Hunter Candidate Stuart Bonds Dumped By One Nation

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dumped One Nation candidate, Stuart Bonds has not ruled out contesting the Upper Hunter byelection as an independent.

The Hunter Valley coal miner has been a vocal opponent of the party's support for the Federal government's industrial relations legislation which he says allows for the further casualisation of the mining workforce.

He almost caused an upset at the last Federal election when he attracted almost 22 per cent of the primary vote in the seat of Hunter.

One Nation is now inviting nominations for the federal seat.

Meanwhile, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party has pre-selected its candidate for the Upper Hunter by-election.

Fairfax reports Singleton Chamber of Commerce President and nurse, Sue Gilroy will vie for the seat.

The byelection is crucial as the Coalition has slipped into minority government.

 

Stuart Bonds Picture: Singleton Argus

Sue Gilroy: Singleton Argus

Battlelines Drawn For Federal Seat Of Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

 One Nation is capitalising on recent polling showing several Labor-held seats including Hunter could fall at the next federal election.

One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts and local candidate Stuart Bonds have been out on the hustings this week, addressing gatherings at the Greta Workers Club and the Bellbird Hotel.

Sitting MP, Joel Fitzgibbon suffered a 14 per cent swing against him in the primary vote in 2019 amid concerns about job losses in the coal industry after Labor went to the election on a platform of support for renewables.

In contrast, Stuart Bonds polled 20 per cent of the primary vote

Stuart Bonds says he's standing again and if elected, he will push for a new high efficiency, low emissions power station and improved access to the Hunter Expressway.

Joel Fitzgibbon has welcomed the challenge, telling One Nation to "bring it on".

 

One Nation candidate Stuart Bonds says he will re-contest the federal seat of Hunter Picture: Singleton Argus