As he proudly stepped up to the microphone to deliver his inaugural speech as the Member for Clarence on May 10 in the NSW Legislative Assembly, Richie Williamson revealed that despite earlier presumptions, he wasn’t as nervous as he thought he would be.

Recalling the experience as a surreal moment while he stood before his family, friends, and parliamentary colleagues, full of hope and optimism, Mr Williamson told the Clarence Valley Independent it was a great honour to stand at the podium to deliver his first speech as he acknowledged his loved ones and the people of the Clarence electorate for their support, and pledged to be their advocate in parliament.

“I will bring us to Sydney and promise not to bring Sydney to you,” he declared.

“I will stand beside each and every person, family, and community along the way.

“I look forward to standing here in this place to stand up for regional NSW.”

As he outlined his priority to invest in health care across the Clarence electorate, and spoke of his commitment to working with local communities and the Government to ensure that “we continue to get our fair share, and build on the infrastructure we need,” prior to referencing the new ambulance station in Iluka, Mr Williamson also revealed he is ready to work with the Health Minister and the Government on the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital (GBH), an election promise he campaigned heavily in favour of.

Mr Williamson also reaffirmed his beliefs in the NSW Legislative Assembly that the Clarence electorate should remain mining free.

“Our natural beauty, our pristine waterways, our prime farmland, and national parks should not be put at risk, even if that risk is classified as minor,” he said.

“Housing also remains a major issue, and I commend the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission (NRRC) that aims to find 10000 blocks in the Northern Rivers for development. “Let’s get innovative and find ways to ensure that affordable housing blocks remain affordable forever. 

“I am ready to serve my thriving community, and I stand with them in the good times, and in the bad.”

Mr Williamson said he wanted to take the opportunity during his inaugural speech to put a few things on record in the house while officially starting the fight for everything he believes to be important for the Clarence electorate.

“I will always continue to fight for the bush,” he said proudly.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 17 May 2023.