OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
OAKESHOTT THANKS OTHER CANDIDATES AT POLL DECLARATION
Despite cutting a lonely figure as the only candidate in attendance at the official declaration of the polls, Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Rob Oakeshott, today thanked all the other candidates as well as the Returning Officer, Kerry Crawford, for a relatively incident-free campaign in the Port Macquarie electorate.
"The final result of 78.2% is a fantastic result, and I thank the voters of the Port Macquarie for their continued strong support. This is a clear mandate for the coming four years and does make it easier in arguing for better outcomes from State Ministers, as well as the other two tiers of Government, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Can I also thank all the other candidates. Whilst positioning and implied comments are largely unavoidable when five people are going for the one job, the difference between the election of 2007 and the election of 2003, could not have been more stark. I thank all campaign teams for their 'above-board" strategies and keeping the discussion based on policy, Mr Oakeshott said.
"I also thank Kerry Crawford and team for their work. This was a first time election for Kerry and it is a large logistical exercise to organise behind the scenes election workers at 28 polling booths, a pre-poll, and seven retirement villages and nursing homes. Well done Kerry, Mr Oakeshott said today.
"I will be making a submission to the Electoral Commission about several aspects of the recent election. It was a concern that so many people have told me they have dropped off the electoral roll without their knowledge, and that they were unable to vote on the day despite turning up. We need to tidy this up for upcoming Federal Election, Mr Oakeshott said.
"As well, I received several complaints from polling booth staff that they felt under-resourced, and this is a matter I hope the Electoral Commission considers next time. For example, one lady was forced to stand in the sun in a queue for some time despite only recently having surgery for skin cancers on her face. In 2007, we can surely do better than this, said Mr Oakeshott today.
4 April 2007