The NSW Nationals have endorsed Gilgandra resident Andrew Schier as the party’s candidate for the seat of Barwon in the 2019 State election.
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The endorsement follows the announcement by sitting Nationals Barwon MP Kevin Humphries that he will not contest the election after 11 years in Parliament.
Mr Schier said, “I’m excited about the challenges ahead and am fully prepared to fight for the West.
It’s a huge honour to have been chosen and now the real work begins, getting out across an electorate the size of Germany.
- Andrew Schier
“It’s a huge honour to have been chosen and now the real work begins, getting out across an electorate the size of Germany.”
Mr Humphries said that Mr Schier was up to the job.
“I know that Andrew is well respected in the Gilgandra community – as a farmer and meat processor, in local sporting clubs and right across the region as chairman of the Western Racing Association.
“As a local farmer and father, he knows the people, he knows the issues and he’s got the right sort of fight in him to stand up for us in Macquarie Street,” said Mr Humphries.
Mr Schier wasted no time laying out his priorities.
“I believe that the education of our younger people in the region is a key component which leads to improved outcomes in employment, health and families.”
NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro said he believes Mr Schier has the “character, determination and leadership skills required to be an effective advocate for the people of Barwon.”
“Andrew showed he has a detailed knowledge of the challenges facing people across this huge electorate, and he has united the party members in Barwon behind a vision to strengthen and grow the region.
“During pre-selection candidates took part in vigorous discussion on key issues affecting the seat of Barwon including water, gas and employment.
“In regional and rural NSW, more than anywhere else, people need to feel that their local member knows them, will listen to them, and will be prepared to ruffle a few feathers if it’s the right thing to do.
“I know that Andrew has the ability to do just that,” Mr Barilaro said.
Deputy Leader Niall Blair agreed that Mr Schier’s pre-selection was the decision of grassroots party members who themselves live and work across the vast electorate of Barwon. “Andrew proved to our local members today that he has what it takes to fight for the people of Barwon,” he said.
