Mr Kidd said the National Party must explain why Leeton has languished without maternity services for almost two years.

NSW Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord was shocked a major community was without such an essential service.

Mr Secord put his support behind a community-based campaign and petition to draw attention to the service, which has recently started circling. 

A group of Leeton residents are organising the petition to demand restoration of the maternity services.

“This is the latest example of the failure by the Nationals to stand up for rural and regional families,” Mr Secord said. 

Mr Kidd said it was time more was done for the service to be returned to the Leeton District Hospital. 

“The service closure means pregnant mums and worried dads are forced to drive from between 45 minutes to an hour to get to Griffith,” he said. 

“As part of the state government, the Nationals have given the nod of approval to cuts to rural and regional health.”