Public want new federal govt: O'Farrell

The NSW public want a change in the federal government, says NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says he believes people want to change the federal government.

He says opposition leader Tony Abbott is the only man who can address Sydney's infrastructure needs.

"I welcome the fact that Tony Abbott is showing an interest in infrastructure in this city with a commitment to WestConnex that has been missing over the last six years," Mr O'Farrell told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

The NSW government has been calling on the federal government to provide $1.8 billion for the proposed 33km highway in Sydney's west "without conditions".

"Six years ago, the prime minister came to office promising to address Sydney's infrastructure woes," Mr O'Farrell said.

"There's been inaction."

Mr O'Farrell said the NSW government could only act on infrastructure "in co-operation with the federal government".

"That's why I welcome Tony Abbott's commitment," he added.

"The public want, I believe, a change in government."

Mr O'Farrell says the September 7 poll will also provide certainty for the business community.

"Because that's the only way we are going to address economic growth in this country."

Mr O'Farrell declined to speculate on what seats could be won by the federal coalition, saying "this is not a contest that I follow in great detail".

However he hinted at losses to Labor in marginal western Sydney seats.

"The only way in which Tony Abbott wins federally in NSW is to win seats in areas that we won in the last state election campaign, often in areas, at a state or federal level, where we have not won before."

Mr O'Farrell said he had met with both leaders over the last few weeks.

"I want Tony Abbott and the federal coalition to win to provide renewed hope, confidence and growth to this country," he said.

"But ultimately it is going to be decided in NSW by the 7.3 million citizens who live here.

"I get one vote."


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Source: AAP


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