Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has hit out at Lisa Chesters and Greg Bickley for paying lip service to the need to support local jobs.
Senator McKenzie said the candidates for both major parties had repeatedly cited jobs as a key priority, but actions spoke louder than words.
The How-To-Vote cards of both candidates were not printed locally, despite the availability of Bendigo-based printing houses.
‘‘It is the height of hypocrisy to spruik the need for job creation and a strong local economy and then to send money to Melbourne,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
‘‘The Nationals candidate for Bendigo Sarah Sheedy had her How-To-Vote cards printed locally to support local business.’’
Senator McKenzie said given the volume of how-to-vote cards that were being printed, this was a missed opportunity to support local business.
She said rapid technological change was having a significant impact on the Australian printing sector.
‘‘It’s particularly important to support local businesses that are feeling the squeeze,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
‘‘If we want to keep jobs in Bendigo, then we need to support local businesses wherever possible.
Senator McKenzie said major party candidates had let their respective city-centric party machines dictate where their printing is done.
‘‘Our political candidates should be leading by example and showing every possible support for local businesses,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
‘‘Clearly only The Nationals understand the importance of locals supporting the local economy.’’
Media contact: Kathleen Tonini phone: 54414251 or 0400530027