THE Port Macquarie doctor dumped as the National Party’s candidate in next week’s by-election is now running as an Independent.
Dr Yonge said he was “sacked” on Wednesday 12 February, just days after his pre-selection, over “unsubstantiated allegations”.
Hannam Vale farmer Sean Gleeson was later installed as his replacement.
In a statement announcing his decision to leave the party and go it alone in next Saturday’s contest for the state seat of Port Macquarie, Dr Yonge said it was time to “wake up and move beyond party candidates with heavy political agendas”.
“As an independent candidate, my only agenda is to advance and benefit our people and our region.”
His decision to run as an Independent likely came as a shock to NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders.
Speaking to News Of The Area after the party’s backflip, Mr Saunders said he was certain that would not be the outcome.
“He’s assured me he’s not running as an Independent. He’s assured me he still backs the National Party.”
Dr Yonge graduated from his medical degree with Honours and went on to work across rural and remote Australia, including with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and as a GP in the Pitjantjara lands of northern South Australia.
He moved to Port Macquarie in 2007 where he became a fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
He also became an examiner for the RACGP, and a supervisor of GP trainees.
In 2010, he was one of three business partners who opened a new medical centre in Nelson Bay, introducing universal bulk billing to that region for the first time in decades.
This was followed by the opening of Port GPs in 2014 – the largest general practice in the area.
Dr Yonge said he is ready to serve the community in a political capacity.
“Our beloved Port Macquarie is in dire need of more tourism attractions, job opportunities, education facilities, healthcare improvements, safe roads, and fresh water security,” he said.
“We cannot wait any longer to address these issues.”
His list of “proposals for a brighter future” includes economic growth, water security, flood and fire prevention, new ideas, tax relief and reduced reliance on Sydney and Newcastle specialists to save local lives.
Dr Yonge and his wife Erin have three children, and are regular volunteers in community sports and other activities.
By Sue STEPHENSON
