The Nationals used its two-day conference in Sydney on the weekend to discuss ways to modernise and ensure continued relevance.

The party’s Armidale and Guyra branches had moved a motion, with the support of the NSW Nationals treasurer Bryan Paper, calling on the NSW Nationals to begin negations with the Liberal Party.

But delegates at the conference voted overwhelmingly against the merger, with 97 per cent choosing not to enter into any discussions with the Liberal Party.

Inverell-based NSW Senator-elect John Williams said it was a big no to amalgamation.

“After an hour and a half debate it was decided that it would not go ahead and we passed the motion to totally reject any move to amalgamate.

“There were some very passionate arguments for and against the move, but I am very pleased it has happened this way.”

During the conference, party heavyweight John Anderson urged delegates to delay taking a position.

Mr Anderson told the conference to adjourn voting on the issue until a review of the Nationals is released in a month.

Nationals Federal Leader Warren Truss said new information could come to light in the review, which would give NSW members the opportunity to change the direction of the party.

But, Mr Williams said he would not be paying any attention to Mr Anderson’s report when it is complete.

“It is a federal report and I won’t have anything to do with it,” he said.

“I think this issue is dead and buried.

“Now the Liberals need to get on with doing their job and we need to get on with doing ours.

“At the last federal and state elections the Nationals have gained more seats compared with the Independents who have lost a third of theirs.

“We are still going strong and we need to remember the people who voted for us and how we can best serve them.”

Mr Williams said the rest of the conference had gone well.

“It was organised by the Young Nationals and there were many healthy debates,” he said.