MIKE Kelly, member for Eden-Monaro from 2007-2013, on Monday announced he will re-contest the seat at the next federal election.
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The former Australian Army Colonel and former Labor Minister for Defence Materiel said he was dedicated to serving Eden-Monaro – where his family lineage goes back 165 years - for the remainder of his working life.
In a written statement released with his announcement, Dr Kelly highlighted social fairness, promoting regional Australia and building a sustainable new economy as the keystones of his “mission”.
“The people of Eden-Monaro deserve a hard-working local member who will fight their corner with passion and commitment,” Dr Kelly said.
“I am committed to a country that keeps faith with our tradition of the ‘fair go’.
“That means a society in which every child has the opportunity to excel, assisting those who are unable to support themselves to an acceptable standard of life, and providing appropriate assistance to those who have rendered our nation and community special service.”
With his rich pioneer family tradition Mike Kelly described Eden-Monaro as “part of his blood and bone”, and said rural and regional Australia was “the soul of the nation whose potential must be fully realised”.
“The aim of government is to facilitate a sustainable economy with jobs for all who can work.
“I will work for a new economy that preserves our world for future generations; that is diverse and offers the best opportunity for our children to live fulfilling, healthy and prosperous lives.
“Eden-Monaro will be part of the engine-room of this new economy.”
Dr Kelly also identified achieving equity for our First Australians, tackling domestic violence in a meaningful way and addressing all forms of discrimination as key focus areas.
He said he was looking forward to a clean contest of policy ideas in the run up to the federal election.
“I commit to campaigning based solely on policy issues and the performance of my opponents, and will not engage in personal attacks, smear or underhanded tactics.
“If elected to Parliament I will adopt the same approach and will strive to promote civil discourse and bi-partisanship wherever possible.”
The story Mike Kelly to re-contest Eden-Monaro at next federal election first appeared on Bega District News.