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ARMIDALE remains without an MP and staff at Richard Torbay’s office face an uncertain future following his departure from the political arena on Wednesday.
As Mr Torbay remains holed up, his home in Nathaniel Pidgeon Drive was locked, curtains drawn and a silver Kia parked in the driveway.
Friend Phillip Hanna said on Wednesday Mr Torbay had not returned his phone calls and his three electorate staff remained tightlipped over his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Mr Torbay’s webpage was suspended and his twitter account, which once commanded in excess of 1300 followers, was removed on Tuesday night.
Mr Torbay disappeared from public life shortly after withdrawing his candidacy for the federal seat of New England on Tuesday. Within a day, he had quit as MP for Northern Tablelands and brought forward his resignation from the position of Chancellor at the University of New England by one month.
By Wednesday afternoon, NSW Nationals confirmed they had referred their star recruit for the New England seat to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, however, did not disclose their reasons for doing so.
Electorate officer Lisa Williams confirmed Mr Torbay’s decision had been a “bombshell” to the three staff but he had their full support.
“The office remains in caretaker mode until a new MP is elected,” Ms Williams said.
A date has yet to be set for a by election.
Luke Sikora, executive officer for Speaker Shelley Hancock, said a date for any byelection to be held would have to take into consideration school and public holidays. Ms Hancock would be holding talks with major political parties in the coming days to determine a date.
Meanwhile, New England Local Area Command police Superintendent Bruce Lyons yesterday expressed his support for Mr Torbay. “I have met no other person who has won the heart and souls of the great majority of community members. His integrity and compassion to those who he has served I believe is unparalleled,” he said. It was “Richard’s greatest gift” to help people, Superintendent Lyons said.
