NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has signalled that regional residents are not as important as Sydneysiders

The Sydneysider went and spoke to protesting grocers in Dean Street who were upset about plans for a 10-cent can and bottle refund scheme.

We stated at the time it was to Ms Berejiklian's credit that she took such direct action and did not walk by the agitators.

However, on Saturday regrettably there was not the same candour shown by the Liberal Party leader in announcing a COVID lockdown for the whole of NSW.

Ms Berejiklian did not front up to the public, via the media, and explain the rationale for the decision and allay some concerns by answering questions.

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Instead, she flagged the decision via her Twitter account and on Sunday gave cursory mention to the impacts of her action at her 11am media call.

Similarly, NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro did not hold a media conference to outline his about-face, after saying late last week there would not be a statewide lockdown.

Residents of the Riverina and other parts of NSW beyond Sydney have long felt that those in Macquarie Street do not really care about them or understand them.

The fiasco around announcing a sudden lockdown in such a low-key manner reinforces that view.

Whether you hail from Albury, Deniliquin, Henty, Tumbarumba or places nearby you have the right to feel as though you're a second class citizen to those in the government based on what occurred.

A Sydney lockdown would not have been unveiled without a bells-and-whistles affair.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, barring time off for his spinal injury, has fronted up to the media to reveal lockdowns across his state.

Part of being a good leader in hard times is frankness and respect for all constituents whether they live in Corowa or Cronulla.

Ms Berejiklian should have shown the same bottle she did in Dean Street and spoken on Saturday to those beyond the capital.