Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says he wants the Coalition to stay together, despite failed talks between federal Liberal and National Party leaders over the future of their partnership. Speaking about ongoing tensions, Mr Layzell said the situation at a federal level does not directly affect the working relationship between the NSW Nationals and Liberals.
He said the state and federal organisations operate independently, though the same pressures are being felt across both levels of politics.
“There are the same sort of tensions at a state level as there are at federal,” he said.
“The renewable energy load on regional people, some of the changes we’re seeing, and the differences between metro and country. Those pressures are always there, but they’ve been very pronounced over the last couple of years.”
Mr Layzell said cooperation between the parties remains essential in NSW.
“We come together as a coalition and use that mechanism as a way of getting a significant number of votes so we can get things done,” he said.
“For it to fall apart at a federal level, it would be a failure. They need to work out how they’re actually going to deliver on their promises.”
“I just hope my federal colleagues can sort out their issues and get on with being a strong opposition.”
