Drayton: “Make the most of it”

“I would definitely encourage people to make the most of these unusual times because no matter who wins on Saturday, you can be assured that the National Party will forget about us again,” says Labor candidate Jeff Drayton.

Mr Drayton has urged Upper Hunter residents to make the most of the final two days of the by-election campaign before “voting for a change” on Saturday. 

“In just six weeks we have had some good wins: Kayuga rural fire brigade getting a station, Singleton getting the full bypass it deserves and Muswellbrook Hospital getting an operating theatre for its surgical ward,” Mr Drayton said.

“So I’m urging residents to enjoy this flurry of interest. Spot a National while you can, then vote for a candidate who will fight for you every day of the year, not just during a crucial by-election. That’s what I will do,” he said.  

“One thing is certain though, the Nationals will go missing again after Saturday, just like they were missing for 90 years,” he said.

Mr Drayton said the six-week by-election campaign has exposed the National Party’s neglect and if elected, he will fight for the Upper Hunter’s “fair share.”

“I’ve lived in this electorate all my life and I know our roads, hospitals and schools have been badly neglected. That’s why I put my hand up. Six weeks of campaigning has given me a deeper understanding of the true level of need in our communities, whether its emergency housing or caseworker support for our at-risk kids,” Mr Drayton said.

“We send $800 million a year to Sydney in mining royalties and we shouldn’t have to beg for services and infrastructure taken for granted in the city, ” he said.

“This election will be close. A vote for the National Party means our region will just keep sending money down to Sydney while getting nothing in return,” he said.

“I’m asking voters to give me a chance, so I can fight for our fair share,” said Mr Drayton.

For more information on where candidates stand: Voting 101: Upper Hunter by-election.