oakeshott and windsor, page-18

Not only were the independents of Tamworth and Port Macquarie comprehensively thrown out, but also the popular indpendent in Dubbo electorate was also thrown out with a dramatic move. The member Dawn Fardell had won last two elecions as a popular independent, and the man she beat in 2004 was also an independent.

Last night the Nationals absolutely swamped her with a 2 to 1 majority.

The message could not be clearer. Dawn Fardell was an uncontroversial non-radical independent. She did not appear to have many enemies, yet she was deserted in droves.

The Fed independents now clearly have no support, hated even, so I think that it won't be long before we have a big change in Canberra.

Autralians don't like traitors, or to feel betrayed. They react with venom.