OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
A DISAPPOINTING LETTER FOR A TOURIST TOWN TO RECEIVE, SAYS OAKESHOTT
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today said he was disappointed to receive a letter from a Forrester's Beach man claiming to have been assaulted for being a tourist, by a group of up to a dozen local residents over the Christmas period.
"We are a town of locals that relies heavily on the tourist trade as a key part of our economy. The logic that tourists are not welcome in our area, just because they are not locals, just doesn't cut it, said Mr Oakeshott.
"And I'm disappointed that I am having to respond to this letter and that local residents chose to behave in this way. It is ironic that the young victim had recently purchased a block of land in the hope of moving to the area and now has been left with no income as a result of the attack, jeopardising his move, said Mr Oakeshott.
"I have chosen to release the letter to the community, so that we can all reflect on the values and standards that apply to all members of our society. Attacks like these are weak, cowardly, and reflect poorly on the individuals involved and the community we live in.
"I understand the Police are continuing with their investigations and charges are expected to be laid.
"We live in a great place, and there are so many people doing so many good things that deserve to be promoted. We do have a lot of options for free entertainment from the beaches to the hinterland.
Unfortunately, incidents such as this one make it harder for all of us to sell the virtues of the area, and I would ask all involved to 'man-up' and come forward to the Police, to think about the stupidity of their actions, and to choose to lead a life that makes all of us on the Mid-North Coast proud, Mr Oakeshott said.
19 March 2008