ALLEGATIONS of bullying resulting in the resignation of The Nationals’ candidate for Orange have been rebuked by deputy leader Niall Blair.
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Mr Blair was in Orange on Friday, two days after Labor MLC Walt Secord put a question to him in parliament regarding Yvette Quinn’s decision to quit.
The Minister for Trade and Industry said he was unaware of any bullying against Ms Quinn and it was unacceptable in any workplace.
“If there was evidence of that, you would see me and everyone else in the leadership group of The Nationals being the first to call it out,” he said.
“We have no tolerance for bullying, particularly at a time where we want to get more women and more young people involved in politics.”
We have no tolerance for bullying, particularly at a time where we want to get more women and more young people involved in politics.
- Deputy Nationals leader Niall Blair
Mr Blair said he had been happy to stand next to Ms Quinn.
“I supported her when she was the candidate and support her decision now – her welfare is the number one priority,” he said.
He did not believe a change in candidate would hand the seat to Shooters, Fishers and Farmers incumbent Phil Donato at the March election, saying no seat could be taken for granted.
Both Mr Blair and Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless, who said he was appalled by Mr Secord’s question, said they were unaware of whether Ms Quinn had been offered a paid position in the party.
“I’ve heard no one say there’s been any offer,” Mr Blair said.
Nominations are yet to open to select a candidate, however Mr Colless said four people were interested.
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