AFTER seven years in the NSW State Parliament, member for Dubbo Troy Grant has announced he will quit politics at the next election.
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The NSW Police Minister won’t contest the seat of Dubbo in the 2019 State election and says “politics is a nastier place” than it was when he joined parliament in 2010.
Mr Grant is the seventh NSW Nationals member elected in 2015 to stand down from state politics this term. The majority of north western NSW will have new representatives after the March election.
Mr Grant is credited by some as bringing “a golden age of infrastructure investment and development” to Dubbo.
His decision to walk away has drawn a mixed response in Dubbo. While some voters were surprised by Mr Grant’s announcement, others said it had been rumoured for some time.
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Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Wright expressed his disappointment at the move.
“Our initial reaction was one of shock more than anything,” he said. “Troy’s been very committed to Dubbo and local area … our thoughts were that he was committed to standing another term.
“From the Chamber’s perspective, we’ve had a great relationship with Troy… our role would be to create a relationship with the new local member, whoever they might be, and to make sure they have the interests of local business in mind.
“Troy’s got a pretty long brag sheet.. (for) a number of huge projects.
“His commitment to bring government money to the region was very important for local businesses.”
Fletcher International Exports Director Roger Fletcher said Mr Grant’s two terms in parliament had meant Dubbo and the region had prospered.
“He has been responsible for a golden era of infrastructure investment and development in Dubbo and throughout his electorate,” he said.
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Peter Milling and Company Real Estate founder Peter milling claimed no Dubbo state member in history had achieved as much as Mr Grant.
“No state member in the future will come close to it either,” he said.
“Troy has been a dedicated and committed advocate for everyone in his electorate.
“His dignity, character and integrity have been the hallmark of his parliamentary service,” he said.
Transforce managing director Steve Fieldus said Mr Grant had been a great driver for small businesses such as his.
“He has cut red tape and made it easier for businesses to employ people and grow their operations.”
