Roy Butler reelected member for Barwon
Thousands of kilometres on the road and countless conversations with voters spread across NSW’s biggest electorate paid off for Independent member for Barwon Roy Butler, who romped home on Saturday to secure another term in parliament.
Mr Butler’s decision to quit the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party and go it alone was a winning gamble.
Despite not having the support of a party machine behind him, an increased majority voted for the sitting member, who defeated his nearest rival, the Nationals candidate Annette Turner.
Just hours after the election was called and Labour was elected, Mr Butler was back on the road from Broken Hill, lining up time with newly minted ministers, determined to have Barwon firmly on the agenda when the new government gets down to business.
Mr Butler said he had no idea who would secure the win on Saturday.
“It’s very humbling to receive so much support from the community,” he said.
“So many people giving up their time, driving many kilometres in their own vehicles delivering signs and how-to-vote cards to booths across the countryside – I really appreciate that support - it makes you feel quite small when you realise how many people help.”
Although it was a risk running as an independent, Mr Butler said he was confident the hard work he has put into his job would be rewarded.
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