Western NSW Parliamentary Secretary Rick Colless said with the right candidate to replace Yvette Quinn The Nationals will still have a chance to topple incumbent member for Orange Philip Donato in the upcoming state election.
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The party will once again have to call for nominations after Parkes-based Ms Quinn tendered her resignation to the party on Wednesday.
Mr Colless said history showed with promotion and the right candidate it was possible to bring someone in at short notice and win an election.
As long as that someone is already well known.
I was surprised but it wasn’t totally unexpected, she was finding it difficult to cut through with some people.
- Western NSW Parliamentary Secretary Rick Colless
“It just depends on who the candidate is and their profile,” Mr Colless said.
“Obviously we will be looking for someone who has a profile already in the electorate and someone we can market.”
Mr Colless said he would meet with representatives from the electoral council on Thursday afternoon to discuss how to move forward.
“We will go back and call for nominations again,” he said.
“The party is currently providing support to Ms Quinn and looks forward to her ongoing participation and contribution to The Nationals,” the statement read.
The 21-year-old was preselected by local National Party members in June, but as recently as two weeks ago was forced to fend off speculation she no longer had the support of her party.
“I was surprised but it wasn’t totally unexpected, she was finding it difficult to cut through with some people,” Mr Colless said.
“She certainly was giving her best.”
Mr Donato said he wanted to wish Ms Quinn the best for the future.
“It’s my understanding that Yvette has decided to stand down as the National Party candidate. I have met with Yvette previously and despite having differences in terms of politics, I believe she is a person of good character,” Mr Donato said.
“My concern is whether she has left by her own freewill, or was pushed. If it was her decision alone to step down then I’m completely supportive of her choice; representing a large electorate area in parliament is no small feat.
“However, if there was bullying involved, then that’s another matter completely.
“My only hope is that the National Party have treated Yvette respectfully and the decision is hers alone. I wish her the best for her future endeavours.”
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