Former Federal Member for Macquarie Louise Markus has made her first public comments since the July 2 election.
In a statement emailed to the Gazette today [July 13], Mrs Markus said it had been “an absolute privilege and honour to have represented and served the people in the electorates of both Greenway and Macquarie”.
The 600-word statement failed to congratulate Labor’s Susan Templeman, who wrested the seat from the Liberal Party.
Mrs Markus’ only mention of her Labor opponent was to urge voters to hold her to account for her election promises. Even then, she did not refer to Ms Templeman by name.
“The incoming Labor member made many promises during the election campaign, which included a bypass for the Hawkesbury which will supposedly fix all traffic problems; a no 24-hour airport at Badgerys Creek and $5 million for a new operating theatre at Hawkesbury Hospital. I encourage the people of Macquarie to hold her to account,” she said.
Responding to the statement, Ms Templeman acknowledged “the 12 years of Parliamentary service by Louise Markus”.
“I am privileged to be able to represent the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury in our Federal Parliament,” she said.
“It is still early days for me and much to be done. I understand that I will be given access to the electorate office, in Windsor, from the date the Australian Electoral Commission declares the poll for this seat.
“Some constituents have already contacted me about ongoing matters, and I urge anyone who has an outstanding issue they would like me to continue pursuing on their behalf to get in touch.
“Given the size of the electorate, while the office will be in the Hawkesbury I will make sure I am able to meet with constituents in the Blue Mountains.”
Until her office is established, constituents can contact Susan Templeman via email at susantempleman@gmail.com.
Mrs Markus said she was proud of her achievements, and “proud to say I have never taken this role or my responsibility to the diverse communities I have represented, for granted”.
Her full statement reads:
“Over the past 12 years it has been an absolute privilege and honour to have represented and served the people in the electorates of both Greenway and Macquarie.
“It has been an incredible journey and there are many people I wish to thank for their support along the way.
“Firstly, the Liberal Party for providing me with this opportunity and my staff and volunteers, who over the years have been so committed to the community and have worked so diligently.
“I thank my family – my husband Jim and my children Joshua and Hannah who have sacrificed so much during my time as a Federal Member of Parliament, and my church family for their unfaltering and ongoing love and support – a new chapter has begun and I look forward to being able to spend more time with them.
“I acknowledge and thank the great Australians across the nation and throughout the two electorates I have represented, who I have been so blessed to share life with over the last 12 years, and for their trust in me and my ability to deliver for them and their community.
“I thank my Federal Parliamentary colleagues who have worked with me to deliver real outcomes for the people I have represented and the nation.
“I am proud of my achievements as a Member of Parliament, and I am also proud to say I have never taken this role or my responsibility to the diverse communities I have represented, for granted.
“During my time as a sitting Member there have been many battles I have won and many achievements I have delivered.
“Of particular note, I worked to establish the Greater Western Sydney Conservation Corridor, to protect endangered flora and fauna; the $20 million intersection upgrade for Richmond Bridge where traffic congestion has already improved with the Stage One completed and Stage Two still to come; the installation of CCTV for safety measures throughout the electorate including Richmond, Windsor and Wentworth Falls, and funding for safety upgrades at the Glenbrook Ross Street Intersection.
“I am also proud of fighting for legislation in my position as the Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs which delivered fair indexation for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme (DFRDB) superannuants and the implementation of policies to tackle youth unemployment, including the Transition to Work Programme, which was achieved during my time as chair of the Coalition Backbench Committee on Employment.
“The Macquarie Youth Leadership Forum is also close to my heart and it was always a pleasure to hold an annual forum for local Year 11 students which was designed to encourage young people and develop leaders in the community through the values of service to others, integrity and courage.
“The incoming Labor member made many promises during the election campaign, which included a bypass for the Hawkesbury which will supposedly fix all traffic problems; a no 24-hour airport at Badgerys Creek and $5 million for a new operating theatre at Hawkesbury Hospital.
“I encourage the people of Macquarie to hold her to account.
“It is also important for me to mention that there are people within the community who myself and my office were in the process of assisting. Out of respect for the privacy of those individuals, I am not able to pass these details on to the next member.
“Those who wish to pursue their matter should contact the new member.
“As I move into the next stage of my life, I am very hopeful for my future and the future of our nation.
“Thank you for the opportunity to have served the people of Macquarie.”
