By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
FEDERAL La Trobe MP Jason Wood was one of the 54 members of the Liberal Party to lend his support to newly appointed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
“I have known Malcolm Turnbull for many years,” Mr Wood said in a written statement.
“I know his heart is in the right place, he is incredibly intelligent and articulate, is a man with vision, and has Australia’s best interests at heart.”
Mr Turnbull challenged the leadership of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott yesterday afternoon and by 10pm was voted the new leader of the liberal party and Prime Minister of Australia.
Mr Wood said his decision to support Mr Turnbull in the party room vote came from an 11-year political career together where they had both worked on local issues.
“Malcolm Turnbull’s commitment to La Trobe has been a long one,” Mr Wood said.
“During his time as Environment and Water Minister, he made and delivered on many commitments to our electorate; including many Green Corps Programs, and multiple Commonwealth Water Grants Program deliveries.
“He delivered for the very first time from a Federal Government to a wildlife program of this kind, funding for the Shangri-La Wildlife Shelter in Macclesfield.”
The NBN is the big ticket issue now Mr Turnbull has taken over as Prime Minister and the office of Communications Minister remains undecided until Cabinet meets again.
However, Mr Wood is confident Mr Turnbull will continue his commitment to delivering the NBN to the La Trobe area as the process is already underway.
“In recent times he has worked with me in delivering the NBN to La Trobe, beginning with Narre Warren South,” he said.
“He has visited La Trobe many times this parliamentary term, by train I might add, for forums, announcements, and to talk to local residents.”
Mr Wood has said he looked forward to continuing a strong partnership with Mr Turnbull that will deliver positive outcomes for the La Trobe electorate.
“I look forward to working with our new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, in a strong, united and consultative manner for the future of our Australia.”
