Below is the statement I issued on Sunday, September 20, which explains the reasons that led to this decision.

'You have my word that I will continue to work hard, fighting for the best possible outcomes for the people in my electorate, who have given me the honour and the privilege to serve each and every one of them as the Member for Port Macquarie.'

These were the closing words of my inaugural speech in the NSW Parliament on May 26, 2011.

In September 2020, I stand by those words. Every action I take and every decision I make is on the premise it is in the best interest of the people across the Port Macquarie electorate.

I advised the Deputy Premier I would not be supporting his actions or those of my Nationals colleagues in 'effectively putting the entire party on the crossbench.'

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have delivered unprecedented investment across the Port Macquarie electorate and to put this in jeopardy and hold the Premier and the government to ransom during this COVID-19 pandemic was unnecessary, unhelpful and frankly politically reckless and unreasonable.

Recent events have represented a further example of a course of conduct and dealing that has once again effectively been condoned and failed to be addressed.

My community deserves to be represented in Parliament by members and leaders focused on their needs and their aspirations and they rightly expect to have policy overshadowing politics.

Sadly, the events of the past weeks and months cemented my decision to resign from the NSW Nationals effective immediately.

On Monday, September 21, I was formally advised my application [to join] was unanimously supported by the Liberal Party.

I appreciate there will be some who are disappointed by my decision but I can assure the electorate it was made in their best interests.

To discuss any state government issue contact the electorate office on 6584 0977.