Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was lobbying voters along High Street this morning in support of local Liberal candidate Melissa McIntosh.
Abbott joined McIntosh, the sitting Lindsay MP, at a pre-poll site on Monday in a bid to get people voting blue.
“It’s wonderful to see a lot of people keen to exercise their democratic rights and I just hope at least 50 per cent of them are voting for Melissa!” Abbott said.
“Melissa is doing a wonderful job, and I wanted to help.
“I’m absolutely passionate about trying to bring about a change in Government, I think this has been the worst government that I can remember.
“I think Peter Dutton, who I’ve known very well for years now, will be an excellent Prime Minister.”
McIntosh thanked Abbott for his visit to Penrith and said it was time for a shift in government.
“Tony’s always been popular here in Lindsay but more than that he’s been a really good support of mine,” McIntosh said.
“I’m really pleased and proud to have him here. He understands this seat so well and knows what drives people here and the aspirational people that work hard to get ahead and right now they’ve been let down like they’ve never been let down before.
“People are in pain right now with the high energy prices, not being able to afford the grocery bills and it’s time for a change of Government.”
With record numbers voting early across the country, it’s no surprise that candidates have based themselves at pre-poll sites in the final days of the campaign.
“I love being on pre poll! We’ve had many thousands of people already come through here and I’ve had hugs and little kids wanting to take photos with me because they’ve seen me at school, I’ve had coffees brought to me and overall, everyone’s been really positive because we’ve got the best community in the country,” McIntosh said.
“I’m really happy to be chatting to people as they’re coming through and voting in this election, it’s such an important election for our country.”
Abbott said the Liberal Party had a history of delivering for western Sydney.
“Ask yourself who has done more for western Sydney?” Abbott said.
“It was the Howard Government that helped fund the M7, it was the Abbott Government which helped fund WestConnex, it was the Abbott Government that cut through 50 years of nonsense procrastination to get the Western Sydney Airport underway.
“Liberal governments invariably preside over a stronger economy and the aspirational people of western Sydney are those who benefit from a stronger economy.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.