Orange councillor Tony Mileto is firming as favourite to win the preselection for the Nationals in the seat of Orange for the next state election this weekend.
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Cr Mileto is going up against 21-year-old Yvette Quinn from Parkes, who was endorsed unopposed by her local branch in February, while the Forbes branch decided against endorsing candidates.
The Nationals will hold their meeting to decide their candidate for Orange on Sunday.
They will be trying to win back the seat they held for decades, which was lost in 2016 after a record 34 per cent swing against The Nationals on primary vote and a two-candidate-preferred swing over 21.8 per cent.
Orange is currently held by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Phil Donato by just 0.1 per cent, making it the most marginal seat in NSW.
NSW Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro told the Central Western Daily he was hoping the Nationals would be able to swing the seat back during the election in March next year.
“I think with preselection this weekend we will see the grassroots have their say, emphasising we have a lot of good options, be that Tony Mileto or someone else, they’ll be able to demonstrate to the people of Orange we’re the best placed to serve the electorate,” he said.
“I feel like it will be a different kettle of fish to when we’re out of the byelection frenzy when myths replace facts people will see what we’ve done in seven years of government.”
Ms Quinn is planning to campaign on road safety, better transport links and mental health, while Cr Mileto will place his focus on road safety after his work with police, having experienced serious crashes in his life.
Cr Mileto told the Central Western Daily he was “quietly confident without being complacent” heading into preselection.
“I’m relying on experience, I’ve had a lot more experience with all levels of government,” he said.
Cr Mileto was also looking at domestic violence shelters, upgrading the Newell Highway and increasing employment opportunities for those west of the Blue Mountains.
He said he had respect for Ms Quinn, who “has also been campaigning hard”.
“I’m planning to use every opportunity to engage with the electorate,” he said.
Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
