AFTER months of uncertainty, Assistant Minister for Children and Families and Federal MP for Lyne Dr David Gillespie will not have to face a high court challenge over his eligibility to sit in Parliament.

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Labor’s Peter Alley had asked the court to consider whether the Nationals MP had breached the constitution by accepting rent from a business with an Australia Post Franchise in a Port Macquarie shopping complex owned by Dr Gillespie.

Dr Gillespie told News Of The Area, “It’s a big relief and a big dose of common sense by the High Court.”

“Now that it’s not before the court, people have got to realise that there’s about four thousand Post Offices, they are not public service, they are stand alone small business men and women who have a franchise deal.”

Dr Gillespie was speaking during a visit to the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area to meet with local community groups.

“It’s been kicked out of court 7 – nil and I can now go on serving the good people of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.”

Labor launched its challenge against Dr Gillespie in July of last year, after it was claimed the MP had a potential indirect financial interest in the Commonwealth which can be grounds for disqualification from Parliament under section 44(v) of the Constitution.

Dr Gillespie recently sold off the shop at the centre of the legal action.

By Margie TIERNEY