The decimation of the regional Independents vote in the NSW election can be traced back to their Federal colleague's decision to put the Labor-Greens alliance into government.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams said voters in the conservative electorates of Tamworth and Port Macquarie had shown their displeasure with the actions of Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott by ousting the State Independents from their seats.

Senator Williams said whilst the Independent Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay won his seat with a comfortable margin, the Nationals had trimmed it by 10.4%.

"Four years and one week ago there were 9 Independents in the NSW Parliament. Today there are just 3.

It was reported in the press that former Labor Premier Morris Iemma offered Mr. Torbay a Ministry prior to the 2007 election, but he was allegedly overruled by then Labor powerbroker and now Senator Mark Arbib who said he couldn't have a Ministry but could be appointed Speaker.

Two reasons why I think he won't be reappointed as Speaker. Firstly, Mark Arbib is no longer the "boss" of the NSW Labor party. Secondly, the consistent and persistent bashing of the Nationals by Mr. Torbay over many years will not place him in high regard with the new Government.

In my opinion to even suggest Richard Torbay would retain the Speaker's role is fantasy. He has as much chance of getting the job as I have of replacing Ricky Ponting as Australian cricket captain, and that is zilch", Senator Williams said.