Bob Carr and Bob Martin Speak in Port Stephens for Kate Washington Port Stephens LGA Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 5, 2018 Bob Carr, Kate Washington and Bob Martin at the Friday evening event. PEOPLE travelled from near and far to hear two stalwarts of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) speak at a fundraiser for sitting MP, Ms Kate Washington on Friday evening. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Speaking at the event were Mr Bob Martin, the first Member of Parliament for the then-newly created State seat of Port Stephens. Representing the community from the seat’s inception in 1988 until 1999, Mr Martin reminisced about his time in politics, paying particular attention to the electoral debacle that took place 49 days after he was declared the winner. Those with long memories will recall Mr Martin’s election victory being taken to the Court of Disputed Returns. His win, by approximately 90 votes, was disputed due to claims of electoral bribery, a charge that the Court upheld and a by-election was called. Mr Martin, in what must have been a political slap in the face to his opponents, then won the second election with a 13% margin. The recollections from the time was met with much applause by the audience. Ms Washington said, “Beyond Bob’s career as an elected official, he ministers to the entire community.” “Bob’s legacy to the community is enduring.” Also speaking at the event in support of his former colleague, Mr Martin, was NSW’s longest consecutive-serving Premier, Mr Bob Carr. Living up to his reputation of knowing his history well, Mr Carr recalled his time in office and his interactions with various political leaders. Speaking about the recent Pauline Hanson interview which saw her break down in tears during a Sky News interview on Thursday evening, Mr Carr recalled how Ms Hanson first came to be elected. Mr Carr said, “John Howard’s indictable error was his dealing with Pauline Hanson.” “Instead of rebuking her, he said she had a right to be heard, but was she was saying was utterly detestable.” “NSW at the time had a population of 25% born overseas.” Mr Carr went on to pay tribute to Mr Martin’s contribution to NSW governance, praising his willingness to work hard for his constituents. By Heather SHARP
