Gulaptis wins Nationals pre-selection for Page
Ballina Info will keep you updated in the lead-up to the Federal election …
With the NSW State election out of the way, voters’ attention will now focus on the big picture of the Federal election, to be held later this year.
First out of the starters’ blocks have been The Nationals, who held their pre-selection last weekend for the seat of Page, which has been held by The Nationals’ Ian Causley.
Mr Causley will retire this year after a long career in State and Federal politics.
Lennox Head doctor Sue Page was a candidate for pre-selection but was defeated by Clarence Valley Councillor Chris Gulaptis. It would have been good to have a Ballina Shire-based Federal Member, but the Member for Page, Dr Page, could be a bit confusing!
Other candidates were Ballina Shire Councillor Sharon Cadwallader, radio announcer Neil Marks and Kyogle Shire Mayor Ernie Bennett.
NSW Nationals State Director Alison Penfold said of the pre-selection: “At a packed meeting of over 200 delegates, Chris fought off challenges from four other highly talented nominees to gain the coveted Page endorsement.
“I congratulate Chris on his success at the weekend’s pre-selection in Lismore.
“He was up against tough competition with one of the best pre-selection fields we have seen in recent years.
“Chris brings a down-to-earth honesty and passion for fighting for the interests of communities on the coast and has a strong track record of working for local people.
“Chris widely acknowledges he has big shoes to fill in longstanding State and Federal MP Ian Causley but has given his commitment to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the seat of Page remains represented by The Nationals.”
Mr Gulaptis, 52, is a qualified surveyor and development consultant, a Councillor on Clarence Valley Council and former Mayor of Maclean Shire Council until amalgamation in 2004. He is married with two children.
Given The Nationals’ strong showing in the State election — they won or held on to the northern NSW seats of Clarence, Lismore, Ballina and Tweed — Mr Gulaptis will go into the Federal contest as a firm favourite.
