Mr Toole has become the acting leader of the NSW Nationals after John Barilaro stepped aside for four weeks of personal leave, with the role also making him the state's acting deputy premier.

He takes the reins at a volatile time, just two weeks after Mr Barilaro threatened to move all Nationals MPs to the cross bench in protest against the government's new koala protection bill and just days after Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams jumped ship to join the Liberal Party.

Mr Toole conceded it was a difficult time but said he and his colleague's supported Mr Barilaro's decision to take some time off.

"I think it shows that politicians are not immune to some mental health issues so this is going to be a welcome break for John, but I think it also shows that it's important for us to be able to talk about it openly and actually acknowledge that we need help from time to time," he said.

"That's exactly what John has done and this is an important time for him to get better ... we're supporting John through this time."

Mr Toole said a lot of people were disappointed with Ms Williams' decision to leave the Nationals.

"She has gone to three elections and been elected as a National Party member so a lot of resources, a lot of support has been given to her in that time," he said.

"But we're certainly going to continue as a party to turn up to regional communities, like Port Macquarie, to ensure we support that community as well.

"At the end of the day, communities don't want to hear politicians talking about themselves. There are enough issues out there at the moment that people want to know that politicians are dealing with.

"... People in business are making decisions about how they're going to alter their operations during these difficult times, farmers are worrying about their next crop that they're harvest [and] restocking after these long periods of drought."

Mr Toole said his brief time as acting leader would see him tackle some key issues for the Nationals.

"I've got a SEPP [the koala legislation] I have to deal with, I've already reached out to the premier and [Planning Minister] Rob Stokes and we'll have meetings this week in relation to that," he said.

"[And] I have a stimulus package that I want to announce for funding into the regions. This is about making sure funding supports our communities in these COVID times but it's also about creating jobs."

"She has gone to three elections and been elected as a National Party member so a lot of resources, a lot of support has been given to her in that time," he said.

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