Nationals begin campaign at Ravensworth

RAVENSWORTH Mine was chosen by the Deputy Premier John Barilaro to launch the Coalition campaign for the seat of Upper Hunter today and introduce their candidate David Layzell.

Mr Barilaro urged voters to acknowledge the National Party strong financial track record and not change jockeys mid-race.

“Our track record impressive and we’re not going to go through this election trying to buy votes,” Mr Barilaro said.

David Layzell, Dungog local and father of four, said even though the mining industry is one of the biggest economic drivers in the Upper Hunter, he doesn’t think the election will be won or lost on the mining vote. 

“It’s going to be won or lost on how we can manage the key families here, keep them working, keep the services in the small towns, keep the roads open, I think they’re the things we’re going to be going to the by-election on,” Mr Layzell said.

“I have no doubt coal mining is very important to the Upper Hunter. It is a huge job creator. There is not one family in the Upper Hunter that does not know someone that either works in a mine or works in one of the support industries,” he said.

“This is a business of selling coal to the world, whilst the world wants coal I think we should continue to sell it,” he said.

Barilaro said the National Party is not pushing a pro-coal message to target Upper Hunter voters. 

“It’s not just pro coal, this is pro jobs, good jobs, jobs for generations and jobs for our kids,” Mr Barilaro said.

“There is nothing on the horizon that says these jobs shouldn’t be secure, that these jobs are somehow disappearing,” he said.

“We will transition in time, but that will be market driven not government intervention,” he said.