Dubbo MP Troy Grant says he will "continue to work tirelessly" for his electorate amid claims the defeat of the Coalition in Victoria's election is a warning for the NSW government.
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The incumbent and Nationals candidate will face the polls in less than six months after one term in the Parliament.
Elevated to Deputy Premier in October, yesterday when asked about the Victorian election result, Mr Grant instead pointed to his record.
"I have spent the past three and a half years meeting hardworking residents and families throughout the electorate," he said.
"My message has always been clear: judge me on what I say and what I deliver.
"I'll continue to work tirelessly for the people of this electorate, putting them at the heart of government."
Mr Grant was speaking in response to claims by Labor candidate for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence that the Nationals were "taking the electorate for granted".
"The Victorian election result shows the Australian people are reacting strongly to the Liberal/Nationals attack on people at both the state and federal level," Mr Lawrence said.
"There is no doubt in my mind federal issues played a significant role.
"People want protection from unfair Abbott government policies.
"Whether it is health, education, privatisation or a range of other issues we see the Liberal/National Coalition turning on ordinary people.
"In these times country people need a Labor voice to stand up to the Abbott government and put people first."
Mr Lawrence made the comments as he announced he had unveiled a billboard in central Dubbo.
It identifies two issues Mr Lawrence claimed would be key to the state poll in March.
"The proposed privatisation of the state's electricity distribution network (the poles and wires) and the government's attack on TAFE," he said.
"I believe these will be key election issues to country people.
"Mr Grant used to oppose electricity privatisation then he back flipped.
"Then he became deputy premier. "This is an example of what I mean by taking the electorate for granted."
Coalition rivals are not alone in their claims federal issues impacted at a state level in Victoria.
Contrary to several of his Liberal colleagues, federal Nationals MP Darren Chester from Victoria said this week federal issues definitely played a role in the Victorian state election campaign and offered a warning.
"There is a volatility in the electorate which members of parliament, at a state and federal level, need to be conscious of," Mr Chester said.
"The Australian people, the Victorian people are not so rusted on with their vote that they'll necessarily stick with the team they've always voted for."
