Jamie Chaffey ‘attacked’ on the campaign trail

With the possibility of a federal election early in 2025, National Party candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey – potentially replacing retiring sitting member Mark Coulton – is out and about.

In the Parkes electorate, the campaign trail is a long one – the region takes up 51 per cent of New South Wales, which includes 20 local government areas.

Along his four-month journey, Mr Chaffey has already travelled 16,000 kms and handed out 12,500 information pamphlets. He has also been swooped on three times by magpies, attacked by plovers, chased out of a yard in Broken Hill by a Staffy dog and pursued by an angry Billy goat!

Mr Chaffey is still standing 😊 and is also standing at the federal election as Nationals candidate for Parkes, stepping into the shoes of Mark Coulton, who’s called this term his last after 17 years in the role. Mr Chaffey reported receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback on Mr Coulton’s many contributions to rural communities.

“Everywhere I’ve been so far, I’ve heard great news about Mark and the way he served and changed people’s lives. Doors have been opened to me because of his reputation,” Mr Chaffey said.

Recently, Mr Coulton delivered his valedictory speech in Parliament and Mr Chaffey was there to witness it.

“My wife and I took the time to go down and be in the gallery as Mark delivered his valedictory speech,” Mr Chaffey said.

“It was an emotional time for all of us and I’m sure it was difficult for Mark to deliver that speech, although he did it with his normal good humour.”

Mr Chaffey said no-one knows when the federal election will be called, although there are ‘lots of rumours’ about the timeline.

“It’s strange though that neither the Labor Party nor any of the minor parties have nominated a candidate so far in this seat. […]

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey hopes he can attract more followers than swooping magpies, excited plovers, vicious Staffies and angry Billy goats. Photo TWH