The Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, says The Nationals' Port Macquarie candidate must apologise to the community for making misleading funding and infrastructure announcements for Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

"For The Nationals to try to play games with our base hospital is unforgiveable, although it comes as no surprise. They've done it in the past and now they're doing it again," Mr Besseling said.

"Last week Leslie Williams happily announced 'additional' money and infrastructure for Port Macquarie Base Hospital. This week The Nationals have 'clarified' the situation, admitting there is no extra money; it's a back-up plan if federal funding isn't allocated.

"In other words, Ms Williams was happy to announce an extra $75m that doesn't exist.

"This is not some small community funding announcement; this is a $75 million mistake, and not what you'd expect from someone wanting to be a Member of Parliament.

"This shows either a lack of political experience or it was a deliberate attempt to deceive the community as part of an election campaign strategy.

"There were plenty of opportunities to clarify The National Party's true position, but they chose not to until they were pushed to do so by media," Mr Besseling said.