The seat of Indi is now in a "post Cathy McGowan political phase" according to former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer.
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Mr Fischer said the reign of the independents are over during a strong statement in Wodonga on Friday as he stood by Nationals candidate Mark Byatt.
"To be fair she has given six years of energetic service and I acknowledge that, but I want to say it was her choice to not run and it is over," Mr Fischer said.
"Old Mark Byatt - he is a true local, he has the skills, he has the experience and yes he can turn up on a motorbike.
"Whether you are in Flowerdale or Lucyvale, Corryong to Chiltern and beyond, Mark means business."
Mr Fischer took time out from cancer treatment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to show his support for Mr Byatt who arrived to his campaign launch on a Harley Davidson.
"I think the bike now forms part of the campaign formally, it is something that I enjoy and it is nice to put a little bit of personality into the campaign," Mr Byatt said.
"A party for regional Australia, a stronger regional Australia and unlocking regional Australia's potential - sounds attractive doesn't it? Sounds exciting even. That is the vision for the Nationals, that's my vision."
Speaking to a room of supporters Mr Byatt rattled off the long list of things that are "challenges" for the people of Indi.
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"The Indi community is indeed a very dynamic, diverse and innovative community however there are challenges - both population growth and decline, shifting jobs market and employment security, connectivity both transport and digital, lack of infrastructure development and regional education and health disadvantage, to name but a few," he said.
"Indi deserves the equivalent opportunities, living standards, infrastructure, services including health, aged care and education, as our city counterparts."
Mr Fischer didn't have much to say when asked his thoughts on his former seat of Farrer but said there is obvious frustration with "what has gone so wrong with water allocations".
"I have not been following closely, I have had more time in Peter Mac to be honest," he said.
"But there is work to do there and I will be watching with interest."
Mr Byatt said he would be out on his motorbike in the lead up to May 18.
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