Mr Osborne said it was ‘‘not a given’’ that Greens’ preferences would flow to Labor.

Mr Osborne said the Greens’ Hunter candidates had held internal discussions about preferences but were yet to speak to other parties and candidates.

‘‘People can make up their own minds [about preferences],’’ he said.

‘‘The power and control is in the hands of every voter.’’

Mr Osborne said ‘‘preferences may well be important’’, particularly in the seat of Paterson where the margin is very small.

In past elections, the Greens had issued some ‘‘split tickets’’, in which preferences were recommended for some candidates but voters were urged to make their own decisions about the two major parties and decide for themselves.

Mr Osborne said many people believed there was ‘‘not much difference between the two major parties’’.

With Greens’ polling reaching record highs this year, the party’s Hunter candidates hope to have an influence in their seats.