New Member for Eden Monaro

21 July 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Tapscott, has congratulated the new Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain after the Australian Electoral Commission officially declared the result of the recent by-election.

“Kristy and I have worked closely together on Council for the last eight years and I have no doubt she will serve us all well in the Federal Parliament,” Cr Tapscott said.

“Can I also congratulate all the candidates who contested this election, to hear their ideas and passions is an important part of the democratic process. I wish them all well and thank them for their interest in our community.

“The by-election campaign came during one of the most challenging times in our history and added weight and pressure on people who have been pushed to the limit by drought, bushfire and coronavirus.

“Our community has shown great strength and dignity as the democratic process has played out,” Cr Tapscott said.

Under the Local Government Act, the new Member for Eden Monaro can retain her position on Bega Valley Shire Council and at this stage of the electoral cycle no by-election would be needed if Cr McBain decided to step down.

“Kristy understands that our advocacy across a range of needs and priorities remains strong and determined,” Cr Tapscott said.

“Our recovery from bushfire and coronavirus has a long way to go and despite the recent welcome rain, drought still looms large.

“Our approach has always been to work with all political parties and all members of parliament fairly with the interests of our community front and centre.

“We will continue to push for a full review of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, a commitment to implement the key findings from the bushfire Royal Commission, funding for critical infrastructure to support economic recovery, and the reinstatement of funding to local government through the Financial Assistance Grants.”