February 25, 2025
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he is thrilled to attend the opening of the Taree campaign office for The Nationals’ candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold.
Mr Littleproud said Ms Penfold has hit the ground running and has already heard from families across the electorate, who are struggling with Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s crucial that Lyne has a fierce and experienced advocate on their side because locals desperately need help when it comes to their grocery bills, their power bills, their insurance bills and almost every single other expense,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Last week’s interest rate cut will unfortunately only offset one of 12 rate rises under Labor. Families with a typical mortgage have spent an additional $50,000 of interest since Labor came to government and it will do nothing to offset the cost of rents and the local rental crisis.
“Families all across the Mid Coast, Dungog, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Maitland and Port Stephens are also still waiting for their $275 power bill reduction, which never came. In fact, energy bills under Labor have cost $1000 more.
”Ms Penfold was raised and educated in the Manning Valley and has an extensive background in government and private enterprise.
“Alison has worked as the CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council and will always back our agriculture industry and our farmers.
“Alison also knows the electorate and the issues that matter, having worked for former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, as a senior adviser for The Nationals and for retiring MP David Gillespie, who has fought to ease our energy crisis by introducing gas in the short-term and nuclear in the long-term.
”Ms Penfold said she is ready to be a strong voice for Lyne and follow the legacy of Dr David Gillespie, who has been a champion for the region since 2013.
“I’ve been to every corner of the electorate, talking to people about what matters to them and their families,” Ms Penfold said.
“My local campaign is centred around delivering on the issues that really matter to the families, businesses and industries of this electorate.
“People want safer roads, better and affordable access to health and aged care services, better telecommunications and getting the economy back on track so our businesses and industries can succeed.
“I am ready to be a hardworking member of The Nationals team in Parliament and a loud, proud and strong voice for Lyne."
Our priorities are building stronger regional economies and secure communities, delivering opportunity and prosperity for all regional Australians, and ensuring a sustainable environment.
Stronger, more secure, sustainable local communities that provide the opportunity for everyone to prosper will deliver a stronger, more secure and sustainable nation.
The Nationals commitment to the national interest does not stop there. The Nationals provide a considered and common sense perspective on all elements of Government policy and a balance between Australia’s political extremes.
