MEM’S TILT FOR PARLIAMENT

Carnarvon publican Merome Beard is keen to be the next local member.

Outgoing Nationals MP Vince Catania’s electorate officer Mem Beard is the new Nationals Candidate for North West Central.

Ms Beard, who is also a well-known Carnarvon publican, said the main issues in the electorate are shortage of workers, shortage of housing, internet connectivity and crime.

Ngaarda Media asked why Aboriginal people should vote for her.

“I have a strong connection to the country,” she said. “I was born and bred on a pastoral property and I have a great appreciation for our First Nations people on the ground and I work with a lot of them in town as well now. There’s a lot of issues there that I want to push for and I would hope that they feel comfortable approaching me in trying to resolve some of those issues or at least help them navigate their way through some of the things that are important to them.”

The by-election will be held on September 17.