Figures published by the NSW Electoral Commission show the enormous disparity in spending between candidates contesting the election last March, but new rules mean the biggest spender will not be a cent out of pocket.

Under new rules introduced prior to last year’s state election, political parties whose endorsed candidates receive at least four per cent of first preference votes are entitled to reimbursement.

Country Labor will also receive public funding for its Bathurst candidate Cassandra Coleman.

From July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, the Nationals spent $99,362.98 on the incumbent Bathurst MP’s election campaign.

The disclosures were lodged with the Electoral Commission NSW, and show funds were spent in a range of areas.

Major costs included advertising and how-to-vote cards ($63,488.09), production and distribution of election material ($23,343.92), and staff ($11,871.32).

Country Labor spent just $20,285.18 on Ms Coleman’s campaign bid for the seat of Bathurst. Mr Toole received 59.9 per cent of first preference votes, while Ms Coleman received 27.4 per cent.

As yet, the full reimbursement values have not been disclosed by the Electoral Commission NSW. But rules state reimbursements will be $4 for each first preference vote, or, the actual campaign expenditure incurred by the party, whichever is less.

Mr Toole’s received 29,135 votes in the election ($116,540 at $4 each), so the Nationals are expected to receive the election expenditure of $99,362.98.

While Ms Coleman’s 13,314 votes would be worth $53,256 at $4 each, Country Labor is expected to receive reimbursement of the $20, 285.18 it spent on the campaign.

Mr Toole said while Country Labor’s spending on Ms Coleman’s campaign may appear low, the state’s unions have the ability to contribute to election campaigns, but the funds are not disclosed in the same way.

He would not comment on whether it was a good use of public funds, but did say some of the money would go into staff and running offices for Nationals’ candidates across the state.

The other three candidates for the seat of Bathurst – Greens’ Tracey Carpenter, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) candidate Narelle Rigby and No Land Tax party’s Tom Cripps – recorded no spending.

The Nationals’ spending on Mr Toole’s campaign was just below the $100,000 cap for the 2015 state election, and similar to that spent on other incumbent MPs Andrew Gee in Orange ($90,790.68) and Troy Grant in Dubbo ($99,999.47).