Ballina Greens MP Tamara Smith to exit politics after three terms
Tamara Smith has announced she will not contest the March 2027 New South Wales election, confirming her exit from state politics after three terms representing Ballina.
In a statement released today, Ms Smith said the decision had not been easy.
“Today I announced that I have made the difficult decision not to contest the 2027 New South Wales state election,” she said.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as the member for Ballina for three terms.”
Ms Smith said she had approached the role with a strong sense of responsibility to the community.
“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,” she said.
She also used the announcement to reflect on her place in the electorate’s history.
“Together we have 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 New South Wales,” she said.
“I am the only Greens lower house MP in Australia to have won a seat from the National Party.”
Ms Smith pointed to the Greens’ growing support in the region, including winning the primary vote in Ballina at the 2023 election.
“I do believe that we have shown that a regional Greens local member can deliver for their community despite not being in government,” she said.
Despite stepping aside, she said she remained confident the party could retain the seat.
“I am absolutely confident that the Greens can retain the seat of Ballina, so this important work can continue,” she said.
Ms Smith stressed she would continue working in the role until the election, saying “there is still so much to do” over the next 11 months.
She also flagged a shift in focus after leaving parliament.
“I am looking forward to pursuing those passions outside of parliament as well as dedicating more time to my family,” she said.
Ms Smith thanked her family, staff, fellow Greens MPs and local supporters for their backing over her 12 years in office.
More to come.
Photos: Some of the images Tamara shared to Facebook highlighting her advocacy.
When’s the retirement party!!!!
Wonder if she would show up to that.
I wonder how many small business’ are going to suffer in the mean time!?