Independents based in regional New South Wales say there are messages for the state government Nationals and the urban Liberals in the federal election result.
South Coast based MLC Justin Field said the outcome of the federal election would force the state election next March to focus on policies the public voted on.
"It's a huge course correction in Australian politics," Mr Field said.
"Both major parties will be trying to get their policies prescriptions right to speak to those issues of environment, climate, integrity, women in politics and support for women generally.
"I also wouldn't be surprised if you see more independents candidates not just in Liberal heartland, but taking on some of those Nationals who are holding back policy reform in NSW."
Coalition parties under scrutiny
Wagga Wagga independent Joe McGirr said he also saw a cautionary tale.
"I think a lesson for everyone across Australia in this, is how important integrity in government is," Dr McGirr said.
"The idea that people accept pork barrelling, that they will brush away allegations that grant schemes weren't administered properly ... I just don't think you can ever take the importance of trust and integrity and local issues too seriously."
In NSW while not losing any seats, the federal Nationals recorded a -1.2 per cent swing against them and received fewer primary votes than the Greens.
Lake Macquarie independent Greg Piper said he "wouldn't dismiss" a similar trend at the state election.
"I would hazard a guess that people are looking at this relationship between the Liberals and Nationals and how their principles and values pushed by the Nationals don't align," Mr Piper said.
"Even though the Nationals seem quite remote they have a huge impact on the functioning of the government."
While all three independents gave credit to Treasurer Matt Kean for his commitment to renewables, Mr Field said voters would be watching to see if the promises made matched what was delivered.
"The state government does have the levers on a lot of this, and climate is a good one. It's all well and good to talk net zero by 2050, but it is the state government approving the coal mines and the land clearing," Mr Field said.
Forests, native vegetation and koalas
In NSW the Nationals control all the natural resources portfolios including the management of native forests and biodiversity.
"The government is resisting pressures to stop logging native forest and critical koala habitat – why is NSW holding on to this?" Mr Field said.
"Again, the Nationals are holding the Liberal party back and if they are not careful there will be a reaction, not just in Liberal party seats, but in Nationals as well."
Mr Field said the Liberal party had also acquiesced to the Nationals on a review of native vegetation management until after the election.
"It's ticking time bomb for biodiversity."
Dr McGirr said environment planning instruments remain fraught issues.
"In regional areas, there are different views, the Nationals have picked up part of the constituency, but I think there is a growing constituency that would take issues around the environment and put a priority on these," he said.
Mr Piper said the Mid North Coast has already seen the impact of coalition fallout over koala policy.
"That led ultimately to the member for Port Macquarie saying enough is enough I cannot stay with the Nationals while this is the agenda and policy and she left to join the Liberals," he said.
Leslie Williams defected to the Liberals in September 2020 after the "politically reckless and unreasonable" handling of koala policy when then-leader John Barilaro threatened to "blow up" the coalition agreement.
"A move I believe will be very well endorsed by her electorate who I don't feel would identify as National party voters, they support the member more than the party," Mr Piper said.
"The Nationals shouldn't think the management of natural resources and the contest with the environment in more remote areas is something that people in the cities aren't interested in — they are, they are well educated, and they are engaged with those issues."
In a statement Deputy Premier and Nationals leader Paul Toole said the Nationals were prepared for the challenge.
"The NSW National party is well accustomed to contesting seats against a range of candidates, including Labor, independents, and a variety of minor parties. Ongoing local engagement, and delivering in government for the regions, remains crucial for NSW Nationals' MPs and candidates."
Kelly Fuller hosts Parliwaffle on ABC Local Radio in regional NSW on Friday mornings.
