Neumann relieved over MPs decision

Federal MP Shayne Neumann gets to work at a Disability Action Week barbecue in Queens Park.

Rob Williams

SHAYNE Neumann was a relieved man when independent MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott announced they would make up the numbers to keep Julia Gillard as Prime Minister yesterday afternoon.

The Federal Member for Blair watched the rural MPs’ historic 3pm press conference on a TV in his Brassall electoral office.

Mr Neumann said he was joined by his four staff during a “difficult” afternoon that included Kennedy MP Bob Katter choosing to support the Coalition.

“It’s a difficult thing watching people decide the fate of a country and a community,” he said moments after the announcement confirmed Labor would form a minority government.

“I’m relieved, and I think we have the capacity to have a stable government and a stable outcome for the Australian people.

“On a local level, I’m very honoured to be re-elected with only a 2.9 per cent swing. It was a modest swing which is a good endorsement of what we have been doing here in Blair.”

Greens candidate for Blair Patricia Petersen, who received 11 per cent of the primary vote, said the result went down to the wire.

“It’s an interesting result that really could have gone either way,” she said.

“When Bob Katter came out and supported the Coalition I thought the other two independents might go the same way.

“I think Labor ultimately will do a good job working with the Greens and independents.”

Dr Petersen said the election showed many Australians had become disillusioned with the major parties.

“In a certain sense it was unhealthy for three people to have so much power and so much influence on the future of our country,” she said.

“In saying that, the Australian people clearly voted for the position that we found ourselves in because they wanted change.

“I think we are on the way, particularly with the Greens so well represented.”

Mr Neumann said the outcome was great news for Ipswich.

He said the announcement helped secure the future of infrastructure and building projects across the region.

“This is a good thing for our community in that there’s no uncertainty,” Mr Neumann said.

“A Labor government means the Blacksoil interchange will go ahead, the Ipswich Motorway upgrade will continue, the Building Education Revolution will continue, the National Broadband Network will continue and community infrastructure funding will continue.

“Looking at the alternative, Mr Abbott and the Coalition would have only delivered uncertainty.”

Mr Neumann said he planned to celebrate Labor’s win with his wife Carolyn and the couple’s two daughters, Alex and Jacqui, before attending a Labor Party function.