Nationals' Leader, David Littleproud, has described The Nationals' endorsed candidate for the seat of Hunter, Sue Gilroy, as a local champion and advocate for small business and families.
Ms Gilroy is the former Singleton Business Chamber President as well as founder of business coaching company, Cultivate Confident Cultures.
"The Nationals are thrilled to have Sue on board in the must-win seat of Hunter," Mr Littleproud said.
"Sue is committed to local business and cost-of-living pressures those in the Hunter are facing.
"Sue is a well-known Singleton local and businesswoman, with a background as a registered nurse and experience in the coal industry.
"Labor's ideology isn't matching the practical needs of Hunter families. Under Labor, coal and gas have been demonised, despite these crucial industries forming the backbone of the Hunter and employing thousands of locals."
Ms Gilroy described cost-of-living as the number one local issue.
"Across the region, I continue to hear from families and small businesses who are struggling to keep the doors open and food on the table," Ms Gilroy said.
"For the Hunter to survive, we need affordable, reliable energy, with generation sources that create jobs and sustain our economy."
Deputy Nationals Leader, Senator Perin Davey, said Sue Gilroy's experience running a small business and working with the Singleton Business Chamber stands her in good stead to be a champion for the region.
"Sue understands how hard it has become to run a small business under Labor," Senator Davey said.
"Unlike Labor, the Nationals will reduce red tape, reverse Labor's industrial relations reforms and address competition policy to make running a small business easier.
"The Nationals believe the Hunter will continue to be one of the nation's most important economic drivers and by backing small businesses, coupled with unlocking housing infrastructure, we can ensure the Hunter region flourishes for generations to come."
Nationals Senator for NSW, Ross Cadell, said the Hunter region plays an important role in Australia's future energy mix, with Liddell near Muswellbrook earmarked to host a nuclear plant.
"Hunter families face soaring energy costs, record levels of hardship, small business insolvencies, and growing uncertainty under Labor's renewables-only energy plan," Senator Cadell said.
"Under Labor, gas is up 32 per cent and electricity is up 31 per cent.
"The Nationals understand the importance of baseload power to help keep the lights on and drive down power prices."
