An independent political commentator says the collapse of the National's vote, in western NSW in Saturday's state election, was based deep disatisfaction with the party.
Kevin Bonham said more than half of the state, in terms of geography, was now represented by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
The minor party took the seats of Barwon and Murray an increased its position in Orange.
Mr Bonham said the 27.7 per cent swing to SFF candidate Helen Dalton, in the southern seat of Murray, was particularly spectacular.
"It's quite a result," Mr Bonham said.
"The result in the seat of Murray is quite a spectacular one, as the Shooters couldn't win that seat at a by-election, so this is quite unusual."
Ms Dalton came within striking distance of taking Murray from the Nationals Austin Evans in a 2017 by-election.
"People are very unhappy; there was one booth in Barwon, not a very friendly booth for the Nats, where they got seven out of 300 votes.
"I think, in any of the big rural seats, you would have to be concerned about the potential for it to translate to independents, through to the Federal election.
"It seems to be the outback where voters really smacked them, in the regional seats, on the north coast, it wasn't so obvious," he said.
Voters wanted the National Party to listen, he said.
"The fact is the Nationals are constantly fighting amongst themselves, rather than focusing on the issues of importance to their voters."
It was also being seen as a "coal" party, rather than a farmer's party.
"Some polling was showing voters don't necessarily have much confidence in the ability for independents to deliver for them, but they feel so strongly there has to be a change
'They have to deliver a message and see how it goes."
The SFF would have some sway, as governments with a small majority had to keep an eye on the crossbench, and its concerns.
By-elections could see the government lose its majority.
"The National Party has a very short window, now, to show people it is listening," Mr Bonham said.
The upcoming Federal Budget might be a chance to reconnect with disaffected voters.
"I don't know we are going to see quite the scale of it, at a Federal level, but we might."
Ms Dalton's election was a moral boost for the battered community, acording to the head of Deniliquin based lobby group, Speak Up.
"Helen will not be able to wave a magic wand and fix our problems, but there is renewed hope," Speak Up Campaign chair Shelley Scoullar said.
"We understand there will not be an immediate change, but the general view is that Helen will fight very hard for her community and that's what we feel has been lacking."
She said there was no doubt Ms Dalton's election had boosted morale, for many, who were under enormous stress.
"We have been saying for a while that if politicians do not start listening and taking decisive action, there would be consequences at the ballot box. The result confirms this prediction was correct," Ms Scoullar said.
She added there was confidence throughout the community that Ms Daltonn would not be afraid to have tough conversations, and would not toe a party line on issues that may adversely affect her constituents.
"You can feel the buzz; a sense of relief that there is renewed hope for sensible solutions to the issues we are facing.
"Helen knows the water issues 'inside out', and is well aware that many of the problems currently being faced are due to poor policy and bad management."
Ms Scoullar said Ms Dalton would be keen to convince her political colleagues to work proactively with communities to fix some of the problems.
"We strongly encourage the new water minister, whoever that may be, to work with Helen to start giving the Southern Basin's farmers, and the towns which rely so heavily on them, a fair go.
"That has not been the case for most of the past decade.
"With a fellow MP, who is across water and agriculture, with many years practical experience, we expect the new minister to use Helen's expertise to get better results for our state.
"The department and its bureaucrats appear to have been running the show, and they've got us into a terrible mess."
"Today is the day to start the remediation," Mrs Scoullar said.