The party has been boosted by Phil Donato’s surprise win in the Orange by-election last year and has now set its sights on increasing its presence in state parliament after 2019.

SFF Upper House member Robert Borsak said Bathurst MP Paul Toole had failed in his previous portfolio as local government minister and would be under pressure to secure the future of the state’s greyhound racing industry in his new role as racing minister.

Mr Borsak said Nationals MPs, including Mr Toole, had taken their electorates for granted for too long because there had been no viable right-wing alternative for voters.

Mr Borsak was not intimidated by Mr Toole’s imposing 16 per cent margin.

“He had a pretty significant swing against him at the last election and we believe that with the right candidate we can make an impact.”

Mr Borsak said the party was looking for a quality candidate to run and said two people were already being considered. He hoped to announce a candidate soon.