NSW Premier rules out preference deal with One Nation
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out making any preference deals with One Nation and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party ahead of the state election in March.
Ms Berejiklian's firm stance comes one day after she equivocated on the issue of preference deals with One Nation, following the announcement of Mark Latham as the party's candidate for the NSW upper house.
"I'm very happy to say today the Liberal Party will not preference One Nation. We also will not preference the Shooters," Ms Berejiklian said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Premier refused to rule out a preference deal with One Nation despite being repeatedly asked to explain her government's position.
Explaining her subsequent stance, Ms Berejiklian said the issue had become a distraction and she wanted to clear the air.
"Yesterday I was asked repeatedly what my position was in relation to preferences, and I indicated my strong view, which I do today, that people want to see me and my government focus on the issues that matter to them.
"However, I accept that I don't want to be distracted by other issues."
More to come
Most Viewed in Politics
Please explain
Our weekly podcast giving you insight into the stories that drive the nation.
Listen now