Dr Joe McGirr prepares for 'a very tough competition' as he confirms he'll seek re-election

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has confirmed that he will be seeking re-election at the 2023 NSW state election.

He made the announcement via social media on Tuesday, stating that he is “keen to build on the foundations” of his first term.

But he’s taking nothing for granted.

“I think there’ll be an enormous interest in this seat,” he said.

“I think from both the Liberal and the National parties because I think they want to win it back.”

After a long career in health, Dr McGirr was elected in a by-election in September 2018 following the exit of controversial Liberal MP Daryl Maguire.

A massive 29 per cent swing against the Liberal Party ended its decades-long dominance and Dr McGirr was subsequently re-elected in 2019.

“The electorate has traditionally voted conservatively, so it’s not gonna be easy, there’s no question about that,” he said.

“But I think having an independent voice and being able to work with both sides of the government, and to be able to advocate on issues, I think that is a strength and I hope people will appreciate that.”

Reflecting on his first term, Dr McGirr says he’s proud to have brought a renewed focus to the region and increased investment in health facilities and the industrial and rail developments at Bomen.

“There’s a real buzz around the electorate and a lot of infrastructure,” he said.

“I think that’s come about because we’ve been able to advocate for that and there’s been a recognition that it was long overdue.”

He’s particularly proud of the improvements in regional health but said it remained a work in progress.

“I think that I’ve been a strong advocate on rural health and the Rural Health Division that’s been established,” he said.

“We’ve pushed very hard on palliative care funding, for example, and I think that those have been good wins, but we need to make sure that we see them through.”

While the political life of an independent can be challenging, Dr McGirr feels that they have an important role to play in upholding accountability and advocating outside the major party structure.

“I think that the advocacy with my fellow independents in terms of housing has been important in shifting the government’s perspective, and I think likewise, our focus on integrity, the government changes to the grant system and question times have been important,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 25 March election, Dr McGirr is bracing for a battle.

“I suspect the conservative party’s going to campaign pretty vigorously, as I expect the ALP will,” he said.

“But I think that interest in the seat is positive so even though I accept that it’s going to be a very tough competition, I think that’s in the interest of the community.”