NSW Elections 2023: Nationals win Dubbo seat
The Dubbo electorate is secured by The Nationals, but red is officially the colour of the state. Read for more.
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The Nationals have won the seat of Dubbo, but Labor has taken control of NSW from the Coalition.
In victory, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders ensured the public he would continue to work hard for the electorate.
Confidence in the local position of the party was flying high at at the candidate’s electorate party, with Mr Saunders winning by a 19.5 per cent margin, gaining a 24 per cent increase since 2019.
A bittersweet feeling grew across the green and yellow room as the statewide results trickled in revealling a thumping victory for Labor.
“It’s a bit weird, the feeling I’m feeling tonight - it is mixed emotions,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s a really nice office we have that is a special place so I’m really thankful for the support that we have.”
Parkes Federal Nationals MP electorate Mark Coulton said that Mr Saunders’ job “just got more important”.
“You have to fight for making sure that the people out here are understood,” Mr Coulton said.
“It’s great working with you mate and well done to you and your team.”
Earlier, The Dubbo News caught up with Dubbo member Dugald Saunders at Buningyong Primary School to cast his vote.
Mr Saunders was “excited” for the day ahead and is looking forward to his candidate party with volunteers this afternoon.
Dubbo born and bred, Luke Edwards is looking forward to the result of the state election.
“I’m a builder so infrastructure is really important to me and seeing our city grow,” Mr Edwards said.
Mr Edwards said health and education are also a priority.
“I want changes in Dubbo, more education, more pay for the teachers,” he said.
Shuan Johnston said his biggest concern with the election is how the elected party will treat seniors.
“I’m keen to see the result of this, senior stuff is really important - keen for the next federal election too,” he said.
Labor candidate for the Upper House Stephen Lawrence says he can “feel the mood for change” in Dubbo.
“This election has been very much an education election and I can sense a real understanding in the community and a real need for reform in the education system - people are passionate about that and health in particularly,” Mr Lawrence said.
I’m looking forward to taking that advocacy to a state level.”
Mr Lawrence still stands by his commitment to change the location of the rehabilitation centre.
“If there is a new government I’ll be sitting down asap with the new health minister to talk to them about the location issues - to my mind, the location is nonsensical and a cheaper solution to a more complex and important problem,” Mr Lawrence said.
Greens coordinator Matt Parameter said the important issues for him are renewable energy and climate change.
“As a society which grows over the next few years, renewable energy is the industry which could get a lot of economic development,” Mr Parameter said.
“The Greens are pushing that as coal fired power stations shut down, we will see more wind and more solar to power the society and get more jobs in Dubbo.
“We want to try and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”
Logan Maidens, 23, is passionate about her town of Dubbo and said she likes it how it is, but wants to see further “growth and development” for successful futures.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Kate Richardson is passionate about her party and “they represent regional NSW better than the major parties”.
“I believe people in regional NSW deserve a very loud voice,” Ms Richardson said.
“All the essential services are in crisis, hospital staffing is atrocious, our roads are a nightmare - you name it.
“The mouse on the wheel, every single thing is affected by smaller decisions that are costing us.
“People out here pay taxes and deserve to get the same treatment and care no matter what side of the Blue Mountains they live on.
“It’s our turn now.”
Ms Richardson is both excited nervous for the outcome as she said it would be a “big” career and lifestyle change for her.
“I’m really honoured to run this race and meet the most amazing people over the past few months,” she said.
Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers senator Mark Banasiak was standing alongside Ms Richardson at the Wesley Centre to show his support for her and the party.
“In the short time she has taken on the role, she has set a truly grassroots campaign for us,” he said.
“We’re hearing a lot of issues about the planned location of the rehab centre,” he noted.
“We definitely need to showcase to people that this place is great to work because we need more health staff in this region.
“We believe that if you’re a local member, everyone’s problem is your problem, and you have to take those issues on.”
Dubbo resident Max Robertson is a committed Nationals voter and is hoping for the same outcome with this election.
“I‘m voting for a major party who has the power to do something for the electorate, I think voting for a minority who will not have power should only be preferences - I’m voting for The Nationals.”
“We need facilities, infrastructure and boarding facilities and more housing.
“The Nationals have done a great job with the last term they have been in so I can’t see a reason why we would change - I’m confident with my vote.”
Labor candidate Joshua Black is showcasing his passion by handing out flyers in the hot Dubbo sun in Orana Heights.
“You’ve always got to be positive and optimistic, there is a real case for change out there and I think with the crisis that we’ve been having for the past 12 years is enough,” Mr Black said.
“Health, education, staff into school, nurses into hospitals, get doctors there and a real focus on housing.
Mr Black said people have come forward and told him that there “needs to be a change in government”.
Amanda, Kris and Ian Peppernell are showing their support for the Labor Party, while Jen and Steve Cowley are showcasing their stance for The Nationals.
Different party supporters come together to demonstrate kindness and their friendship, despite their political preferences.
Amanda Pepernell said the issues she is keeping in mind while voting is the location of the rehab centre, health and more transparency.
“We need a change,” Ms Peppernell said.
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