Wes Fang vows the ratepayers’ group he founded will continue to keep Wagga council accountable, despite his new role in the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Fang was announced on Thursday as the replacement for outgoing Nationals NSW MP Duncan Gay, who has called time on his 29-year political career.
Mr Fang will fill the casual vacancy in the Legislative Council and will be sworn in to the position in August.
The new role means he will have to give up his work in the Wagga Wagga Ratepayers’ Community.
“I have to pass the baton on,” Mr Fang said.
“I can’t do both roles.”
The 39-year-old said he looked forward to working with the council in “a more professional capacity”.
Mr Fang said a leadership team was already established in the ratepayers’ group, and discussions would take place soon to decide if more support would be added in his absence.
“Wagga City Council shouldn’t be popping the champagne corks just yet,” he said.
Mr Fang will fill the role in the Legislative Council for the next 20 months leading into the next election. He defended questions on social media about how he was elected into the role.
“It is a casual vacancy; this is how it is filled,” he said.
“This is the constitutional process.
“If the vacancy wasn’t filled, (the South West region wouldn’t have a representative).”
Mr Fang said, through his role in the ratepayers’ group, he had already started representing the region.
“I’m looking forward to getting in there and fighting for our people and making sure we get our fair share in the region.”
Liberal Party Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire congratulated Mr Fang.
“It’s very tough to win preselection,” Mr Maguire said.
“It’s very good to see young people interested in politics.
“I always work well with my Nationals colleagues – we have a great relationship.”
Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said he would be working closely with Mr Fang.
“Wes will bring a lot of experience, despite his youthfulness,” Mr McCormack said.
“He brings a lot of diversity.”
The small business minister said Mr Fang was a tireless campaigner and deserved his chance to represent the community.
“He knows the Riverina, understands small business, understands family values and he’ll do an outstanding job in the role.”