RELATED: Nat’s Gee up in Calare
NSW Nationals have chosen Scott Barrett to represent the party in the byelection for the State electorate of Orange.
A byelection was triggered when incumbent MP Andrew Gee stood down from state parliament – mounting a successful campaign in the recent federal election for the seat of Calare, after John Cobb announced his retirement.
The Central West is safe territory for the Nats at state and federal level and the party is expected to win comfortably in the upcoming byelection. A date is yet to be announced.
Mr Barrett was born in Orange and grew up on a sheep and cattle farm near Mullion Creek.
He studied agriculture at Hawkesbury Ag College and worked as a journalist, before stints as media advisor for Queensland MP Bob Katter and at NSW Nationals head office.
He worked as agriculture advisor to Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair when he was preselected by the Nats.
“I’m honoured to have the support of local Nationals members, but I’m very aware of the issues that need to be addressed across our electorate,” Mr Barrett said.
“Andrew Gee been a fantastic advocate for our region and I’m looking forward to carrying on his work.”
Nationals Leader Troy Grant welcomed Mr Barrett.
“Scott’s wealth of experience will serve his electorate well if they choose him as their MP,” Mr Grant said.