Council
14 February, 2025
Nats' Chaffey campaiging hard in Parkes
Federal National's candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, visits West Wyalong
JAMIE Chaffey, the National Party’s candidate for the federal seat of Parkes, is ramping up his campaign ahead of the 2025 federal election, with a recent door-knocking tour through West Wyalong and the Bland Shire. A boilermaker by trade, transport business owner, and former Mayor of Gunnedah, Chaffey is running on a platform that promises to address the many challenges facing rural Australians, from ballooning living costs to poor infrastructure and services.
The seat of Parkes, which has been held by the National Party for nearly 40 years, now spans across 470,000 square kilometres - larger than many European countries - and covers 20 local government areas. This vast electorate stretches from Broken Hill to Gunnedah, Warialda to Cobar and Moree to West Wyalong, representing a diverse and hardworking population with unique needs. Since launching his campaign in August 2024, Chaffey has toured more than 51% of the state, hearing firsthand from constituents who are frustrated with the Albanese government’s leadership, particularly its handling of immigration, living costs, housing and rural issues.
“People across the Parkes electorate are angry, and rightly so. They are fed up with the ALP’s weak leadership and their failure to deliver on the issues that matter most to rural Australians,” Chaffey said during his West Wyalong tour with NSW Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke.
“Whether it’s the rising costs of living, lack of affordable housing, poor telecommunications, the dire state of our health system, or the neglect of essential infrastructure like roads, the Albanese government has turned a blind eye to the needs of regional communities.
“This government has walked back key infrastructure in areas dependent upon it and is failing the people,” he said, on the back of the National’s $5billion/ 500,000 new homes promise last week that includes 30% of new homes to be built for the regions or roughly 167,000.
West Wyalong, which has shown signs of growth despite the broader regional challenges, has been a key stop on Chaffey’s tour and was a strong hold for the National’s member Michael McCormack at the 2022 election when the Shire fell into the electorate of Riverina. The town’s resilience is something Chaffey has noted with pride, yet he remains determined to see more tangible support for the region's continued development.
“West Wyalong is thriving in its own way, but we need a government that will back it and the broader Bland Shire to unlock even greater potential,” Chaffey said.
“With better policies and stronger leadership, we can make sure these communities are not only surviving but truly thriving.”
During his visit, Chaffey emphasised his commitment to fighting for local businesses, farmers, and families who feel left behind by the current government. He stressed the need for action on essential services such as healthcare, which he believes is being neglected by the Albanese government. In particular, Chaffey highlighted the significant challenges regional Australians face when it comes to accessing timely medical care.
“We’ve seen firsthand how people in regional communities are having to travel hundreds of kilometres just to see a doctor or specialist. This is unacceptable,” Chaffey said.
“The Coalition is committed to improving healthcare access in rural areas, as well as investing in infrastructure projects that will keep our towns connected and thriving.”
Chaffey’s commitment to the electorate of Parkes is reflected in his tireless campaigning, having already visited most areas in the electorate at least three times since the campaign began. From speaking with farmers in Moree to transport workers in Broken Hill, he’s been listening to the concerns of local residents and building a campaign that reflects their priorities.
“The feedback I’ve received is clear: people in the regions want a government that listens to them and acts in their best interests,” said Chaffey.
“The Albanese government has ignored the concerns of regional Australians for far too long, and I’m running to change that.”
As the campaign heats up, Chaffey’s message of stronger leadership, regional investment, and a renewed focus on rural communities is resonating with voters who are tired of being sidelined. The National Party has held Parkes for almost 40 years, and with Chaffey’s deep roots in the community and his hands-on approach to leadership, he is set to continue the tradition of strong representation for the region.
“Parkes deserves a voice in Canberra that understands its needs and will fight for it every day,” Chaffey said.
“That’s why I’m committed to working alongside the Coalition to deliver better outcomes for everyone in our great region.”
The 2025 Australian federal election will be held on or before 17 May 2025 to elect members of the 48th Parliament of Australia. All seats of the House of Representatives (150 compared to 151 in the previous election May 2022) and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate will be contested.
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