Labor announced its candidate to contest the State seat of Bathurst on Friday, October 26 – police prosecutor Beau Riley.
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He works across the western circuit in Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney and Rylstone court houses.
The Labor candidate for the seat during the 2015 election was Lithgow City Councillor Cassandra Coleman. She told the Lithgow Mercury she withdrew her nomination for the 2019 election on September 15 after pressure from Sussex Street (NSW Labor Party headquarters).
“It was not voluntary,” she said.
“I decided [to nominate] because I am passionate and proactive about this electorate. I am still a Labor woman and I believe in Labor principles. I have no faith in Sussex Street, but I will continue to champion for my local community.
“I am disappointed in how I have been treated and how the news was delivered.”
At the announcement in Bathurst, Mr Riley said Paul Toole was a “nice man” who has lost his way as the Member for Bathurst.
He cited the Sydney stadiums project as an example of the Coalition diverting money from the bush and said Labor’s campaign would focus on local infrastructure, particularly schools, TAFE and hospitals.
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Mr Riley – who only joined the Labor Party this year – said regional communities were missing out under the current government.
“Under this current state government, I believe they have lost sight of regional Australia,” Mr Riley said.
“They aren’t looking out over the hills and we’re missing out.”
Mr Riley was joined in Bathurst by deputy opposition leader Michael Daley for the announcement of his candidacy.
