In the seat of New England, sitting Independent Tony Windsor, so far has four challengers. Mr. Windsor has held the seat since 2001.
Tamworth Deputy Mayor, Phil Betts, is the Nationals’ candidate. Both Mr. Betts and Mr. Windsor have welcomed the election announcement.
Luke Brand, of Hanging Rock, stood for the ALP in Northern Tablelands in the State election, and is the party’s candidate for New England.
Armidale man, Bruce Taylor lined up for the Greens in Tamworth in the State election, and is now having shot at the federal seat.
Barraba’s Richard Witten is again running for the Citizens Electoral Council. He has previously represented that party in various state and federal election campaigns.
Familiar faces campaigning
Bingara people will not have the opportunity to vote for former Mayor, Mark Coulton, who is the National’s candidate in the seat of Parkes, which takes in the northern part of Gwydir Shire. Mr. Coulton has already been on the campaign trail for some months, and did not seek re-election as Mayor.
Inverell man and regular visitor to Bingara, John Williams, will be in the second place on the Coalition joint Senate ticket.
Tamworth based Senator Sandy Macdonald will retire when his current term expires.
New Senators elected at the November poll will take their seats on July 1, 2008.
