NSW Nationals in Wagga Wagga for annual conference
THE political action in NSW moves south this morning, to Wagga Wagga, where the Nationals are holding their annual state conference.It is freezing and foggy in Wagga this morning, but the mood among delegates is upbeat as they anticipate a share of state government following the next election in under two years.In his keynote address later today, NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner will stress themes of decentralisation and community politics.Stoner will also tell delegates more about a novel plan to pilot “community preselections” - essentially, US-style primaries - before the state election., federal leader Warren Truss will launch a stinging attack on Kevin Rudd’s $3.1 billion water buyback scheme, which Truss will claim is killing rural communities.***
The National Party of Australia announced at its state conference on Friday, that it would do a trial run of community pre-selections in one electorate at the 2011 New South Wales election. The move, which would be organised similar to primaries in the United States would be an Australian first.

At present only members of the party are involved in the pre-selection process.

NSW leader of the National Party, Andrew Stoner said, "This reform will empower even more people to become part of the process to select the best advocate for their local region. Community preselections have the potential to revitalise Australian politics and restore public faith in our democracy." If the trial shows to be effective, they will expand the process in the 2015 elections.

It was also announced at the state conference that three-way contests between the National Party, Liberal Party and Labor Party would be eliminated under a new agreement between the Liberals and Nationals. The coalition parties have agreed not to run against each other in each electorate, with some electorates having Liberal candidates and others having National candidates.