Parties Don't.......

MEDIA RELEASE

LOUISE BURGE – PARTIES DON’T KNOW OR CARE

Independent candidate for Farrer, Louise Burge, said the way in which regional areas had been treated with such disregard by the Federal Liberal Party had to stop at this election.

Mrs Burge, standing against a sitting Liberal member, said she was ready to take the seat away from party politics, and promised a strong, independent voice in Canberra during policy and funding negotiations.

“For too long the electorate has borne the brunt of party politics – I want to be the strong and loud voice in Canberra for the electorate to make sure our issues are being heard by the people making the policies and dispersing the funding,” Mrs Burge said.

“The blame for current situation our farmers and communities are faced with – uncertainty over their future water entitlements for food production and regional wealth generation – can be laid squarely at the feet of the Federal Liberal Party.

“The development of the Water Act 2007, which places the environment ahead of communities and farmers, was drawn up by the Liberals.

“And the current implementation of that Act, which is taking water out of productive use from our regions with an appalling disregard for public consultation or sentiments, shows just how lowly our communities and farmers are regarded by the Federal Liberal Party.

“International agreements on forestry, managed investment schemes, loss of the wheat single desk and the loss of the Rural and Regional Telecommunication Fund set originally set aside with the sale of Telstra, and the Water Act 2007, are all examples of Federal decisions where strong representation was required.

“With both major parties chasing green votes, there are significant risks for rural communities,” she said.
Mrs Burge said the August 21 election gave the people of Farrer the opportunity to elect an independent representative, who could take the issues of the region to the discussion table without fear of party policy.
“I have the experience in agri-political lobbying and legislation development to be part of those discussions in Canberra and make sure our voice is heard,” Mrs Burge said.