Mr Kidd, also a radiographer at Leeton Health Services, sees the recent attempts to cut hospital services in the MIA as a big election issue. 

“As a radiographer, I’ve seen how the cuts from the Liberals and Nationals in Sydney have impacted our local community, particularly when it comes to our local health services.”

“Murray needs someone who understands the local area and who will fight against the privatisation of regional hospitals and cuts to local health services.”

NSW Labor’s Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord has called for an external investigation into the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), who have made recent decisions to cut local health services without telling government or doctors. 

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party have backed the inquiry calls, while the Liberal National Government have have pledged their support for the MLHD board.  

NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley has welcomed Michael Kidd’s candidacy and praised him for being a staunch advocate for his community as councillor there for the past nine years.

Mr Kidd has lived in Leeton for over 35 years with his wife Leeanne, a nurse. They have raised three sons there.

He is also the Chair of the Roxy Theatre Committee, Secretary of the local Tidy Towns Committeeand a member of the Leeton United Football Club Committee. He has previously served as president of theLeeton Preschool Committee and two years on the school council of St Joseph’s Primary School in Leeton.

Mr Kidd also said, “we need someone who will fight for more local jobs and stop the cuts to TAFE”.

“It’s time we sent the Berejiklian Government and those Nationals up in Sydney a message.

“Only Country Labor will keep our hospitals in public hands and secure funding for regional health services.”

Related: Opposition parties circle Piccoli’s seat 

The by-election, caused by the resignation of sitting member Adrian Piccoli of the National Party, will cost taxpayers $720,000. 

The Nationals announced their candidate on Sunday night.