While others in the National Party have taken Saturday's federal election victory as an opportunity to kick the Labor dog while it is down, Parkes MP Mark Coulton just wants to get back to work.
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"I'm raring to go," Mr Coulton said.
"I was reinvigorated by the campaign, and I reckon I've got more energy now to go and get things done than I've ever had before."
I was reinvigorated by the campaign and I reckon I've got more energy now to go and get things done than I've ever had before.
- Mark Coulton
Mr Coulton said he was keen to work with State MP Dugald Saunders to get a drug rehabilitation centre in Dubbo.
The National Party committed $3 million to the life-changing social initiative during the election campaign, and with the Dubbo council offering land for the facility the only thing stopping it getting built is the State Government.
"I have had a chat with Dugald, and we will meet regularly," he said.
"We will work through state and federal things, and I also will meet regularly with mayor Ben Shields on the projects we are both involved in.
"It is a much better position to be in knowing that your colleagues are holding the ministerial reigns where a lot of these types of projects are managed from.
"It makes the job much easier if you've got guys from your team running the show."
The Parkes MP now equals former MP Michael Cobb as the most electorally successful representative for the seat of Parkes since it was established in 1984.
This will be Mr Coulton's fifth term as our local federal member, and he has a few projects he wants to tick off his to-do list from across the expansive electorate.
"I want to advance some of the infrastructure projects we've been funding such as the inland rail so the people who are experiencing some uncertainty know here we are going, I think that is a priority," he said.
"Also, the road funding under the 'Roads of Strategic Importance Fund' people will start to see that roll out.
"Socially I'd like to continue working with the Indigenous community, with Clontarf and continue to provide opportunities to our young people.
"Sadly, this drought is still biting, and if it continues, we will need to look at providing more assistance to farmers."
Mr Coulton said he had no plans to retire early and will serve the full three years of his term.
"I am really excited about the next three years, this job is all about relationships, and it is a great honour to have this job," he said.
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
