Kingmaker Oakeshott returns to muted reception in Lyne

A CHILL was not the only thing blowing down the main street of Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast yesterday.

A CHILL was not the only thing blowing down the main street of Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast yesterday.

There was also a distinct air of voter fatigue, disenchantment, and even confusion at Rob Oakeshott's decision to secure power for Labor.

Even the independent member himself seemed unsure of the consequences of his actions, rubbishing the suggestion that he had "backed Labor".

"I have given confidence and supply only to the existing government. All other issues are up for grabs in what's going to be a very exciting parliament . . . no one has a mandate," Mr Oakeshott said.

The ALP secured just 13 per cent of the primary vote in Lyne at the August 21 election, prompting Mr Oakeshott to acknowledge that many of his constituents would be puzzled by his decision to side with Labor ahead of the Coalition, particularly as the Nationals secured 35 per cent of the primary vote in the electorate.

"I think there will also be a counter-balancing of people who 'get the moment'. We've got great access to government, and we will get great outcomes for government as a consequence, both at a local level, regional Australia level and also driving outcomes at a national government level," he said.

"That's a pretty strong position that the electorate of Lyne is in."

Most locals say Mr Oakeshott is "a good bloke", and residents are pleased at the $130 million the independent has just secured from the federal government for a long-awaited extension to Port Macquarie Base hospital, an upgrade to the highway between the town and Kempsey and a boost to funding for local universities.

But the bag of goodies cannot hide the fact that there is little affection for the Labor Party in the region.

Retirees Ted and Alicia Small, who moved from Sydney to Port Macquarie 21 years ago, said Mr Oakeshott's deal with Labor had left them "disappointed".

"We've voted for him before but we won't be voting for him again," said Mr Small, 69.

"I think Oakeshott and Windsor are just feathering their own nests. They say they went with Labor because they are more likely to last three years."

But even though Labor supporters are thin on the ground in the electorate, Mr Oakeshott's personal following is still evident.

Mother of two Julie Proud, 43, is not a Labor voter but said Mr Oakeshott's decision was "brave".

"He was in a really tough position but I think he's an honest bloke and if he came to the decision that Julia Gillard was a better option for the country than Tony Abbott, then I support him," she said.

"He had to go one way or the other, didn't he? There was always going to be people who disagree with him. I guess we'll see what happens over the next three years."