IT WAS a case of mixed emotions for newly elected Member for Barker Tony Pasin in the wake of the weekend\u2019s Federal Election.<\/p>\n
The passionate local member was humbled to be returned to the role he has held since 2013 but also a little shell shocked by the extent of the Coalition\u2019s ballot box defeat.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocally it was a humbling result,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cIn what has been described as a nationwide blood bath, I had a three per cent, two party preferred swing against me in what now looks like a very good result in the circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat being said, I feel desperately for some of my good friends who I know are good MPs and care about their community, including Peter (Dutton), who I feel for in particular.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe result wasn\u2019t a shock but the extent of the defeat nationally, particularly in Victoria and Queensland \u2013 we didn\u2019t see that coming at all and neither did the people in those jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will certainly spend some time reflecting on the result and seeking to diagnose reasons why.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Pasin thanked the close to 400 volunteers that worked the polling booths across his electorate and was disappointed that promised funding to projects including the Mount Gambier & Districts Saleyards and Mount Burr Netball Club in the wake of a Coalition victory would now not eventuate.<\/p>\n
And while he is ready to roll up his sleeves for another term working for his constituents, he is already and will continue to be immersed in the analysis of the defeat and the way forward for the battered and bruised Liberal Party.<\/p>\n
He identified a poor campaign performance, policy offerings, perhaps releasing policy details too late as all part of the investigation with installing a new Leader of the Opposition this first order of business.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also hope to serve in the leadership team,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cI have served in the Shadow Ministry and I hope to be given an opportunity in the Shadow Cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to become an effective and strong opposition. We can only have good government if we have an effective and strong opposition and if we want to achieve what we want for this nation, we need to have a good government. Right now we need to focus on that \u2013 that\u2019s the best way we can serve our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Pasin does believe that politicians more broadly need to be more authentic in the public domain.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to reflect if we are too polyester,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are told how to act, how to behave, what we should say and Australians just want us to be genuine, to be ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
IT WAS a case of mixed emotions for newly elected Member for Barker Tony Pasin in the wake of the weekend\u2019s Federal Election. The passionate local member was humbled to be returned to the role he has held since 2013 but also a little shell shocked by the extent of the Coalition\u2019s ballot box defeat. […]<\/p>\n