JESS Jennings has quit Bathurst Regional Council to contest the July 2 federal election.
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Dr Jennings, who was elected to council in 2012, is running as the Labor candidate for Calare for the second time.
He was already on the council when he first ran for Calare in 2013 but said no-one had raised issues with his candidacy then.
This time around, however, he has been advised that running for Calare while remaining a councillor – an “office of profit under the Crown” – could put him in breach of election rules.
“If I had been given the same advice in 2013 I would not have run for Calare as it would have meant forcing a by-election early in the new term of council,” he said.
“This is the legal interpretation of risk we’ve been given this time, though.”
However, with the possibility of a forced amalgamation still hanging over Bathurst Regional Council – and the chance that the current council could be dissolved within weeks anyway – Dr Jennings acknowledged that “I doubt I’ll actually miss much”.
“Because of recent Abbott-Turnbull cuts of almost $1 billion to local government and, unbelievably, 70 per cent of those cuts falling on rural councils, including $12 million across Calare, I intend to stand up against forced amalgamations at this year’s Federal election, and to fight for a better standard for rural health and education and ultimately a fairer, more progressive and prosperous rural Australia,” he said.
“Although I’ve had policy differences with my fellow councillors, and played hard at times because I firmly believe in strong policy debate, I’ve loved every minute and will miss being part of the councillor team led by Mayor Gary Rush.”
Cr Rush said Dr Jennings had made a significant contribution to what has been a cohesive and very productive council since his election in September 2012.
“He has added very valuable input into the decision-making and planning for the community and his ideas, vision and enthusiasm will be missed,” the mayor said.
“This is a council that prides itself on an ability to get things done in continuing to enhance services and amenities for the Bathurst region and Jess has played an integral part in helping the council identify and make the most of opportunities for our community.
“We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Cr Rush said council did not believe a by-election would be required to fill Dr Jennings’ place on council but the council would liaise with the Office of Local Government for a final answer.