All nine candidates were asked by the Central Western Daily, 'If elected, will you support replacing the palliative care 12-month trial with a full-time facility, and with more than the current four beds?' 

Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Bisgrove said the current trial with four beds shows 'the incompetence' of the government.

"With Orange having a first-class health facility and the hub of the greater west with surrounding population of 160,000, a 25-bed facility at minimum should be available," he said.

Member for Orange and Shooters Fishers and Farmers candidate Phil Donato said he would work to secure a full-time facility.

"This was one of my main priorities since being elected and I am proud of the fact we were able to secure a dedicated four-bed inpatient palliative care unit," he said.

Nationals candidate Kate Hazelton said she believed the trial would show a need.

"We might also find from the trial results that we need a complementary hospice to take the pressure off both the palliative health facility and the aged-care homes which is a measure I would also support," she said.

Country Labor candidate Luke Sanger also backed a full-time facility.

"Should NSW get a Labor state government, we will use the numbers from the trial to make the case stronger to have a full-time palliative care unit in Orange," he said.

Greens candidate Stephen Nugent said four beds was not enough.

"A full-time ongoing facility with more beds is needed. And it's not just the elderly. Some younger people require end of life care and it's not ideal for them to be nursed in a general medical ward or aged care facility," he said.

Independent candidate Terri Ann Baxter said she wanted a 'full-time facility with extra beds and CCTV security monitors."

And Conservatives candidate Garry McMahon, Christian Democrats candidate Maurice Davey and Keep Sydney Open candidate David O'Brien said they would await the results of the trial's report and then push for a full-time facility.

CLARIFICATION: An article published in the Central Western Daily on Monday stated Australian Conservative Candidate for Orange Garry McMahon took a hard-line on the criminalisation of drug users and those caught supplying them. CWD clarifies Mr McMahon's hard-line approach referred to those who sell drugs, not illegal drug users.

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