The Liberal Party has officially launched its campaign for the Bradfield by-election today.

Outgoing member for Bradfield, the Hon Brendan Nelson, joined candidate Paul Fletcher and Opposition Leader the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, at the launch.

“It has been an honour to represent the people of Bradfield.  I now encourage the community to support Paul Fletcher on December 5.  He will be an excellent local member and I wish him well,” said Dr Nelson.

Mr Turnbull described Paul Fletcher as a quality candidate who would be a major asset for the Liberal Party in the Federal Parliament.  “Paul has the experience and skills to be a valuable and effective Member for Bradfield and I look forward to him joining us in the Parliament,” said Mr Turnbull.

Today’s launch marks a key point in the campaign with two weeks to go until polling day.  There are 22 candidates contesting the by-election.

“I am pleased to have the support of Brendan Nelson, Malcolm Turnbull and Joe Hockey here at the launch along with the many other state and federal MPs,” said Mr Fletcher.

“I know I have a big challenge ahead and a lot of hard work to do before polling day.  I have been doorknocking and meeting people in shopping centres and at railway stations, to encourage them to vote Liberal in this by-election.”

“I will fight for this community.  I will be demanding Kevin Rudd honour his election promise that the buck stops with him on hospitals, and fix the Hornsby Hospital.

“I will stand up against Labor and the Greens who are attacking private health insurance – an attack which if successful would put more pressure on our already overburdened public hospitals.”

“I have joined the community in demanding an end to Labor’s planning mess.   Decisions made by Labor Ministers Sartor and Keneally – and their hand-picked planning panel – are destroying the heritage and green open spaces of Bradfield.  I will be a strong voice to return planning power to local hands – so the character of our community is determined by people in our community.”

“And I will speak out for sensible economic management in Canberra.  The people of Bradfield know how important it is to balance the books – I’ll be reminding Kevin Rudd of this basic principle.”