Grassroots community campaigner Sophie Wade has been pre-selected as The Nationals’ candidate for Eden-Monaro.
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A small-business owner, road safety campaigner and mother of three, Ms Wade said she is ready to take the fight to Labor at the next federal election.
“The people of Eden-Monaro need someone who’ll fight for them and make sure we get our fair share, that’s why I decided to stand for pre-selection,” Ms Wade said.
“We need a balanced perspective, not political correctness gone mad with a battle of extremes that’s disconnected from the people. Country communities want fair, practical solutions.”
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Prior to the pre-selection process, The Nationals’ patron senator for Eden-Monaro, John Williams, played down the issue of running a candidate up against a Liberal Coalition colleague, saying it wouldn’t be the first time and that it could even be beneficial.
“Eden-Monaro is a big regional area now and we stick up for the regions,” Senator Williams told Fairfax Media.
Over the past six years Ms Wade founded and led the Barton Highway Community Action Group – campaigning for funding and negotiating with ministers.
“My husband was just two cars behind a fatal accident on the highway and I said enough is enough,” she said.
“I decided to speak up and speak out and make a difference, and it turns out I was pretty good at it. I’m responsive, persistent and I will hold people to account.”
Having lived in the Yass Valley for more than a decade, Ms Wade knows the issues facing families and businesses in the electorate, and has a vision to provide more opportunities for success.
“It’s time for investment and a fair go for our communities,” she said. “And I’m determined to make it happen.”