Pete Mailler will contest the New England by-election under the CountryMinded banner.
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Mr Mailler said it was important that the New England by-election was a contest.
“I am pleased to accept the endorsement of the Executive of CountryMinded to stand and push for a better deal for the people of the New England,” he said.
Mr Mailler said he recognised the natural sympathy people have towards Barnaby Joyce and his disqualification, but he was adamant there was a lot more to think about in this election.
“Regardless of why we are having a by-election, it is an election and it should be contested on its merits.”
“The voters in New England have an extraordinary opportunity to influence politics positively for their electorate and the nation because this election effects the Coalition’s one seat majority.”
The result of this ballot determines what happens to the Coalition’s one seat majority in Canberra.
“New England voters have got a genuine opportunity to secure a better political deal from this election. To get a better outcome they must not return the Nationals,” Mr Mailler said.
Mr Mailler said he was not advocating any change in who forms government, but said there was a unique opportunity to politically leverage the government’s need for confidence and supply to maintain their hold on power.
“The Coalition will be motivated to retain office for the maximum possible term. They must deal with whoever holds the seat of New England on behalf of the electorate, unless that person is already a member of the Coalition.”
“In other words, Barnaby Joyce can’t leverage the political power on offer to the electorate of New England, to get a better deal from this government from this election.”
“This election is a pivotal moment in the future of New England and for rural and regional Australia generally. This election is an opportunity to show that the New England electorate can’t be taken for granted by any political party and is an opportunity to secure better political outcomes for our rural and regional communities.”
Mr Mailler, who last year stood for the senate, is a 46 year old grain and cattle producer. He is married with four children. He is a former grain industry leader and graduate of the prestigious Australian Rural Leadership Program.