Joel Fitzgibbon says coal should not be the focus of the upcoming Upper Hunter by-election as the Nationals fight to retain the seat.

The NSW Nationals have pre-selected construction manager David Layzell as their candidate for the Upper Hunter by-election following the resignation of Michael Johnsen.

Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon told Joe Hildebrand the Nationals are “in a bit of trouble”.

“No one likes a by-election and they’ve done so in pretty controversial circumstances.

“Coal mining should be in a sense pushed aside as the primary issue given that we all solidly support it.

“We should start talking about health, education and the infrastructure we need to further grow.”

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