MEMBER for Albury Greg Aplin will not contest next year’s NSW election.
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“It is with sadness and regret that I announce I will not be standing for preselection as the Liberal representative for the seat of Albury,” Mr Aplin said on Wednesday night.
“Owing to recent personal and health issues I have made this difficult decision.”
Mr Aplin, 65, said while his health status was not grave he had to consider the commitment that would be required to serve another four-year term.
“Things change in life and this is one,” he said.
The former Prime television manager was elected to parliament in 2003, succeeding fellow Liberal Ian Glachan.
“It has been my honour and privilege to serve the community of the Albury electorate over the past 15 years and I will continue working for the community right up to the March 2019 election,” Mr Aplin said.
He expected the Liberal preselection to begin within weeks and looked forward to mentoring the candidate who will aim to maintain the party’s hold on the seat that dates to 1988.
Asked the qualities needed in a Liberal hope Mr Aplin said: “Honesty and integrity, that comes to the fore.
“(Also there’s) commitment, we’re looking at long hours and the desire to serve not just the immediate Albury area but far flung areas from Tumbarumba to Jerilderie.”
PREVIOUSLY:
Mr Aplin nominated improvements in mental health services, hospital upgrades at Holbrook, Culcairn and Tumbarumba as highlights along with a new hall at Albury’s James Fallon High School and revamping the Riverina Highway.
His interest in mental health has stemmed from his period as shadow minister for the subject before the 2011 election.
“Overall we’re in what we could call a golden period,” he said referring to the Coalition government of Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“The state government funding is almost falling too fast for some councils to handle.
“The disappointment was not being able to achieve in the past through that constipated McDonald-Tripodi (Labor) government.”
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