Nationals MP Wes Fang lashes NSW Liberals over plan to trial average-speed cameras for cars

A Nationals MP has lashed out at state opposition leader Mark Speakman, calling the Liberal leader a “puppet” and demanding he remove his party deputy.

Nationals MP Wes Fang has lashed out at state opposition leader Mark Speakman, calling the Liberal leader a “puppet” and demanding the removal of his party deputy.

In a lengthy social media post made in response to revelations in The Sunday Telegraph today of plans by the Minns government to trial average speed cameras, Mr Fang claimed deputy Liberal leader Natalie Ward gagged him from asking questions about rumours of a trial at Budget Estimates last week.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed controversial “point-to-point” speed cameras are set to be turned on for cars as the Minns government resorts to radical measures to bring down the soaring road toll.

The government will introduce legislation to enable the change of use to occur.

Mr Fang explained in the social media post how he was substituting another Nationals MP at the Budget Estimates hearing as his colleague attended a party council meeting.

Nationals MP Wes Fang. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Mr Fang said the Nationals had “become aware” that the government was to “commence ‘Average Speed Camera’ enforcement on passenger cars” and wanted those questions put to Roads Minister John Graham.

Mr Fang claimed there had been an agreement between the Coalition partners for Ms Ward to give him time to ask questions. Ms Ward denies this.

Mr Fang said Ms Ward subsequently “actively blocked” him from trying to ask these questions.

“… it seems to be the philosophy within the NSW Liberals that strict speed enforcement (and the associated consequences) for rural and regional drivers, is just fine,” Mr Fang wrote.

“The NSW Liberals are a basket case, who simply can’t get their house in order. Despite that, they are so focused on not letting it look like The Nats are a step ahead of them, they actively work against us representing the interests of our communities. They constantly try to tear us down to their level, instead of working to come up to our standards.

“Today’s front page shows the issue is now out there, without important questions from the Nats about how rural and regional drivers will be disproportionately impacted by the changes being asked of the Minister.

“Mark Speakman was clear about how he said he would act when a member of his team behaved in such a manner. Unless he is simply a hypocrite, he has to immediately remove Natalie Ward from his front bench, or once again he will demonstrate how he is simply a puppet of the Liberal factions.”

Mr Speakman and Ms Ward’s offices were approached for comment.