INDEPENDENT candidate Rob Taber is offering a fresh approach as he challenges for the Federal seat of New England.
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With Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Tony Windsor also vying for the seat, Mr Taber visited Scone on Thursday morning to discuss several issues involving the community.
Mr Taber pledged his support to healthcare ahead of the Turnbull Government’s proposed cuts to the sector, and stated his belief that Scone had to come together over plans for a bypass
“We attended the meeting when all the [bypass] plans were on display and were briefed on both the bypass and overpass,” he said.
“It’s quite apparent after speaking to a number of residents that the town is fairly divided on some of those decisions.
“The bypass is definitely something that has to happen, and the community needs to think about it long and hard.
“Also, when you’re talking about cutting costs, health is one of the most important aspects of everyday life.
“I certainly wouldn’t support any major cuts to healthcare; I give my full support 100 per cent to the nurses, doctors, and hospitals.
“Many hospitals in rural areas are very run down and I’ll be speaking with people in Scone to see what can be done about it.”
Mr Taber claimed voters were sick of career politicians and said he would do his best to boost the local economy.
“The only way to get change is to have some new blood and a fresh vision,” he said.
“I’ve never held a position in politics before, but I can offer that through my 43 years of being in business.
“I think people are starting to realise that we need business people in politics to start to drive the economy, particularly in rural areas.”
Despite the New England electorate boundaries widening to include the Upper Hunter, Mr Taber said he was eager to visit the region regularly to speak with residents.
“I’ve been campaigning for two years now, but the Upper Hunter obviously wasn’t initially in the electorate,” he said.
“We’ve been here already and will keep coming back; I am keen to find out what the main issues are in Aberdeen, Merriwa, and Murrurundi as well so we can then go away and do something about it.”