Mr Jennings, a self-employed, small business owner and Bathurst Councillor, says he’s ready for the election and believes he can tackle the concerns of voters in the electorate. 

“The fundamental issues are jobs, health and education,” he said. 

“Labor has the best education package in several generations and we will fully fund Gonski.” 

He says Labor will provide $216 million to education in Calare over the next 10 years. 

“Country schools are up to two and a half years behind metro schools,” he said. 

“If we ever want to close that gap, we have to shape the school system and give every country kid a fighting chance.” 

He also spoke on Labor’s dedication to Medicare and the NBN. 

“Access to health in rural areas… these people stand to lose more than the average Australian,” he said. 

“Labor will deliver a real NBN, Calare needs an agriculture, food and fibre plan.” 

Mr Jennings says he sees enormous potential in the electorate, and wants to see more tourism and national recognition for the area. 

He also addressed the fact that he will share preferences with Nick Xenophon Team candidate Rod Bloomfield. 

Traditionally, Labor has sided with the Greens. 

“Labor does believe in economy growth and the Greens’ policies are unpractical and unrealistic,” he said. 

“Their intentions are good but in reality it doesn’t stack up.

“I fully understand he is an Independent, I think he has a lot more in common with Labor.”