Labor's preference deal threatens future of Royalties for Regions, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 31-January-2012
Blackwood-Stirling MLA Terry Redman says Labor’s plan to preference Liberal candidates in Nationals’ held country seats is a slap in the face to regional WA and a cynical political ploy that country voters will see straight through.
Mr Redman said, “Regional communities are immensely supportive of Royalties for Regions and if Labor thinks selling country voters out is the way to shore up their flagging support then they’ve made a serious error of judgement.
“If Labor has any respect or regard for country people then it would back R4R rather than obsessing about getting rid of the Nationals who initiated this regional fund and are dedicated to safeguarding its future.
“It’s disappointing that Labor is clearly so focussed on eradicating the Nationals and undermining Royalties for Regions that it is prepared to sell its soul to preference the Liberals.”
Mr Redman said ‘Country Labor’ Members such as Peter Watson and Mick Murray would be letting their constituents and regional WA down if they failed to take a stand against Labor’s preference plan.
“Our Royalties for Regions initiative will have invested over $3 billion into new regional projects by the next election including into health, schools, regional development, regional events and community projects.
“Many of Country Labor’s constituents have benefited from R4R programs and initiatives including the $500 Age Pension Fuel Card yet country Labor MP’s are apparently happy to see those programs jeopardised for the sake of a grubby political ploy.
“More than 40,000 country pensioners receive the Fuel Card including those who are elderly, disabled, widowed or caring for a family member.
“Many of those pensioners may have been traditional Labor voters but I’m sure they would be reconsidering how they vote in the knowledge that Labor is threatening the existence of the Fuel Card and a whole range of other programs.
“We are unapologetically supporting regional WA and the fact is Labor doesn’t like it,” Mr Redman said.
