STATEMENT ON THE RETIREMENT OF THE HON DR MIKE KELLY AM

I pay tribute to the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM, a fine parliamentary colleague but more importantly, a friend.

Prior to entering Parliament, Mike had a distinguished military career, serving Australia with distinction overseas and rising to the rank of Colonel.

As local Members for neighbouring electorates, we have worked well together for many years. I want to thank Mike for his outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for people in Southern New South Wales.

Whilst Mike represents Labor and I lead The Nationals, during the summer bushfires any political or philosophical differences meant nothing. We spoke on an hourly basis, ensuring we were providing the neighbouring towns and communities we represent with the best support possible through those devastating weeks and months.

I have many fond memories of hiking with Mike on our region’s famous Tumbatrek, an event instituted in 1985 by another fine Australian Army and political servant of our nation, the late Tim Fischer AC.

Mike has been battling health issues for some time and I wish him all the best as he deals with those ordeals going forward. Mike will come out the other side, stronger for it because that’s how tough and determined he is.

The Government’s main focus right now is getting Australia through this pandemic by saving lives and protecting livelihoods and ensuring we continue to help relief and recovery efforts from the drought and bushfires.

The Nationals are the party for regional Australia and we will be running in the seat of Eden-Monaro for the 12th time in our Party’s 100-year history. We will be putting ourselves forward at this by-election with a very strong local candidate and our plan to secure Eden-Monaro’s future.

Whilst no Government has won a seat from the Opposition in a by-election in the past 100 years, the Coalition Scott Morrison and I lead have a strong plan to help the many local communities of Eden-Monaro continue to rebuild.