Farmer wins Liberal pre-selection

The Liberal Party of WA has chosen a fourth-generation farmer from Katanning to be the new candidate for the Federal seat of O’Connor.

Rick Wilson is the first candidate to be selected by the party in 30 years after long-serving MP Wilson Tuckey lost his seat in last year’s election.

Mr Wilson said he felt honoured to be given the opportunity to contest O’Connor for the Liberal Party.

“Obviously I am hoping that I can win it back and return it to the Liberal Party,” he said.

“If you want to make the world a better place and change the world then … Canberra is a good place to start.

“It is going to be tough but I think the dissatisfaction with the Gillard Government will work in my favour.”

Mr Wilson holds a degree in agricultural business and has been involved in the agri-political scene for 10 years.

He is concerned about rising living costs in regional areas.

“The basics of life are already more expensive than … in the city because of the transport component, and now the Government is talking about a carbon tax,” he said.

WA Liberal Party State president Barry Court welcomed Mr Wilson as the Liberal candidate.

“If the people of O’Connor want to guarantee that their vote will contribute … then their only choice is to support Rick Wilson,” he said.

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