NSW Nationals leader and Monaro MP John Barilaro says he is “ready and keen” to work with whomever the Liberal Party selects as its new leader.
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The Deputy Premier spoke to Fairfax Media in the hours after Mike Baird’s shock announcement Thursday, January 19, he will resign from politics next week.
Mr Barilaro said it was not for him to say who he would like to see as leader of the Liberals, but acknowledged Treasurer Gladys Berjiklian and Transport Minister (and neighbouring Bega MP) Andrew Constance were the names on people’s lips.
“Andrew’s been Treasurer, a good transport minister – he gets the regions. It’s not for me to say who is elected as leader but if Andrew is appointed it would be a good choice,” Mr Barilaro said.
“But I’m ready and keen to work with anyone the Liberal Party puts up as Premier.”
Mr Barilaro said although there was shock in the community about Mr Baird stepping aside only midway through a term, it is six years into a Coalition state government and 10 years since Mr Baird won the seat of Manly.
Some of the more controversial policy decisions during Mr Baird’s time as Premier directly affected residents in the Bombala district.
Chief among these was the local government reforms and council amalgamations.
“I don’t deny there are people in the community with some angst about the amalgamations,” Mr Barilaro said.
“But looking at the broader region there are also lots of people saying it is working well.
“And even though Bombala’s size is smaller than Cooma, we are still committed to getting it a fair share.
Mr Barilaro said there were still some elements of the local government reforms outstanding, but he remained committed to looking into them as they arose.
He said Mr Baird leaves a worthy legacy of a strong state economy, jobs for the regions, and he goes out on a high.
“Now we have to look at 2019 [state election]. A third term conservative government is rare in NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We need to be focused and, while looking back at a strong legacy of being able to deliver, we also need to articulate a clear vision of the future.
“With a new leadership team, a fresh cabinet, we will be energised and looking towards 2019 and beyond.”
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
