Voters throughout the Northern Tablelands have expressed shock, gratitude and wished nothing but the best for departing MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall announced his intention to retire from public life at a meeting of mayors in Inverell last week. Since then, people from all parts of the electorate and all sides of the political spectrum have acknowledged his contribution and thanked him for his service.
“Big call but who can begrudge him after so long in the political arena…..wish him well whatever he decides to do in the future. Everyone deserves happiness….and being a politician would be a tough gig,” said Penny Walters.
“Although we come from different sides of the political world since we started our journey together on the NSW student rep council, I have followed your career from the start till today. All I can say is congratulations on everything you have accomplished and good luck in your next journey in life. Thank you from my family for always being on hand to take issues up and always supporting organisations we have been involved in. My only hope is the next member for Northern Tablelands follows in your footsteps and puts politics aside and works with everyone,” wrote Glen Crump.
“Gutted to hear this Adam Marshall but will always be thankful for your service to our communities and industries. Duty done well.” wrote Moree’s Oscar Pearse.
“Sorry to hear this Adam but thank you for your hard work you have done for the region and best wishes for the next phase of you in the corporate world,” said Annette McCormack, adding that she thought Mr Marsha’s cat Cyril will be happy about the change.
A common theme was that whoever comes next will have very big shoes to fill.
“Thank you Adam Marshall MP for your wonderful service in all public life but more particularly to the Northern Tablelands as our voice in Macquarie St. I wish you well in all future endeavours wherever they take you. Oh my gosh you leave BIG shoes to fill,” wrote Jenny Uloth.
“Thank you for fighting for the New England area for all those years. You really understood what was needed for the area and didn’t back down. I hope your successor knows the big shoes they have to fill to make us trust them enough to do what you have done for us!” Dee Sharmon said.
“Thank you for everything you have done for all the communities in our region Adam Marshall MP. All the best in your new career! The new candidate for Northern Tablelands better have big feet to fill your shoes!!” wrote Simone Foster.
Concern has been voiced about who might replace Mr Marshall in the safest seat in he state.
“Oh damn, I wonder what drunk, philandering hillbilly we’ll be lumped with now. As Nationals go, Adam was tolerable,” a Guyra voter said.
And Mr Marshall has acknowledged that concern about who comes next, and committed himself to ensuring that his successor is up to the task and independently minded. Speaking to Sky News, he says the next member for the Northern Tablelands should be willing to speak against their party.
“I was very fortunate to take over from a brilliant MP in Richard Torbay, who was an Independent.”
“And I’ve tried very hard, even though I’m a member of the National Party, to emulate that level of service in the electorate,” Mr Marshall said.
“And I want to make sure that the next person who comes after me continues that same level of service and vigorous representation for the electorate, because I think that’s what what everyone here deserves.”
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