First News Story

Robin’s march to the election

By Clare Hayes for the Port Macquarie News
May 25 2007

Thousands of toy soldiers will spring up across Port Macquarie as the federal election approaches.

They are part of Robin Cartledge’s campaign for the seat of Lyne.

The Port Macquarie grandfather and web designer this week announced his plans to challenge sitting member, Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, at the election.

He will stand as an independent.

The toy soldiers are Mr. Cartledge’s “creative” way of leaving his mark.

Each plastic figurine is tagged with the message “Who Cares?”. This is the premise of the 64-year-old’s campaign.

Mr Cartledge is concerned about health. He believes the country is lacking health services and wants the federal government to finance the sector appropriately.

He is asking people who really cares about the Lyne electorate and suggests it is not Mr. Vaile.

He cares for a friend who suffered a stroke and finds it difficult to access help.

Mr. Vaile has defended the federal government’s investment in health, which is predominantly a state issue, referring to the increased funding to improve access to regional and rural health services and the recent announcement of $1.8 million for new internet, or e-health, initiatives for the North Coast Area Health Service.

However, Mr. Vaile welcomes all challengers and political opponents to the election.

Mr. Cartledge has a $1000 budget for his campaign and, as such, is relying on creativity and computers to publicise his intentions – hence the toy soldiers.

“It’s goung to be a busy six months and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it,” Mr. Cartledge said.

To follow the campaign, log on to http://robincartledge.wordpress.com/

Mr. Cartledge is yet to formally nominate as a candidate, but is filling out through the paperwork now.

This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of The Port Macquarie News. http://portmacquarie.yourguide.com.au/