Members of The Nationals’ Orange branch have spoken to the Central Western Daily, saying efforts had been made from senior members of the party to encourage the 21-year-old mental health worker from Parkes to step aside.

One member said polling conducted on Ms Quinn’s profile in the community had been especially concerning for the party, while another indicated minimal money would be devoted to the campaign and no government ministers would visit.

However, Ms Quinn denied she had been asked to give up her position and said Deputy Premier John Barilaro was behind her.

“It’s absolutely untrue, I am continuing as the candidate for Orange,” she said.

“The last polling I was told about was conducted in July only a month after I was preselected so that’s not reflective of the current situation.”

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Asked whether Western NSW Parliamentary Secretary Rick Colless had applied any pressure, Ms Quinn said she had support from across the party.

Mr Colless said the party had been reviewing Ms Quinn’s performance on her recognition within the community.

“The idea with all candidates is we review what they’re doing and how they’re cutting through – that’s a normal part of the process,” he said. 

“She is the candidate and we are proceeding with that,” he said. 

Mr Colless said Ms Quinn had been working “reasonably hard” and had attended the recent agricultural shows.

“She’s a long way behind, but we’ll be working towards getting her there,” he said.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to winning the seat back.

“Our best chance is sooner rather than later,” he said. 

Mr Colless said ministers would be in the electorate in the lead-up to the election.

A spokesman for Mr Barilaro said Ms Quinn had his full support.

NSW Nationals state secretary Ross Cadell said the minimum budget was confirmed two weeks ago, which could be supplemented later.

Ms Quinn was preselected in June after winning the ballot against Parkes mayor Ken Keith.

Orange councillor Tony Mileto had been ruled out of the race following an irregularity on his Orange City Council nomination form. 

She will compete against incumbent Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Phil Donato – Country Labor is yet to finalise a candidate.

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