MOST voters would rather see their elected officials in parliament than the pub, but NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro hosted an event in Orange which flipped that notion on its head.
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The Pollies at the Pub function at The Lord Anson brought Mr Barilaro, state ministers and a host of political powerbrokers face to face with the public on Friday.
The NSW Nationals leader was joined by roads minister Melinda Pavey, tourism minister Adam Marshall, primary industries minister Niall Blair, racing minister Paul Toole and early childhood minister Sarah Mitchell.
Member for Orange Phil Donato was also present, as were his fellow state election candidates Bernard Fitzsimon, Scott Barrett, Scott Munro and Kevin Duffy.
According to Mr Barilaro, the event’s purpose was simple: “it's a chance for the public to speak to the pollies that turn up.”
For Nationals Party member Sharryn Aiken the opportunity to raise issues in such a direct manner was too good to pass up.
“It's a chance to tell the ministers what's important and what needs attention," Ms Aiken said.
“Having lost the election, it's good to have this attention and interest in our region.”
Former Cabonne deputy mayor Lachie MacSmith said the evening was a step in the right direction for a Coalition Government looking for recapture the Orange electorate.
“They’ve got to get out in this area and they’ve got to talk to us,” Mr MacSmith said.
“If they want the seat back, it has to happen.”
Robert Peffer agreed, saying the event underlined the “importance of being engaged with your community.”
“Everyone wants to see a better Australia, we just just have different ideas about what that entails,” Mr Peffer said.
Even the sometimes bitter battles of partisan politics were shelved for the night, with the deputy premier welcoming the presence of Shooters, Farmers and Fishers representative Mr Donato.
“I always joke with Phil that we're coming after him, we want the seat back,” Mr Barilaro said.
“But it’s not always about election commitments or announcements. It's just actually engaging with people.”
Mr Donato reciprocated those sentiments, saying he welcomed his Nationals parliamentary colleagues to town.
"I'm here to thank them for the funding announcements and welcome them to Orange,” Mr Donato said.
“It's great that they're out out here.”
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
