted for me to represent the Parkes electorate, it is such an honor and responsibility." Ms Edwards, who comes from the Warrumbungle region, told her supporters and voters she plans to continue to advocate and represent the electorate's communities, and rural and regional Australia. "It is important we stand up for our region," she said. "We can all work together to continue to fight for our communities and regions, and support Jamie in his position from the opposition. "It is our genuine care for the land and people across the Parkes electorate that we all have in common and a reason to continue to work together." Mr Fell plans to keep advocating for communities in whatever way he can as a citizen. "I do want to look at domestic violence and what we can do to help out with that," he said. "It affects everywhere including Parkes and Forbes, and Dubbo is holding a rally this weekend." He'd also like to support and help youth more. "I think youth crime is the result of larger issues," Mr Fell said. "If we can help them in some way by giving them a sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment, we can help change that. "It's an issue in Bourke and Moree, and even further south like Forbes. "The small platform that I may have now after this federal election can be a sounding board or noticeboard for community advocacy."

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