There has been a strong, but mixed, reaction to NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro's commitment to give a stronger voice to the regions, even if it means ditching the title of deputy premier.
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Mr Barilaro's suggestion - raised during his address to the Nationals NSW conference in Inverell - that he continue simply as Nationals leader to allow him to "speak more freely" has been welcomed by Wagga Nationals member, Julian McLaren.
"On behalf of members, I can probably say it is exactly what we want," he said.
"Also, the wider community don't want a city-centric party and the Liberals are mainly concentrated on Sydney.
"This is fantastic news and I'm looking forward to Mr Barilaro standing up for regional areas. Regional people are often forgotten," he said.
However, University of Sydney political lecturer Stewart Jackson believes Mr Barilaro's threat was just "posturing".
Dr Jackson believes the speech was likely to provoke one of two reactions from NSW Premier Gladys Berejkilian.
What happened to 'one vote, one value' and the idea of small government?
- Political lecturer, Stewart Jackson
"The Premier might say 'well, thanks for nothing' or she might just read it as the Nationals trying to re-establish the brand after losing seats to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers," he said.
Dr Jackson also questioned whether Mr Barilaro had raised the spectre of malapportionment - or gerrymandering - by calling for an increase in the number of regional seats.
"What happened to 'one vote, one value' and the idea of small government?" he said.
"It's likely to annoy the Liberals, Labor and the Greens, although the SFF might be happy if they are able to retain the seats they have won."
The Nationals lost the seats of Murray and Barwon to the Shooters and Lismore to Labor in the March 23 state poll, which Mr Barilaro acknowledged.
"However, one thing is clear: If we as the Nationals are not representing our communities the way our electorates expect us to, then they will let us know at the ballot box," he told the conference.
Member for Wagga, Joe McGirr, welcomed Mr Barilaro's promise to bring a greater focus to regional NSW, which the independent MP said had "obviously come on the back of the election results".
"I absolutely support more resources for regional areas," Dr McGirr said.
"However this is also a bit of a rebranding exercise and always with rebranding, we will have to see if there is any substance and not just style."
Dr McGirr also questioned how cabinet and the coalition would operate if Mr Barilaro made good on his threat to ditch the title.
