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The two independents from Northern New South Wales who backed Julia Gillard to form a minority government in 2010 have announced they will leave politics.
The Independent for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott and New England MP Tony Windsor have announced they will not run in the September election.
Mr Oakeshott admitted that the last three years have been the toughest of his life and that after 17years in the public eye it was the right time to retire.
Reaction from candidates for the seat of Lyne – in order of appearance Ian Oxenford (Greens)
Peter Alley (ALP) and David Gillespie (Nationals)
Mr Oakeshott denied that his decision was prompted by fear of losing the upcoming election.
“Those who throw opinions around and try to bully and push members of parliament from the sidelines – they’re nothing,” he said.
Only hours after Mr Oakeshott announced his decision, Mr Windsor also announced he didn’t want to be in politics in another three years.
Mr Windsor said his family didn’t want him to stand again and he has a health issue that needs to be addressed.
“As much as I like election campaigns, my wife doesn’t,” he said. “I do have a health issue that’s currently being investigated.”
At a press conference this morning Mr Oakshott described Tony Windsor as the best in the business.
On the street – reactions to Windsors resignation
Mr Windsor’s resignation now leaves the contest for the seat of New England between Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce and 21st Century Australia Jamie McIntyre.
Mr McIntyre released a statement saying
“I said all along that once Tony Windsor realises that he will come third behind Barnaby and me, he will resign rather than face a massive defeat”.
“Windsor has paid the ultimate price for betraying New England and Australia by backing Gillard, despite the fact that only 8 per cent of the New England voters in 2010 supported Labor. Moving forward as an Australian voter and tax payer I am sick of voters not electing the Prime Minister.”
Mr Joyce wished Mr Windsor all the best for the future.
“When you are on the football paddock you always have immense respect for the toughest of players that you come across in politics. They do not come any tougher than the member for New England.
I have never doubted his focus on the people of New England. At times obviously I questioned his mechanism, but today is his.
I wish Tony, Lyn, Andrew, Kate and Tom all the success and health of their future time together and personally thank Tony for all his endeavours over so many years in State and Federal politics.”
I support Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott’s decision to step down, it will be in the best interest for voters of both New England and Lyne electorates. It is time for change and I believe that change will be implemented by Jamie McIntyre and 21st Century Australia. 21st Century Australia’s vision for our country is definitely one worth looking into. I am continuously reading articles in the local papers about their policies and ideas for the New England, I would encourage anyone interested in building our area and our nation to have a look http://www.21stcenturyaustralia.com.au
Thank God, like Gillard, they betrayed the people that voted for them. What a debacle it has been!