A New Minor Party

With 4.2% of the vote in the Gippsland by-election the LDP is now a true minor party. That puts it in the same category as the other minor parties such as the Greens and Family First and ahead of the micro parties.

The result reflects the growing appeal of the LDP's policies of low tax and small government.

Here are a few photos from the campaign featuring Ben Buckley, the LDP's Gippsland candidate.

Ben Buckley letterboxing.

Ben helps carers and pensioners.

Ben is on good terms with the local media.

Ben speaks at a community forum.

Ben gives one of many TV interviews.

Ben Buckley

Ben Buckley lives at Benambra and is well known to the rural community throughout Gippsland. For many years he was co-owner and Chief Pilot of Alpine Aviation, involved in crop dusting plus emergency Medivacs and mercy flights.

At 71, Ben is still involved in the provision of fire spotting services and general aviation. 

Ben’s early years were spent in contract deer culling in New Zealand, where he also learnt to fly. His fame and skill as a pilot spread and one of Ben’s major achievements was flying an ultra-light aircraft from Australia to New Zealand.

Ben’s adventures and anecdotes around his flying, disputes with Aviation Department bureaucracy and community activities are contained in the book ‘Buckley’s Chance”, published in 1998.

Ben has always been a staunch supporter of the timber industry as well as pushing for better access to the bush by four-wheel drivers and hunters. His passion for community issues led him to enter local government and he is now in his second term as a Councillor with East Gippsland Shire Council. Prior to its amalgamation he spent 12 years as a Councillor with Omeo Shire, including one term as President.

Ben has been a proud fighter for the people of Gippsland, helping make the Great Alpine Road a tourist icon as well as pushing for the all-weather upgrade of the Mitta Mitta and Benambra-Corryong Roads.