Gunnedah Shire Council mayor Jamie Chaffey starts election campaign in Dubbo

A regional mayor in the state’s west has put his hand up to run for the federal seat of Parkes, as Mark Coulton prepares to retire after 17 years. Here’s more.

Parkes candidate Jamie Chaffey. Picture: Tijana Birdjan

A regional mayor in the state’s west has stepped up as a Nationals candidate for the Parkes electorate in the next federal election, as Mark Coulton prepares to retire after nearly 17 years as the local member.

Jamie Chaffey, the mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council, was preselected on Saturday in Narrabri and has been endorsed by Mr Coulton and Nationals leader David Littleproud to start his campaign journey.

Mr Chaffey told media on Wednesday it was his first day of the election campaign to represent the seat of Parkes and understand regional issues within the community.

The 53-year-old father of four said some of the issues that have been raised so far were domestic violence, youth crime, roads, telecommunications and health.

“I’ve grown up in regional communities,” Mr Chaffey said.

Jamie Chaffey, right, flanked by Mark Coulton, left, and David Littleproud. Picture: Tijana Birdjan.

“My philosophy ... is making sure that we, as people who live in regional communities, have the right services, and I think the only way you can really do it is at the highest level of government.

“No mayor that I talk to wants to talk about crimes in their community, and I’m sure that’s the same for a state and a federal member.

“But when the situation gets to the point where it is now in most of the communities in the Parkes electorate, where we’ve got violent crime, women that aren’t feeling safe in their communities, then we’ve got to talk about it.

“We need to have conversations about what allocations we’re putting in, in funding for things like domestic violence, for shelters, diversionary programs and any new ideas.

Jamie Chaffey, right, has officially started his campaign. Picture: Tijana Birdjan

“Those ideas will come from the communities where they’re feeling it the most.”

He said he had worked with Mr Coulton previously in his role as mayor, and they had the ability to “achieve some amazing things”.

Mr Littleproud thanked Mr Coulton for his contribution to the party after almost two decades in the seat.

“The legacy that you leave is one that you can see every day you walk the streets of Dubbo, Broken Hill or Moree,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We intend to continue in the legacy that Mark has fought hard for and making sure the Nationals can continue to represent the people of Parkes.

“Jamie Chaffey is a man that’s built a business, but he’s also helped build a community.

“That’s what we want as Nationals, is to bring local champions that are prepared to put their heart and soul into the community.”