About 60 supporters attended the launch hoping to meet visiting NSW Labor leaders due in on Labor's big red bus at 7pm, and some left disappointed when the arrival time came and went.

When the launch was taken across the road to the warmth of the Wicklow Hotel the wait seemed worthwhile for everyone except any remaining supporters with children.

Deputy leader of NSW Labor Penny Sharp and shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Primary Industries, Lands and Western NSW, Mick Vietch, were heading for Lismore and stayed here overnight, after being delayed at Coonabarabran discussing CSG issues with farmers.

They were further delayed at Tamworth when their driver had to take a mandatory break.

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Mr Vietch said it was a shame they were in Armidale for a very short time because he liked coming here and had visited quite a few times during his time in Parliament. "Penny launched Deb O'Brien's campaign at the Wicklow and it was a good night," he said.

"Deb has been around the traps for us before, she's a good candidate and she's going to fight really hard, but she's got a hard task ahead of her because Adam's pretty entrenched. 

"A lot of our candidates in the regions are also aware that the Upper House vote is also critical. So, while they're campaigning for Lower House seats, they're also working on increasing the vote for the Labor Party in the Upper House." 

Ms O'Brien was confident this year would see Federal and NSW Labor Governments elected.