Hunter federal election candidates have expressed relief that a date for the poll has finally been announced.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First-time candidates in the seat of Hunter - the National Party's James Thomson and Labor's Dan Repacholi - said they were committed to earning every possible vote across the vast electorate.
"I am looking forward to listening to more locals in the Hunter over the next six weeks," Mr Thomson said.
"We (the Coalition) have a vision for the region with our $1.3 billion regional package and it's time the Hunter had a representative who works tirelessly for them.
"We are backing local jobs, lowering the cost of living and creating new opportunities for families in the Hunter. We haven't had this under 100 years of Labor, so it's time for change."
Mr Repacholi said he was taking nothing for granted in his bid to retain the seat for Labor.
"I've been out campaigning every day since the start of January and I'm looking forward to continuing that all the way through to election day," he said. "I've spoken with thousands of people across the electorate and the main issues they're raising are the shortage of GPs, lack of bulk-billing doctors and labour hire workers being exploited in the mining sector.
"I'm looking forward to campaigning on same job, same pay, Aussie manufacturing and to get GPs back into the Hunter.
"The Liberals and Nationals have been in government for a decade and they've done nothing for our region, which is why I'm standing up to be a strong voice for Hunter."
This story originally appeared on The Newcastle Herald
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
