The NSW Nationals’ coalition with the Liberals could prove to be a millstone round their necks at next year’s state election, according to two politicians with a more-than-passing interest in the result.
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Member for Orange Philip Donato echoed claims by Labor leader Luke Foley that the “heavy price” paid by the Nationals at the 2016 byelection – where the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate defeated Scott Barrett – could be replicated when voters return to the polls in 12 months time.
Mr Donato said the John Barilaro-led Nationals had changed tack since the byelection, which was fought in the shadow of debate over council mergers and the ban on greyhound racing, and had “tried to reform on regional issues”.
But they were still yoked to their coalition partners, whose focus remained “city-centric”.
“At the end of the day they have to toe the party line,” Mr Donato said.
“Until they stand up to [the Liberals] they’re going to be at the behest of them only worrying about the Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle catchments.”
Mr Donato’s comments come after the opposition leader said he is optimistic about his party’s chances in the Central West at the 2019 election.
Mr Foley said the Nationals had driven regional voters away with the greyhound ban and forced council mergers, and said plans to spend $2.5 billion rebuilding stadiums in Sydney was unpopular in the country.
“The government, and the National Party, paid a very heavy price at the Orange byelection,” Mr Foley said.
“They lost what had been one of their real strongholds and Labor played a part in that. I was out against the greyhound ban as soon as it was announced. I campaigned against the forced council mergers.
“We defeated the greyhound ban and we put a stop to forced council mergers. There’s a lot of issues we will continue to campaign on, not the least of which is the $3 billion stadium splurge.”
Mr Foley said Labor’s focus in the Central West would be to improve schools and hospitals. He said the party would also focus on TAFE.
“I think jobs, job creation and ensuring people can get a good skills base, good training here in local communities are the big issues,” he said.
Mr Donato said Labor would be tied to holding the majority of their seats in metropolitan areas.
