THE NSW Coalition is “sneaking” into the electorate without courtesy calls to the local member, and Phil Donato has had enough.
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Mr Donato spoke out after a visit by parliamentary secretary for western NSW Rick Colless on Monday, who made an announcement on planning progress on parking at Orange Health Service.
He said Mr Colless’ office did not inform him he was coming or invite him to meet.
“I was kept in the dark, it’s professional courtesy and common decency to alert the local member when an announcement is made that affects the electorate the person represents,” he said.
“It’s kindergarten politics – it’s far more productive to involve people in the process regardless of what party they come from than sneaking around and coming in covertly without anyone knowing.”
It was not the first time Mr Donato has not been informed about a ministerial visit.
Former disability services minister John Ajaka visited Orange Aquatic Centre in November to announce $35,000 for an extended changeroom and swing hoist allowing pool users with disabilities to be lifted out of their wheelchairs and into the pool wheelchair, without an invitation to the recently-elected member.
An announcement about funding for Forest Road was also issued without informing Mr Donato.
He said he had raised the concern with deputy premier John Barilaro in the hallways of parliament.
“He said he would look into it,” he said.
However, Mr Donato said he was proud to have secured certainty on the parking project, saying quick action would not have happened without his byelection win and he had ongoing communication with Western Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan.
The Central Western Daily asked the offices of NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and deputy premier John Barilaro why Mr Donato was not being notified when senior government officials visited the area and what efforts the government made to keep Mr Donato abreast of project progress.
A spokesman for Mr Barilaro said: “The commitment of the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government to ensuring regional NSW, including the people of Orange, receive their fair share is stronger than ever, and we will continue to deliver those life-changing projects for those communities.”
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