NSW Nationals withdraw support for government over koala policy

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Nationals MPs will abstain from voting on their NSW coalition government bills as they fight against changes to the state's koala protection policy. NSW Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the changes to the policy are wrong and hurt landowners and farmers.

We will be abstaining from voting on government bills. By not voting or abstaining from voting from government bills we're effectively on the cross bench. The Nationals are concerned the policy will limit land use on farms and the ability to rezone areas for development as more trees are classed as koala habitat, which will restrict the clearing of land. NSW Liberal Catherine Cusack has blasted Mr Barilaro over threats that some of his MPs were willing to quit the government and sit on the cross bench over koala guidelines.

Ms Cusack says he is disloyal to the government and is calling for his resignation. This is an excellent government ... but we can't continue on this track that he's put us on. I don't believe that he is reflecting the views of country people on this issue.

The NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has called on the Premier to clarify the status of her government calling the situation extraordinary. We have seen the deputy premier effectively blow up that government and blow up the Coalition. What I want to know from the Premier is does she still have a functioning government?.