OUR UNIQUE COMMUNITIES HAVE A VOICE IN GOVERNMENT

Thursday, 12 May 2011 01:00

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Family, friends and supporters filled the gallery of the NSW Legislative Assembly today as the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson delivered a well polished but altogether humble inaugural speech to the parliament.

Mr Anderson devoted fully a third of his time to thank those who had contributed to his long journey to becoming the representative of the Tamworth electorate in the new Government.

It was a chance to reflect on that journey, and Mr Anderson's enjoyed the opportunity to thank and introduce wife, Anna and children William (12), Ella (9) and Sam (5) to the parliament.

William's mean out-swinger, Ella's national netball future and Sam's prowess at walking backwards - and even laughing until he wet himself - are now the talk of all the members.

"I wanted to start out how I am going to continue and I want my family to be involved in and understand what I am doing when I'm down here in Sydney," Mr Anderson told media afterwards.

But the community was the central theme of his inaugural speech and Mr Anderson said his role was first and foremost to represent the interests of all of his constituents.

"It's interesting to note that Tamworth has been Independent heartland since 1991... and I understand why.

"This is an electorate that will not tolerate being told what to do, an electorate that wants their voice heard and then acted upon.

"In short, they want their representative to put them first and any party second. I get that.

'I make that commitment and say to them and you all here today, I will always make their voice heard."

Mr Anderson said our communities must come first – each is unique with special qualities that contribute to our region as a whole.

"Like the Tamworth Country Music Festival – one of the top ten festivals in the world

The Nundle "Go for Gold festival" embracing Chinese culture

Manilla's famous Mt Borah - home of the World paragliding championships

Werris Creek – the first railway town in New South Wales with a beautiful station and museum

Gunnedah – the koala capitol of the world

And Barraba – with its frost over Barraba festival"

"All great areas and events that play an important role in strengthening our region and exposing it to more and more visitors each year. "

"Each community in the electorate has its own needs and wants – I do not believe that one size fits all. Decisions affecting our people must be in consultation with them – not directed from the 35th floor of an office block in Sydney.

"If there is battle to be had to ensure our people are looked after then we will have that battle – we will stand side by side and contest."