The state government has backed down on an election promise to provide $25 million for a sports complex in Orange only if Nationals candidate Kate Hazelton is elected.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on Thursday a Kate Hazelton-victory in the seat of Orange would enhance the government's ability to provide the funding, but it was not a requirement.
"It's an election commitment and we said if we return to government we will deliver on our election commitments," he said.
If we win government we will honour all our election commitments, and that includes the project for Orange.
- Deputy Premier John Barilaro
"If Kate's not part of that, that's fine, we'll deal with that election commitment.
"If we win government we will honour all our election commitments, and that includes the project for Orange."
Eight days ago Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the sports stadium funding in Orange but said it was dependent on Mrs Hazelton being elected.
"This will only happen if Kate [Hazelton] is the member, and I want to make that clear because we’ve worked out guts out to build a strong budget and we want to make sure Orange gets its fair share,” she said.
Mr Barilaro was announcing an $8 million road funding package for the Orange electorate when he was asked about the sports complex funding.
"The Premier said vote for Kate Hazelton if you want a stadium," he said.
Mr Barilaro said the election was likely to come down to a couple of seats and winning back the seat for the coalition from Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party member Phil Donato would be crucial for its re-election.
"That's the risk the voters of Orange will have to take," he said.
"If they vote for Kate Hazelton it gives us a chance to win back the seat of Orange which could guarantee us government. It's a simple equation."
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