Labor must end the uncertainty and set Gippsland by-election date
Gippsland Liberal candidate Rohan Fitzgerald today reiterated his demand for the Federal Labor Government to call the by-election for the seat of Gippsland, which was vacated close to a month ago.
"The people of Gippsland deserve the right to proper representation in the parliament," said Rohan.
"Not only are they being denied that right, they have no idea when they will enjoy representation. Labor's decision to deny people a timely vote while it sorts out an ugly internal factional brawl shows a complete disregard for this community.
"The failure of Labor to call the by-election indicates that either the Labor candidate has no influence in his Party or has not pushed for the by-election to be called. This is a disappointing example of Labor’s poor priorities when it comes to the needs of Gippslanders.
"As I talk to the people across Gippsland, they say they want a chance to vote for better health services, better schools, better roads and better water infrastructure. These services are vital. Yet Labor is refusing to allow the people a voice in parliament.
"Candidates have been announced and it's time to give the people their say.
"I want to be a strong local voice for Gippsland in the parliament, someone who is prepared to stand up and fight for the people of Gippsland.
"I want to fight to help people get better access to GPs, to secure vital water infrastructure, to upgrade our schools, to develop our roads and to secure more jobs and industry for the region.
''All this has been put on hold while Labor delays the by-election to paper over an ugly split brought about by Labor's head office installing its own candidate - someone the local branches did not want.
"I'm calling on the Labor Government, through the Speaker, to immediately call the
by-election and name the date. There is no excuse for continuing to deny the people of Gippsland the representation they are entitled, while Labor continue to brawl in their branches."
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