An opposing stance on two of the biggest hot-button policies from the past term in government isn’t shaking the National party’s belief that nominee Kate Hazelton is the best person to topple incumbent Philip Donato in the March state election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last week, Ms Hazelton said she would have crossed the floor on council mergers and the greyhound ban, saying “I’m not going to just listen to what the party line always says”.
Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless said far from being an indictment on the coalition’s policy stance over the past four years, Ms Hazelton’s intent showed the party was still focused on representing local interests.
I think it shows we have that ability to cross the floor on issues which impact our electorates.
- Western NSW parliamentary secretary Rick Colless
“I think that’s a position a lot of people take that it’s a negative but I think it shows we have that ability to cross the floor on issues which impact our electorates,” he said.
“Obviously it’s not something taken lightly and we don’t do it without letting our political masters know what’s going on.”
He said the Nationals would be pushing her independence during the lead-up to March’s state election, as well as her ability to “sit at the table” should the coalition win re-election.
It’s a point both Labor and Nationals candidates have reiterated as a point of difference to Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Mr Donato.
“We want to make sure people know what they’re voting for,” Mr Colless said.
”[The election] is going to be tough, Phil Donato has a reasonable profile in town and as Kate said he goes to everything but he doesn’t get to sit at the cabinet table.
Mr Colless said he thought Ms Hazelton would be a “really good” nominee due to community work.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...