Rob Oakeshott running as an independent in NSW seat of Cowper at next federal election

Rob Oakeshott, who once helped prop up the Gillard Government, has revealed why he’s running as an independent again in the next federal election.

Rob Oakeshott will contest the NSW seat of Cowper at this year’s federal election.

The former federal MP who helped prop up the Gillard government in 2010 has said he would be an experienced local voice for Cowper to ensure the local community got the attention it deserved.

In a statement obtained by News Corp Australia, he also hit out at “dysfunctional party politics in Canberra”.

Mr Oakeshott will again run as an independent in the Nationals-held seat, which he attempted to claim from incumbent Luke Hartysuker at the 2016 double dissolution election.

Mr Hartysuker, who suffered an 8.7 per cent swing against him at the time, has since announced his intention to retire at this year’s federal election.

Independent MP's Andrew Wilkie, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor who supported Julia Gillard’s minority government. Picture: Supplied

Mr Oakeshott expects a strong campaign on health, education and highways will win him the seat, which runs from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour.

In his statement today, Mr Oakeshott said: “I have lived on the mid north coast for 26 years. I worry about the same things that worry most locals, and I share their frustrations when governments fail to respond to the issues that matter to us.

“People in this region, whether they live in Coffs, Port, Nambucca, Kempsey, Bellingen, or South West Rocks, are frustrated at continually coming second to dysfunctional party politics in Canberra, and completing for funding against multi-billion dollar road and rail blowouts in Sydney.

I am contesting this election with a proven record of delivering on health, education and roads for this region.

Join the campaign at https://t.co/AQhcF0E59K

Let's get things done. #Oakey4Cowper pic.twitter.com/VHbl5HkCtv

— Rob Oakeshott (@RobOakeshott1) January 15, 2019

“Underinvestment in local infrastructure, aged care and education not keeping pace with big city electorates, and the need for small business reform to drive local economies if what I’ll address if returned to Parliament.”

“Let’s get the Pacific Highway upgrade completed and make sure no corners are cut in doing it. Let’s get NBN access and mobile phone coverage to the standard we need so small businesses can grow in our region.

“Independent members of parliament can achieve great results for their electorates. I have delivered for our region before, and I will do it again.”

Mr Oakeshott will campaign on issues including health and education. Picture: Supplied

The National Party will run Partick Conaghan as their candidate for the coastal seat which they’ve held since 1919, aside from two years in the 1960s.

Mr Conaghan, a solicitor in Port Macquarie, spent 12 years working in the police force.

Labor will have selected Andrew Woodward, who ran against Tony Abbott in the seat of Warringah at the 2016 federal election.

At the time, the Greens candidate outperformed Mr Woodward, who advocates for climate change and reducing inequality in regional and rural Australia.

During the Rudd-Gillard years, Oakeshott held the neighbouring seat of Lyne, and retired in 2013 before contesting Cowper out of the blue in 2016.

Political pundits expect he could be a strong contender for the seat due to Mr Hartysuker’s resignation and government’s unpopularity.

News Corp Australia has asked Mr Oakeshott for comment.