Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the winter recess, the Pollie Pedal has been held again with great success—raising more than $700,000 for Carers Australia.

It was my first opportunity to join the ride this year. We covered close to 1,100 kilometres from Moree in the state's north-west through Bingara, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Dubbo and Mudgee, finishing in some pretty ordinary weather through the Blue Mountains down to Penrith. Contrary to popular opinion about how flat it is in north-western New South Wales, in Tamworth and Gunnedah—Barnaby Joyce territory—we managed to find a few good hills. Thanks to all the people in all of those towns and communities we passed through. We received a hero's welcome at each and every stopover and we saw great generosity of spirit.

As in past years, members of the Goulburn Cycle Club were a major part of organising the Pollie Pedal. I am a keen member of this club and ride with them on most weekends. Ride director was local boy, Graeme Northey. He was strongly backed by the former ride director, Larry Meng, and the rest of the Goulburn team. Dave Hadlow from Goulburn ably supported the Prime Minister on the toughest day of the event from Mudgee to Lithgow. Thank you to the Goulburn Cycle Club for their contribution and 'well done' to all who donated money and time for such a worthwhile cause.