Reports this week1 that Climate200 backed Teal candidates have already 'won' are wrong, and demonstrate the sophisticated political campaign behind so-called 'community independents', says Liberal Minister Natalie Ward.
"Teal candidates, including those for Pittwater and North Shore have brazenly tried to claim credit for the Perrottet Liberal Government's decision on PEP-11 and to ban offshore drilling, despite the fact we have been resolutely opposed PEP-11 since 2017, taking a clear stand against offshore coal and petroleum exploration and mining," Mrs Ward said.
"It's disappointing to see Teal candidates promoting this content via social media, in a clear attempt to mislead voters on this very important issue."
"Despite their attempts to hoodwink voters, the reality is clear, a vote for a Teal candidate is a vote for Chris Minns and NSW Labor. The Teals are only contesting Liberal seats and have a very clear objective to change the government - any notions to the contrary are plainly false."
"How can Teal candidates claim credit for something that was already a position of the government before they even announced their candidacy?2 This is another example of don't listen to what the teals say, but watch what they do."
"Only the Perrottet Government will guarantee there will be no oil and gas exploration off NSW shores. This was a Labor licence, revived by a Labor Government."
Mrs Ward said that it's abundantly clear that Chris Minns and Labor don't have the plans or experience to manage the NSW economy or navigate the challenging economic times ahead.
"What we do know is Chris Minns can't provide the detail of his plans, and can't explain how he'll pay for anything, during these uncertain economic times, we can't allow NSW to stall under Labor."
"While the Teals try to trick voters into believing they're responsible for the achievements of the Perrottet Liberal Government, the truth is they'll be beholden to Labor and the Unions under a Chris Minns government."
"The only way to navigate these uncertain economic times is with the leadership and experience of Dominic Perrottet and the Liberal Team, who have a long-term plan to Keep NSW Moving Forward."
