Pledges to work with the new State Labor Government, promises to work hard for Richmond and Clarence Valley residents and thanks to family, friends and supporters were the key themes of Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson's first speech in the NSW Parliament on Thursday.
Mr Williamson declared himself full of "hope and optimism for the great people of the mighty Richmond and Clarence valleys.
"I look forward to standing here in this place to stand up for regional New South Wales," Mr Williamson said.
He said he would put locals first.
"To Premier Minns, your Ministers and your Government, I wish you well for this term. When all is said and done, we are all on team New South Wales. I will support the good. I will respectfully disagree and put an opposing view when the interests of my electorate are not being served well," Mr Williamson said.
The Coutts Crossing local, long serving Clarence Valley Mayor and 2GF presenter added that he would not have been elected without the support of his wife Leonie and other family and friends, many of whom were in the gallery to witness the event.
"You have all encouraged me to aim for the stars while keeping my feet firmly planted on the ground," Mr Williamson said.
He said his main priority would be pressing the new Government to ensure the Richmond and Clarence Valleys got their fair share of resources, as had his predecessors Chris Gulaptis and Steve Cansdell.
"To the people of the Clarence electorate, I will be your advocate in this Parliament. I will bring us to Sydney and promise not to bring Sydney to you."
He said the region faced many challenges after years of bushfires, COVID and floods, and that he would not rest until the recovery was complete.
"The 2022 floods have left a scar on my community that has not healed, but it is slowly healing. I have spoken with and listened to school children who still are not back in their schools following the floods," Mr Williamson said.
On other policy issues, Mr Williamson said local priorities needed to include the housing crisis and also singled out the need for the new Grafton Hospital and support for the struggling prawn industry.
The speech was met with a standing ovation by MPs from all sides.
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