Crook Will Remain On Cross-Benches

Member for O’Connor (elect), Tony Crook has reiterated that he would remain on the cross-bench as an Independent WA National.

He said he would continue to pursue dollar for dollar funding from the Commonwealth to match the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

“I campaigned strongly as an Independent WA National with a clear policy platform to deliver a better deal for regional Western Australians,” Mr Crook said.

“I have always been clear that I oppose the mining tax – so I could not offer my support to the Labor Party to form Government.

“The best way for me to represent the electorate and regional WA is to sit on the cross-benches.”

Mr Crook said he will assess each piece of legislation on its merits and with the best interests of regional Western Australia in mind.

“I look forward to putting WA’s interests ahead of Party Politics,” he said.

“Regional WA has been overlooked for decades because representatives from major parties have been outvoted in their Party rooms by city-based Eastern States politicians.

“Whether you agree with the decisions of Mr Oakeshott, Windsor and Katter or not, you can’t deny they have helped to bring a significant focus on the needs of regional Australia.

“I remain committed to getting a fair deal of funding for regional WA and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to build on the successful mechanism we’ve developed in this State – it’s a good blueprint for delivering a better outcome for all regional Australians.”