Coulton wins, praises opponents
IN what can be described as a gentleman’s election, Nationals candidate Mark Coulton has claimed victory in the seat of Parkes after the nation went to the polls on Saturday.
Mr Coulton achieved 66.39 per cent of the vote in the 2019 Federal Election, over Labor’s Jack Ayoub on 33.61 per cent under the Two Candidate Preferred system.
The first preference count was: Mark Coulton (50.53 per cent), Jack Ayoub (24.23 per cent), Daniel Jones (Liberal Democrats 7.92 per cent), Will Landers (Independent 7.03 per cent), Petrus Van Der Steen (United Australia Party 6.31 per cent) and David Paull (Greens 3.97 per cent).
Pleased with the result which returns him to parliament in his 11th year representing the Parkes electorate, Mr Coulton was also happy about the outcome at a national level.
“It is an honour to have been re-elected as the Federal Member for Parkes following the election,” he said.
“The people of the Parkes electorate have backed me for a fifth time as their local member, and I couldn’t be more proud. Likewise, I am thrilled that we have achieved an excellent outcome nationally, with the Coalition forming Government again.”
Mr Coulton thanked his supporters, voters and opponents for an election that was conducted with dignity and respect.
“Thank you to all of my hard-working supporters who have made it their business to back me... to voters – thank you for electing me for the fifth time as your voice in the Australian Parliament... to my opponents, thank you for a strong contest of ideas and for a respectful and rewarding campaign.”
According to Mr Coulton, the future of the Parkes electorate is brighter than ever.
“It is strong and secure, and will pay dividends to those who are willing to have a go. Representing the people and communities that reside in half of NSW is by no means a small feat, and it is a role I have taken with utmost humility.”
Investment in wild dog management, soil improvement, highway rest stops and small business support were all initiatives announced by Mr Coulton in the lead-up to the election, along with the more pressing issues of transport networks and drought support.