THE NATIONALS have long argued that backing an independent politician is a wasted vote.
People in the bush are best served when the Nats represent them in the Coalition party room, they say.
But the fallout from last week’s vote in NSW parliament to ban Greyhound racing reminded us that just like any political institution, toeing the party line is top priority for the Coalition – even when that means punishing MPs for representing their constituents.
Far from delivering a public smackdown to the three MPs who crossed the floor in defiance of the ban, Nationals Leader Troy Grant praised the rebels Kevin Humphries, Katrina Hodgkinson, and Chris Gulaptis for having courage in their convictions.
But two days later Mr Gulaptis and Ms Hodgkinson were given the heave-ho and stripped of their parliamentary secretary briefs.
Mr Grant never said directly the pair were demoted because of the Greyhound vote.
But he didn’t have to.
Ms Hodgkinson and Mr Gulaptis – and by unfortunate extension their electorates’ constituents – were dumped because they didn’t fall into line.
Their replacements, Nats Lower House MP Adam Marshall and Upper House MP Bronnie Taylor, are both capable members of parliament who can make valuable contributions in their new roles.
Both supported the Greyhound ban.
Some might point to the importance of Cabinet unity when making tough, wide-reaching decisions, but if that’s the case why did Mr Grant bother to praise his MPs before demoting them in the same week?
His words were either insincere or an indication the call was not his to make.
Ultimately, the lesson here for voters is that in order for your MP to climb the political ladder into more influential positions, they have to first and foremost follow orders.
The long-term fallout from the Greyhound ban will depend very much on government assistance provided to business and individuals impacted by the ban.
But what also needs to be considered is the ability of the NSW Nationals to represent rural voters in the face of pressure from Premier Mike Baird.
The Orange by-election in November should give an insight into the damage done in regional areas previously boasting an unbackable level of support for the Nationals.
