Shooter Fishers and Farmers Rayne Single named as Northern Tablelands candidate

Invergowrie-based high-voltage electrician Rayne Single replaces the party’s previous candidate David Good, who dropped out of the race in June without offering a reason.

Mr Single launched his campaign in Tingha on Sunday, and said the town was a testament to the way parts of the electorate had been “ignored” by incumbent MP Adam Marshall and his National Party.

“I’m passionate about making sure our electorate gets its fair share, but unfortunately we've been ignored by the Nationals – especially when it comes to drought relief funding,” Mr Single said.

“Guyra Shire Council and Armidale Dumaresq Council were forced to merge despite fierce opposition and anger in the local community. It’s not good enough.

“I was born and raised in Armidale, and I work as a high voltage electrician for Transgrid – one of the electricity companies sold-off by [former Premier] Mike Baird. I’m tired of seeing Sydney get the main focus of the government while out here people are struggling.

“The Nationals have failed rural areas: they failed to fight forced council mergers, they failed to fight for drought relief funding, and they’ve failed to stand up to the city Liberals.”

Mr Marshall said anyone putting themselves forward to represent and serve their community was to be commended.

“It is a big commitment and an enormous responsibility,” Mr Marshall said.

“Seats belong to the people and communities, not any one individual. I wish their latest candidate all the very best.”

SFF also announced local Guyra grazier Ray Mulligan would form part of their Upper House ticket for the 2019 March state election.