Statement from Tamara Smith, MP

Today I announced that I have made the difficult decision not to contest the 2027 NSW State Election.

It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Member for Ballina for 3 terms. I love our community and our region fiercely, and I have felt a deep responsibility to use the power of the role to get the best possible outcomes for as many people as possible, and to impede the awful and stupid things that governments at all levels do.

Thank you and our community for placing your trust in me and for your constant (and at times relentless) feedback!

Together we made history when I was elected as the first woman to hold the seat of Ballina and the first regional Greens Member of the Legislative Assembly in NSW. I am the only Greens Lower House MP in Australia to have won a seat from the National Party, and in 2023 the Greens won the Primary vote in Ballina for the first time.

I do believe that we have shown that a regional Greens Local Member can deliver for their community despite not being in government. In office I have tried to work positively and collaboratively and seek outcomes through diplomacy, I am proud of that.

Even though I won’t be running as the candidate in 2027, I am absolutely confident that the Greens can retain the seat of Ballina so this important work can continue. I will of course be working hard as your local Member every day until the March election.

No matter which party wins government next year, our community needs a strong local representative to hold them to account – not just another Liberal or Labor MP under the sway of the factions, or a representative pushing hate and division.

I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support, my current and former staff, my fellow Greens MPs, the Byron and Ballina Greens, and every single person who has supported our work and been part of our campaigns over the years.

In my 12th year of representing our special community and our glorious region, and passionately advocating on behalf of vulnerable people and for the protection of our wild places, our precious native species, and our incredible biodiversity – I am looking forward to pursuing those passions outside of the parliament as well as dedicating more time to my family.

I still have 11 months in office and there is still so much to do so please reach out to us as always if there is anything we can do to support you.

Love T

Photo: Tamara Smith with Greens Party legend Bob Brown (source: Tamara Smith/Facebook)