Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised the people of Orange a $25 million sporting complex, but, only if the National Party candidate, Kate Hazelton, is elected to Parliament by the people of the Orange electorate (which, by the way, also includes the not-insignificant towns of Forbes and Parkes).

Premier Berejiklian is reported as saying, “this will only happen if Kate is the member”.

What if the people elect Kate and the Liberal-Nationals government, led by Berejiklian, is thrown out in the election?

And that is on the cards. Clearly, Orange will not get the promised multi-million dollar sporting complex.

Berejiklian was foolish to make such a silly statement. Clearly, in desperation, someone has put the Premier up to this.

Political opponents, including the leader of the Opposition, have been quick to label Berejiklian’s statement as “blackmail” and  “bribery”. It certainly smacks of such.

The election campaign for the seat of Orange is off to a flying start. I look forward to the next enthralling chapters.