Hayward to run for Bunbury

Mr Hayward chose to make his nomination public after Bunbury MLA John Castrilli announced his retirement from parliament in March.

In the last eight years Mr Hayward has called Bunbury home and has a passion for the region which is one of the reasons he has decided to run for the seat. 

Mr Hayward said Royalties for Regions is transforming the South West and he was excited about it. 

“As a National I can stand up for the electorate unashamedly and give the region a voice when state decisions are being made,” he said.

“Bunbury is on the right track and I want to continue to encourage development and without Royalties for Regions funding this wouldn’t be possible.

“There are no National party representatives in the Perth metro area, everyone is based in the region and this is really important to make sure the regions get funding.”

Mr Hayward is concerned that Royalties for Regions is under threat and he said if Colin Barnett or Mark McGowan plan to repeal Royalties for Regions or make significant changes, they owe it to the people of WA to share those plans well ahead of the election.

“Royalties for Regions is not borrowed money. It’s enshrined in legislation, and the policy has an adjustment mechanism contained in the legislation. If state royalty revenue decreases, Royalties for Regions would decrease accordingly,” he said. 

“The reality is that both major parties want to fund major infrastructure projects in the city, like light-rail, and they’re looking to cut regional spending to make this possible.”

Mr Hayward said the 2017 state election was particularly important for regional voters – with changing electoral boundaries abolishing the electorate of Eyre to create a new electorate in Perth.

“Less country seats and more city seats means regional voters need to make sure they have a strong, local voice in Parliament that will represent their interests and have the capacity to deliver,” he said. 

The Nationals WA will pre-select for the seat of Bunbury on April 30.