The Nationals MP for Parkes Mark Coulton and his main opponent Labor's Jack Ayoub have praised each other's approach to the 2019 federal election campaign in Parkes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I think its been a splendid campaign and it's an example to all others about how a campaign should be run in Australia," Mr Ayoub said just before polls closed.
READ ALSO: Live blog as Parkes results come in
"Its been a campaign about policy. That is the difference in those policies and how they affect people, not about the people and the politics of identity."
While out campaigning in Dubbo, Mr Coulton said unlike the state election in March which included "very personal" attacks on candidates in some Western NSW seats, the federal campaign has been much pleasant.
"This campaign has been conducted very civilly," he said.
"Jack was my strongest opponent and we've had a very civil relationship."
Mr Coulton said people were focused on federal issues such as the impact of Labor's proposed negative gearing and franking credit changes, as well as drought and its impacts on businesses and communities.
Mr Ayoub said his party was focused on improving people's lives.
"The Liberal and National Party's fall asleep at the wheel and we want to get in the bus and drive it. We've told Australians where we're gonna drive it and how we're gonna get there."