With the next state election less than a year away Labor has certainly turned up the heat on Maitland MP and Environment and Heritage Minister Robyn Parker.
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In the past month we’ve seen a steady stream of opposition frontbenchers come to town in support of Labor candidate Jenny Aitchison.
Turn the clock back to 2010 and it was the Coalition opposition turning up in droves to support the then MLC and Liberal candidate for Maitland Robyn Parker in her bid to depose Labor’s Frank Terenzini.
It’s history now that the Liberals swept to power and Ms Parker secured the seat of Maitland with a 16 per cent swing.
Opposition Leader John Robertson, spokeswoman for transport Penny Sharpe, spokeswoman for Hunter Sonia Hornery, spokeswoman for local government Sophie Cotsis and spokesman for roads Walt Secord have all visited to find out more about the electorate’s needs and wishes.
In fact, Mr Robertson has been a regular visitor to Maitland on a variety of issues in the past year.
Now, with the shock resignation of Barry O’Farrell as premier last week, Labor is sure to turn up the heat once more as the Liberals look to reshuffle their frontbench.
Ms Aitchison has shown that she has the support of her team and has positioned herself well ahead of next year’s election.
It will interesting to see if the Coalition government under Premier Mike Baird offers the same support to Ms Parker.
Only time will tell, but it’s a sure bet we’ll see more politicians between now and March 2015.
Hopefully it will be to announce major spending and infrastructure projects for our city.