Riverina member steps in to Coota

A shift in federal electorate boundaries has seen Riverina drop seven shires and pick up eight, including Cootamundra and Harden.

The change does not take effect until a writ is issued for a federal election, but with prime minister Malcolm Turnbull threatening a double dissolution election as early as July 2, politicians may soon be entering a short campaign period.

Mr McCormack said despite the boundary change he feels in tune with the similar issues facing communities around the Riverina.

“This election will be about jobs,” Mr McCormack said.

“It’s a big issue no matter where you go but particularly in regional Australia.

Mr MrCormack said he feels “an air of positivity” in conversation with local councils and businesses.

He mentioned the success of Birdnest in Cooma and businesspeople like Simone Eyles in Wagga Wagga as examples of a successful model for small towns.

“You can’t always hang on to the traditional models you have for businesses, and sometimes you have to look beyond and you have to look outside the square.

“So many country people are doing that and they do it well because they are resilient. They have that entrepreneurial spirit and drive that I think only regional people have.”

Mr McCormack mentioned preferential trade agreements as an example of federal policy that has benefited regional areas.

“Agriculture at the moment is really booming and may that long continue. It’s been helped by good seasons but it’s also been helped by good policies.”

Mr McCormack said he believes the current, unprecedented demand and price for red meat is sustainable.

“With the investment that’s being made by farmers in research and development, I think it can only grow. So long as the seasons continue to be good.”