Bradfield MP commits to funds for NorthConnex, schools after claiming Federal election victory

Newly re-elected MP Paul Fletcher has vowed to continue fighting for the community’s fair share of infrastructure improvements and services.

Paul Fletcher was re-elected as the member for Bradfield in the May federal election.

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Newly re-elected MP Paul Fletcher has vowed to continue fighting for the community’s fair share of infrastructure improvements and services after claiming an emphatic victory in the 2019 Federal Election.

The Liberal MP was returned for a fourth term in the seat of Bradfield after garnering more than 67 per cent of two-party preferred votes at the May 18 election.

Mr Fletcher said he “did not take the result for granted” and vowed to see through the pledges he put to voters in the lead-up to polling day.

His commitments included $412 million in Commonwealth funds for the NorthConnex motorway, along with increased funding for government, Catholic and independent schools in the region.

“NorthConnex is scheduled to be completed in 2020 and for those living along Pennant Hills Rd the improvements to the local amenity will be profound as the number of trucks reduces,” Mr Fletcher said.

Paul Fletcher has been appointed Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts.

“It will also deliver benefits for those living along the Pacific Hwy as people who drive from the city to reach Wahroonga will be far more likely to stay on the M2 rather than battle their way through the Pacific Hwy.”

Mr Fletcher’s other pre-election promises included securing funding for churches, service clubs and other community groups through programs including Stronger Communities.

“There are also a range of other programs we announced during the election campaign including support for small scale projects in local schools and a new environmental grants program that will benefit the electorate,” he said.

“We’ve also committed record commonwealth funding for schools around the country - an extra $37 billion through to 2029 - and I’ll be fighting to ensure the fantastic schools in Bradfield receive their fair share.”

Mr Fletcher listed completing NorthConnex as a commitment during the campaign.

The latest election results published by the Australian Electoral Commission showed the Coalition led Labor in 52 of the 53 polling locations in Bradfield.

Mr Fletcher had 67.3 per cent of two-party preferred votes - the third highest for the Coalition in NSW, trailing only Cook – held by Prime Minister Scott Morrison – and Mitchell in the Hills District.

Mr Fletcher said he was not surprised by the national results, despite many polls predicting an election win for Labor. In Bradfield, Labor managed a 3.7 per cent swing.

“In my judgment the result of the election showed the good sense of the Australian people who were presented with a choice that was more stark than had been in quite a few elections,” Mr Fletcher said.

Paul Fletcher pictured with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in April.

“Bradfield has always been a very strong Liberal seat but I never take that for granted.

“I see myself as a mainstream Liberal (and) I’m very honoured to represent the people who voted for me, and those who didn’t vote for me.

“It’s a community that I have enormous privilege to represent in the national parliament.”

The new term of government will also have Mr Fletcher serve as the Federal Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts.

Mr Fletcher has represented Bradfield since 2009.